If you work in Austria and want to free up time for a degree, the situation has changed fundamentally. Educational leave (Bildungskarenz), for years the main instrument for this, has been abolished. In its place, since the start of 2026, comes the Weiterbildungszeit (continuing education leave), and it is noticeably stricter. What the Weiterbildungszeit means for your studies and how to plan it properly is what I explain in this post.
What Happened to Educational Leave
Austria's National Council abolished educational leave in March 2025. The old model expired on 31 March 2025, and from 1 April 2025 no new applications for the continuing education allowance could be submitted. Educational part-time work (Bildungsteilzeit) was discontinued at the same time.
The background was cost and the criticism that the funding was too often used for career-unrelated time off. Anyone with an agreement concluded before the cut-off date enjoys transitional protection and could use the old rules to the end. For any new plans, however, the successor model applies.
The New Weiterbildungszeit From 2026: Stricter Rules
Since 1 January 2026 the Weiterbildungszeit has been in force, and the funded benefit is now called the continuing education allowance (Weiterbildungsbeihilfe). At its core the idea stays the same: leave or a reduction in hours for further education, financially supported through the AMS (the public employment service). The requirements, however, have been tightened noticeably.
These are the most important changes compared with the old educational leave:
- 12 instead of 6 months of continuous employment with your current employer before you can take part.
- Mandatory educational counselling before you apply. Only those staying in the same professional field are exempt.
- A minimum of 20 hours per week, or 20 ECTS for a degree, reduced to 16 for those with care responsibilities.
What stays: there is no legal entitlement. Your employer has to agree to the leave or reduction, exactly as before.
As of June 2026
The details of the Weiterbildungszeit were set out step by step during 2025 and 2026. The exact amounts and conditions may still move. Confirm the rules currently in force before you apply, directly with the AMS and in the mandatory educational counselling. This page gives an overview but does not replace AMS information.
What It Means for Your Studies
The mandatory educational counselling moves the choice of programme to the front. Before you apply, you need to be able to show that your degree meets the criteria, for example the 20 ECTS per semester at a recognised university. Anyone who turns up unprepared loses time.
This is exactly where I come in: I help you find a suitable programme, organise the required workload confirmation from the university, and use the credit transfer of prior achievements to make sure the required scope is cleanly met. Whether a part-time master's or a compact continuing education format fits better depends on your goal and your time budget.
Because of the new 12-month hurdle, early planning pays off twice over. If you are thinking about changing employers and taking Weiterbildungszeit, coordinate the order carefully, otherwise the funding falls through.
The Weiterbildungszeit is more tightly defined than the old educational leave. Plan your studies early and cleanly, and it still works as a strong instrument.
Conclusion
The old educational leave is history; the Weiterbildungszeit is its stricter successor: longer prior employment, mandatory educational counselling and a clear minimum scope. For your studies, that mostly means planning early and deliberately. You can read how educational leave worked until 2025 in the post educational leave for your degree, and more options in Austria under distance learning in Austria. If you want to know which programme meets the criteria and what the consultation process looks like, book a free initial consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does educational leave (Bildungskarenz) still exist?
No. Educational leave expired on 31.03.2025, and since 01.04.2025 no new applications are possible. Since 2026 the Weiterbildungszeit applies as the successor model.
What is the difference between Bildungskarenz and Weiterbildungszeit?
The Weiterbildungszeit is stricter: 12 instead of 6 months of prior employment, mandatory educational counselling before you apply, and a clear minimum of 20 hours per week or 20 ECTS.
Do I need educational counselling for the Weiterbildungszeit?
Yes, counselling is mandatory before you submit your application. The only exemption is for those staying in the same professional field.
Will my distance learning programme be recognised for the Weiterbildungszeit?
Usually yes, if it comprises at least 20 ECTS per semester at a recognised university. Confirm the exact conditions with the AMS before applying.