Studienbeihilfe and student work in Austria: support, income limits and tax in 2026

If you study at a university or college in Austria, Studienbeihilfe can provide important support with living costs. Many students also work, but income limits must be observed. This guide summarises the key rules for 2026.

In brief

• The maximum Studienbeihilfe is 1.082 euros per month, or 1.121 euros in certain cases.
• For the winter semester, applications must be submitted between September 20 and December 15. For the summer semester, the application period is February 20 to May 15.
• The income limit alongside Studienbeihilfe is generally 17.212 euros per year.
• The income limit alongside Familienbeihilfe is also 17.212 euros per year.
• In 2026, income tax is payable on taxable income above 13.539 euros per year.

Who can receive Studienbeihilfe?

The starting point is that parents are responsible for supporting their child until the child becomes financially self-sufficient. State support applies when neither the parents nor the student can cover the costs of studying from their own resources. If the requirements are met, there is a legal entitlement to the support.

The following groups may qualify:

• Austrian citizens
• EU and EEA citizens, subject to certain conditions
• Third-country nationals and stateless persons, subject to certain conditions
• Recognised refugees

EEA citizenship alone does not automatically create entitlement. Equal treatment with Austrian students applies if the student or one of their parents is a migrant worker (Wanderarbeitnehmer) working in Austria, or if the student was already sufficiently integrated into the Austrian education or social system before beginning their studies.

What requirements apply?

• Financial need: this is determined by the income and family circumstances of the student, their parents and their spouse or registered partner.
• Satisfactory academic progress: this must be demonstrated after two semesters.
• Age: studies must be started before the 33rd birthday. For self-supporting students, students with children or disabilities, and when starting a master’s programme, this limit is extended to a maximum of 38 years.
• No completed degree: exceptions apply to master’s and doctoral programmes within certain deadlines.
• Changing programmes: a maximum of two programme changes is permitted, with a maximum of two semesters spent in each programme.
• Study duration: as a general rule, the statutory programme duration plus one tolerance semester per stage.

Self-supporting students may qualify for Studienbeihilfe nach Selbsterhalt. This requires income of at least 11.000 euros per year for four years. In this case, the parents’ income is not taken into account.

How much is Studienbeihilfe in 2026?

The amount starts with a basic rate. It may increase depending on age and other circumstances, including the parents’ place of residence, self-support, childcare, orphanhood and marriage.

• Basic amount: 431 euros per month
• Maximum support: 1.082 euros or 1.121 euros per month
• Annual maximum: 12.984 euros or 13.452 euros
• Supplement per child: 154 euros per month

The maximum amount is reduced by the maintenance expected from the parents, or from the spouse in the case of married students, and by exceeding the income limit.

Additional support

The tuition-fee refund (Studienzuschuss) reimburses up to the tuition fees paid for two semesters, currently 363,36 euros per semester. It must be requested together with Studienbeihilfe.

Students over 27 receive a monthly insurance contribution of 19 euros for every month of reduced-rate voluntary insurance. This is paid automatically. Travel-cost support may also be available.

When and where must you apply?

• Winter semester: between September 20 and December 15
• Summer semester: between February 20 and May 15

You can submit an application outside these periods, but support will then only be paid from the month of application and not retrospectively.

Applications can be submitted to the scholarship office of the Studienbeihilfenbehörde or via stipendium.at. Online applications are possible using ID Austria or EU Login, and paper applications are also accepted. The procedure is free of charge.

If support has already been approved for two semesters, the application for the following year is started automatically. There is temporarily no payment until the new decision has been issued. An objection (Vorstellung) against the decision may be submitted within two weeks of delivery.

You must notify the Studienbeihilfenbehörde of an address change, even if you move within the same city. A new application is required if you change your place of study, programme or institution.

How much can you earn while receiving support?

Alongside Studienbeihilfe, the income limit is generally 17.212 euros per year. This is neither a gross nor a net amount: social-security contributions, work-related expenses (Werbungskosten) and special expenses (Sonderausgaben) are deducted from gross income. If you receive support for only part of the year, the limit is reduced proportionately.

Compliance is checked retrospectively. If you exceed the limit, the support is reduced by the amount of the excess and this amount must be repaid. Income earned before receiving the support does not affect the current support.

Alongside Familienbeihilfe, the limit is also 17.212 euros per year, but the calculation is different. For employees, annual gross income excluding the 13th and 14th monthly salaries is used. Income is monitored from the calendar year in which you turn 20. If the limit is exceeded, the excess amount must be repaid.

When do students have to pay tax?

In 2026, income tax must be paid when taxable annual income exceeds 13.539 euros. Freie Dienstnehmer are responsible for paying the tax themselves because they are treated as self-employed.

EEA citizens may work freely in Austria and do not need a separate work permit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Studienbeihilfe automatic for EEA students?

No. EEA citizenship alone is not enough. Migrant-worker status or prior integration into the Austrian education or social system is relevant.

What happens if I apply late?

The application can still be accepted, but support is paid only from the month in which the application was submitted.

Does Studienbeihilfe count towards the Familienbeihilfe income limit?

No. Tax-free benefits, including Studienbeihilfe, do not have to be included in the Familienbeihilfe calculation.

Do I have to report a change of address?

Yes. You must notify the Studienbeihilfenbehörde of the change in writing or in person.

Practical steps

1. Check whether your citizenship, residence, family circumstances and study history meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Calculate your expected annual income using the relevant calculation method for Studienbeihilfe or Familienbeihilfe.
3. Submit your application during the relevant semester’s application period through stipendium.at, using ID Austria or EU Login, or submit it on paper.
4. Report any address, programme, study-location or institution change to the Studienbeihilfenbehörde.
5. Keep records of your income and deductions in case the authorities review your eligibility retrospectively.

This article is based on information available online and does not constitute professional advice. Use it at your own risk and seek advice from a lawyer, legal specialist, employment specialist or other relevant professional if necessary.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at