There are many of them – grants and vouchers you can use for your German course. But: Which ones are there and who is entitled to what? Where can you redeem them? How does the process work? Questions upon questions, to which we would like to shed some light here.
waff/AMS GRANTS
1a. Advice before the start of the course
1b. Funding after the start of the course
1c. Generally valid conditions
2. AMS grants
VOUCHERS
3. AK education voucher (AK Gutschein)
4. Vienna language vouchers (Wiener Sprachgutscheine)
5. Federal voucher (Bundesgutschein)
Grants
1. waff grants
The waff (Vienna Employment Promotion Fund) offers various funding opportunities, from the education account to the chance check to the Digi-Winner.
Who can get a grant?
In general, most of waff’s subsidies are aimed at employees. However, some grants can also be used by apprentices or prospective skilled workers in a profession where there is a shortage.
1a. Advice before the course starts
Which funding is right for me?
To find out which of these grants might be suitable for you or whether you are generally eligible for a grant from waff, it is best to contact the waff directly for a personal consultation. To arrange a consultation appointment please contact waff’s advice center for career and further education at 01 217 48 555.
Your steps to a possible grant
Step 1: Placement test at DIALOG
Step 2: Schritt 2: Get a cost estimate*
Step 3: Make an appointment with the waff
*We would be happy to provide you with a suitable cost estimate – for this, we need your placement test and the following information:
● In which month should the course start?
● How many months should your course last and what is the desired goal?
● At what times of day are you available? e.g. morning, afternoon, evening,…
● How many times per week do you want to do the training? e.g. 2 x, 4 x,…
●What type of course do you want to attend? e.g. intensive course, individual training, evening course,…
● Full name
● Social security number
● Address and phone number
How long does it take to find out if I get a grant?
The process takes about 6 weeks, sometimes it can be faster or slower. You can get more detailed information directly from waff.
1b. Funding after the start of the course
Can I also get a grant if my course has already started?
There is also the possibility to submit courses after their starting date. Usually, the deadline here is three months after the course at the latest. You will find out how this exactly works, which documents you need and which deadlines there are at your personal consultation appointment at waff.
1c. Generally valid conditions
I got a grant – yay! Is there anything I need to consider now?
Yes, you do. In most cases, there is a certain percentage of the course price that you have to pay yourself. You can do this at DIALOG in cash in the office or online up to 2 working days after we receive the confirmation of cost coverage.
In addition to a contribution to the cost price, there is one more important condition: your attendance of 75% in your German course. If you are present for less than 75% of the course time, we are unfortunately unable to issue a positive course confirmation. If you cannot present this to waff, your course will not be paid and you have to pay the total price yourself.
2. AMS grants
The AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) offers support and further training opportunities for job seekers. There are many possibilities, from general subsidies to further education during educational leave. Here you will find an overview.
Who can get a subsidy?
AMS support aims to help people to advance in the labour market and to provide them with a job through further training. Knowledge of German, English or foreign languages in general naturally increases the chances of finding a suitable position.
Your steps to a possible grant
Step 1: Placement test at DIALOG
Step 2: Get a cost estimate*
Step 3: Arrange a consultation appointment with your AMS counsellor
*We would be happy to provide you with a suitable cost estimate – for this, we need your placement test and the following information:
● In which month should the course start?
● How many months should your course last and what is the desired goal?
● At what times of day are you available? e.g. morning, afternoon, evening,…
● How many times per week do you want to do the training? e.g. 2 x, 4 x,…
● What type of course do you want to attend? e.g. intensive course, individual training, evening course,…
● Full name
● Social security number
● Address and phone number
How long does it take to know if I get a grant?
The duration of the process varies and can only be given to you by AMS.
I have received an AMS grant – yay! Is there anything I need to consider now?
Yes: Your attendance of 75% in your German course so that we can issue a positive course confirmation.
Vouchers
3. AK education voucher (AK Gutschein)
The AK (Chamber of Labour) education voucher is a subsidy for employees in Vienna.
Are there conditions for receiving the voucher?
Yes, in order to receive the voucher, you must meet the following criteria:
– member of the Chamber of Labour Vienna
– employed in a Viennese company
– also applies to: apprentices, marginal part-time employees, freelancers and during maternity leave (incl. childcare)
How much is the promotion with the voucher?
The voucher is €120.00. For mothers and fathers who are planning to return from maternity leave, the voucher is €170.00. The voucher can be used for one or more courses.
You can find detailed information about the voucher here (only available in German).
Unfortunately, it is not possible to redeem this voucher at DIALOG. Alternatively you can apply for a grant from waff or AMS. More information.
4. Vienna language vouchers (Wiener Sprachgutscheine)
The Vienna language vouchers are included in the Vienna Education booklet which you can get at your nearest municipal authority. The City of Vienna supports you with learning German.
Are there any conditions for receiving the voucher?
Yes, in order to receive the voucher, you must meet the following criteria:
– new Viennese*who*has received a first settlement permit/family member* within the last two years;
For more information, make an appointment for a start coaching at MA 17 or find out here.
How much is the promotion with the voucher?
The subsidy amounts to
a.) €150,00 for persons from the European Economic Area
and
b.) €300.00 for persons from a third country.
You can find detailed information about the vouchers here (you may select your desired language with the world button on the top left).
Unfortunately, it is not possible to redeem these vouchers at DIALOG, since they are valid only for integration courses.
5. Federal voucher (Bundesgutschein)
This voucher is also called the Integration Voucher, the blue federal voucher, or ÖIF voucher. You can obtain it from the competent settlement and residence authority when you issue your residence permit after signing the Integration Agreement. You can also get advice at the ÖIF (Austrian Integration Fund).
Are there conditions for receiving the voucher?
Yes, to receive the voucher, you must meet the following criteria:
– family members of Austrian citizens
OR
– EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and third-country nationals with long residence permits (e.g: “permanent residence EC”, “settlement permit unrestricted”, “asylum seeker”).
– signed integration agreement
How much is the promotion with the voucher?
50% of the course costs, but a maximum of 750 euros for a maximum of 300 units or a maximum hourly rate of 2.50 euros will be paid.
You can find detailed information about the voucher here (only available in German).
Unfortunately, it is not possible to redeem this voucher at DIALOG, since they are valid only for integration courses.
February 2020
