Education

Nursing assistant training in Austria (Pflegeassistenz, Pflegefachassistenz): nursing schools, nursing apprenticeship and financial support

Besides the university-of-applied-sciences degree, Austria has two nursing assistant professions: Pflegeassistenz training takes one year full-time (1,600 hours) at a school for health and nursing care or in a course, Pflegefachassistenz two years (3,200 hours) at such a school; since 1 September 2023 there is also a nursing apprenticeship (Pflegelehre) lasting three (Pflegeassistenz) or four years (Pflegefachassistenz). Non-EU nationals can apply for a 'Residence Permit – Pupil' (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Schüler) for a school for health and nursing care or a Pflegeassistenz course (in principle at the embassy before entry); trainees without subsistence benefits from the AMS can receive a training allowance of 658.40 euros a month through the federal provinces, and unemployed people or people on leave aged 20 or over can, under certain conditions, get the AMS nursing stipend (Pflegestipendium).

Last updated: 8 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

In Austria, both training at nursing schools and a nursing apprenticeship (Pflegelehre) lead to nursing assistant (Pflegeassistenz, PA) or advanced nursing assistant (Pflegefachassistenz, PFA). The two professions differ in tasks and length of training; during training, different forms of financial support may apply depending on your situation. 5 6 1 3

Who needs this

This overview is for people who want to start PA or PFA training. PA supports people with personal care, mobility and eating, among other things, and measures vital signs. PFA also takes on diagnostic and therapeutic tasks within its legally defined scope. To practise, you need completed, legally recognised training and registration in the health professions register (Gesundheitsberuferegister, GBR). 5
If you are unemployed or on leave for the duration of training, you can, under further conditions, receive a nursing stipend (Pflegestipendium) from the Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice, AMS) for PA or PFA training at a school or in a course. This applies to full-time and part-time training. When training starts, the end of your compulsory training obligation must be at least two years in the past. You also need a training place within one of the support measures named by the AMS, or a switch from the skilled workers' stipend (Fachkräftestipendium). 1

Step by step

Choose your training route: PA training at a school for health and nursing care or in a recognised course usually takes one year; PFA training at such a school usually takes two years. If you already hold a PA qualification, a shortened PFA training is possible. 5
Alternatively, you can choose a nursing apprenticeship. You learn in a care facility and at vocational school (Berufsschule). The apprenticeship takes three years for PA and four years for PFA and ends with the relevant final apprenticeship examination (Lehrabschlussprüfung). Activities involving patients are only allowed after turning 17. 6
If you want a Pflegestipendium, agree the training with the AMS before it starts; it must comprise at least 25 hours a week. Contact the AMS before training begins. You can apply in person at your AMS office or online through MeinAMS. 8 1
Non-EU nationals who need a Residence Permit – Pupil (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Schüler) for the training and meet the requirements must, in principle, file the first application in person before entry at the Austrian representation abroad responsible for their place of residence. Certain groups of people may apply in Austria. The applicant must have reached the age of six. 2

Cost and time

Apprentices receive an apprentice income from the start. For the nursing apprenticeship, the Ministry of Social Affairs states 890 to 1,789 euros, depending on the apprenticeship year and collective agreement. 6 7
The Pflegestipendium is granted for the duration of training, up to four years. The minimum is 1,650.30 euros a month in months with 30 days. If your entitlement to unemployment benefit or emergency assistance, including possible family supplements, is higher, it is paid in full. Documented travel and, where applicable, accommodation costs can be covered up to 100 percent. While you receive it, you have health, accident and pension insurance. 1 8
For people in nursing training without subsistence benefits from the AMS, the federal provinces provide a training allowance (Ausbildungsbeitrag). The Ministry of Social Affairs states 658.40 euros a month. The fee for an application for a Residence Permit – Pupil is 218 euros. 3 8 2

Deadlines

There is no deadline for the first application for a Residence Permit – Pupil. A renewal application must be filed in person before the permit expires, at the earliest three months before, with the competent residence authority (Niederlassungsbehörde). 2

City by city

Vienna: The MA 35 is responsible for issuing the residence permit. The training allowance can be applied for online at the Vienna Employee Promotion Fund (Wiener Arbeitnehmer*innen Förderungsfonds, WAFF). 2 3
Graz: For issuing the residence permit, the federal information portal names the Office of the Styrian Provincial Government (Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung). 2