Austrian school grants and boarding allowances raised again from 1 September 2026
The Schülerbeihilfengesetz 1983 (School Grants Act) has been updated by BGBl. II Nr. 305/2026, raising income thresholds and all benefit amounts for students from 1 September 2026. Students and families currently receiving or planning to apply for Schulbeihilfe, Heimbeihilfe, or Fahrtkostenbeihilfe are directly affected.
What changed
From 1 September 2026, the key monetary figures are: income assessment threshold €7,005 (up from €6,821); standard Schulbeihilfe (school grant) €1,895 (up from €1,845); Heimbeihilfe (boarding grant) €2,315 (up from €2,254); Fahrtkostenbeihilfe (travel-cost grant) €178 (up from €173); extraordinary support payment €139 (up from €135). Special grants for working secondary-school students rise to €1,200, €561, and €212 respectively. Numerous income and deduction reference figures used in means-testing are also uprated.
Who is affected
Any student at an Austrian secondary or vocational school (and their parents or guardians) who receives or intends to apply for school grants, boarding grants, travel-cost grants, or extraordinary support payments.
What to look out for
The new amounts apply automatically from the start of the 2026/27 school year (1 September 2026); no additional application is needed for students already receiving grants. New applicants should use the updated thresholds when calculating eligibility.