Apprenticeship support in Austria in 2026

Anyone completing vocational training in Austria as a Lehrling may receive more than the Lehrlingseinkommen paid by their company. Federal and provincial programmes can help with travel, accommodation, living costs and further training.

Who can apply for these benefits?

Some benefits are intended for apprentices who already have a training contract. Others are available to people looking for an apprenticeship, known as Lehrstellensuchende. The purpose of these programmes is to reduce the costs of daily life, travel to the training location, accommodation where necessary and additional training.

Federal support for apprentices

The following programmes are available throughout Austria, regardless of the province:

• Free travel and travel-cost support (Freifahrt, Fahrtenbeihilfe): Contact BKA. This supports the daily journey between your home and training location.
• Family allowance (Familienbeihilfe): Subject to the relevant conditions, this may be available for a minor child or for a child under 24 who is completing an apprenticeship.
• Reimbursement of preparatory course costs (LEHRE.FÖRDERN): WKO apprenticeship offices can reimburse the cost of a course preparing you for the apprenticeship examination.
• Free repeat examinations: WKO covers the second and third attempts at the apprenticeship examination.
• Coaching (“Lehre statt Leere”): WKO provides free professional support when problems arise during the apprenticeship.
• Support for work experience abroad: The IFA association supports several-week placements in European countries.
• Distance support (Entfernungsbeihilfe): AMS may provide support when the training location is far away.
• Interview support (Vorstellungsbeihilfe): AMS may help with the costs of attending a distant job interview.
• Training and further-training support (Aus- und Weiterbildungsbeihilfen): AMS support may cover living costs, course fees and related expenses.

Travel: free travel and travel-cost support

Apprentices receive free travel for the daily journey between their home and training location. If public transport is unavailable or its use cannot reasonably be expected—for example, if you would regularly fail to arrive on time—you may apply for travel-cost support.

The journey must be at least 2 km. For apprentices with a disability, this minimum distance does not apply if they depend on a means of transport.

AMS support when looking for an apprenticeship

Depending on your financial situation, a contribution may be available for travel, accommodation and meals when you travel to present yourself for a more distant apprenticeship.

Distance support may be available when the apprenticeship is far away and there is no closer vacant apprenticeship position that could reasonably be accepted.

Examinations, further training and coaching

WKO apprenticeship offices can reimburse the cost of a course preparing you for the apprenticeship examination. If you do not pass the first time, the second and third attempts are free.

Through “Lehre statt Leere”, professional coaches offer free support when difficulties arise during the apprenticeship, at Berufsschule or in private life.

Provincial support programmes

Each province has its own programmes. Examples include:

• Burgenland: travel, accommodation, apprenticeship and training contributions; AK Lehrbeihilfe
• Carinthia: home/accommodation support for Berufsschule; Lehre mit Matura support; Lehrlingsfreifahrt
• Lower Austria: Lehrlingsbeihilfe, talent support (Begabtenförderung), Lehre Plus; AK Bildungsbonus
• Upper Austria: Bildungskonto
• Salzburg: Lehrlingsstipendium, depending on the family’s financial situation and academic performance
• Styria: Lehrlingsbeihilfe, Bildungsscheck
• Tyrol: talent support, Ausbildungsbeihilfe, Bildungsgeld; AK scholarship
• Vorarlberg: discounted annual pass, Wohnzuschuss, Bildungszuschuss; scholarship for placements abroad (WKO)
• Vienna: waff: Lehrlings-Förderung, Bildungskonto, Chancen-Scheck, Bildungsbonus

In Carinthia, accommodation support may be available to apprentices who temporarily need a place in a dormitory or an apartment because of Berufsschule and because daily travel cannot reasonably be expected. In Vienna, Bildungsbonus specifically supports job-related further training after completing the apprenticeship.

Frequently asked questions

Is family allowance available if my child is a Lehrling?

It is generally available for a minor child if the other conditions are met. For an adult child under 24, it is available when the child is completing vocational training, such as a Lehre.

Do repeat apprenticeship examinations have to be paid for?

No. The second and third attempts are free.

When can I request travel-cost support instead of free travel?

You may request it when public transport is unavailable or its use cannot reasonably be expected, and the journey is at least 2 km.

Where can I find the support available in my province?

Details of provincial programmes are available from the relevant provincial authority, the AK or waff.

Practical steps

1. Confirm whether you already have a training contract or are still a Lehrstellensuchende.
2. Check whether your daily journey qualifies for Lehrlingsfreifahrt or Fahrtenbeihilfe.
3. Contact the relevant office: BKA for travel support, AMS for distance and training support, and WKO apprenticeship offices for exam preparation, repeat examinations and coaching.
4. Check the programme offered by your province, including possible accommodation, apprenticeship, education or travel support.
5. Ask about Familienbeihilfe if you are supporting a minor or an eligible child under 24 in vocational training.

This article is based on information available online and is not legal, financial or other professional advice. Use the information at your own responsibility. If you need specialist advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant expert.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at