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The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) offers free German courses for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and displaced persons from Ukraine. These courses are available throughout Austria – from basic literacy to language level C1. The German courses take place at local providers or online. A variety of courses are offered depending on demand.
Who will receive a German course?
The Integration Act regulates for which persons the ÖIF may provide German courses at course providers.
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) promotes German courses for:
- Refugees
- beneficiaries of subsidiary protection
- Displaced persons from Ukraine
The German courses are generally free for these individuals. The German courses are for people aged 15 and over with a valid residence permit and legal residence in Austria.
How do I log on?
Registration for a subsidized German course takes place at an ÖIF integration center .
During a consultation, we will determine together which German course is suitable for you. If necessary, your language level will also be tested.
You can upload your documents online before your appointment. Please also bring the required documents with you to the consultation.
From literacy to C1
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) supports German courses from literacy level up to language level C1 . Before the course begins, your current language level will be assessed. This ensures you receive a German course that matches your existing German skills.
In person or online
German courses take place either on-site at course providers or online . Online German courses are taught live by a German language instructor.
Part-time German courses
German courses are available for working people at various times – including evenings and weekends . The courses can take place in person or online.
Your participation is essential for successfully completing your German course. This includes regular attendance, active participation, and independent learning. For subsidized German courses, there are clear rules regarding these requirements.
✓ Participate regularly
Attend the German course regularly. If you are unable to attend, inform the course provider and bring proof of attendance.
✓ Actively participate
Participate actively in the German course. Take part in exercises and group work, and observe the course rules.
✓ Learn independently
Continue learning outside of your German course. Complete the tasks from your self-study plan and your homework.
You can practice German for free on the ÖIF language portal . Every week there are more than 70 digital German courses as well as around 5,000 exercises and learning materials for different language levels.
Make an appointment at an ÖIF integration center. They will assess which German course is right for you. If necessary, they will also determine your current German language skills. Afterwards, you will be assigned a suitable course.
Subsidized German courses offered by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) are generally free of charge for eligible refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and displaced persons from Ukraine. The ÖIF will assess your eligibility for a subsidized course.
Attend the course regularly and participate actively. Complete your homework and the exercises in your self-study plan. Clear rules apply to absences and course completion.
Under certain conditions, you can repeat a course level once . The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) will check whether this is possible for you. Please contact your integration center for more information.
Please attend the German course on the first day and attend regularly thereafter. If you fail to appear for the start of the course without a valid excuse , the course will be considered terminated.
The ÖIF or the course institute will require proof of your reason .
These reasons can generally be accepted:
- They are moving to a different region.
- They are ill for at least 3 weeks.
- You must care for another person for at least 3 weeks.
- They are starting a job.
Other important reasons are also possible. You will need to provide proof. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) will decide whether the reason is accepted.
If you do not attend the course, your place may be given to another person.
Inform the course provider and the ÖIF as soon as possible. Bring proof of your absence, such as a doctor's note. Do not miss the course without notifying the organizers.
Your German course will be considered terminated without excuse if you do not fulfill your obligations in the course. This is the case, for example, if:
- They can no longer attend the course without an excuse.
- They can fail to attend the first day of the course without an excuse.
- They do not attend the course regularly.
- They do not actively participate in class.
- They are not completing the agreed-upon self-study tasks.
If you have a valid reason, you must provide proof.
Withdrawal from the course is excused if you are unable to continue attending for an important reason. You must provide proof of this.
These reasons can generally be accepted:
- They are moving to a different region.
- They are ill for at least 3 weeks.
- You must care for another person for at least 3 weeks.
- They are starting a job.
Other important reasons are also possible. You will need to provide proof. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) will decide whether the reason is accepted.
You can cancel your registration for the German course up to 10 working days before the course starts . This cancellation will not be considered a course cancellation.
If the course starts less than 10 working days in advance, you need a valid reason and proof of it.
These reasons can generally be accepted:
- They are moving to a different region.
- They are sick.
- You have to care for another person.
- They are starting a job.
Other important reasons are also possible. You will need to provide proof. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) will decide whether the reason is accepted.
If you have no recognized reason, your cancellation will be considered a course abandonment.
Yes. German courses are available in the evenings, on weekends, or online . Speak with the ÖIF or your course provider before canceling a booked course. You can also learn German for free on the ÖIF language portal.