Financial Support - Funding of German Courses for (Potentially) Employed Individuals

The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) grants a subsidy in Vienna to financially support German courses aimed at promoting the linguistic, professional, and social integration of employed and potentially employable individuals with language support needs. The program targets companies and educational institutions that wish to support their international employees or nominated participants aged 15 and above in expanding their German language skills. A prerequisite is lawful residence with a long-term prospect of stay or a cross-border commuter status in Austria, as well as an existing or future employment relationship. The focus areas include vocational training & further education, education, migration, as well as labor & social affairs, to facilitate access to the labor market and sustainably strengthen social participation.

Application possibility: Since 01.07.2023, eligible companies and educational institutions can submit applications until the budget is exhausted. Funding requirements include proof of an existing or planned employment relationship in Austria, a written request from a (potential) employer to support a person with language support needs, as well as proof of residence status or cross-border commuter status. The application must include, among other documents: application forms, proof of identity, proof of (future) residence in Austria, and relevant application documents and copies (e.g., cost estimates, placement results). The Integration Section of the responsible Federal Ministry acts as the funding authority and oversees the evaluation and verification of the submitted documents. This provides companies and educational institutions with a reliable funding opportunity to strengthen the German language skills of their employees and foster integration in the workplace.