Author
Access to education is the same for beneficiaries as for asylum seekers (see Reception Conditions: Education). However, there is no restriction with regard to apprenticeships for beneficiaries. Refugees can receive a public grant, including support for public transport, in order to study, which is not available for asylum seekers. As of 1 January 2017, all minors, including refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, are under the duty to attend either a higher school, to do an apprenticeship or to prepare for an apprenticeship through other courses (Ausbildungspflicht).[1] The violation of the mandatory training is punishable since 1 August 2018 with a fine ranging from 100 to 1,000 euros in case of recurrence.
Although the awareness on the difficulties that refugee children experience has increased and more resources are made available, these are not sufficient to support the children in regular schools until they obtain sufficient language proficiency.
[1] Ausbildungspflichtgesetz (ApflG), BGBl. I Nr 120/2016, available at: http://bit.ly/2lkgXsh.