Acquiring a country’s language is absolutely essential for a successful integration. A common language is the basis for a peaceful co-existence in society and important for overcoming professional challenges.
In Austria, the acquisition of German is sponsored for children from the age of 3 years. There are government-sponsored projects, whose objective is the language development of pre-schoolers. Children with non-German mother tongues have an early access to German through these projects. In this way more chances for a better education and a more promising future in the job market are created.
Third-country nationals are obliged to attest their German language skills according to the so-called integration agreement. The language acquisition program orients itself on the European Framework of Reference for Languages and consists of two modules.
Module 1: The objective is to acquire A2-level German language skills. This module must be completed within two years.
Module 2: This module is necessary for permanent settlement or for obtaining Austrian citizenship. B1-level German language skills are required, but there is no obligation to complete this module in a specific time frame.
Course participants need to pay costs themselves. It is possible to receive a refund of the course costs up to 50 per cent (in case of a completion within 18 months). However, the maximum refund is € 750.
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) is responsible for the administration, the conduct of examinations and the disbursement of funded payment.
It is possible to visit language courses anywhere in Austria and also abroad. There is a wide variety of courses. You can find comprehensive information on national and international language courses on the website of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).
Source: BM.I/Police
Links
- Austrian Integration Fund
- Vocational Promotion Centre Austria
- berlitz.at (Language school)