EU programmes

Austria enables young people to volunteer abroad through participation in the EU Programmes Erasmus+ (Erasmus+) and European Solidarity Corps (Europäischer Solidaritätskorps). These programmes inspire active citizenship, solidarity and tolerance, and involve young people with the European Union. They encourage mobility, non-formal learning, intercultural dialogue and inclusion among young people.

On the national level, these programmes are implemented by the National Agency for Education and Internationalisation (Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung, OeAD) on behalf of the Federal government, particularly the Department for Family and Youth at the Federal Chancellery.

As part of the evaluation process, the National Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) publishes annual 'Facts and Figures' on Erasmus+ as well as extensive information material, evaluations, reports and thematic monitoring (Publikationen). According to the current report - edition 06, 2019/20 (Ausgabe 06, 2019/20) - a total of 4.061 projects were approved in the period 2014 - 2020, 147.493 mobilities were carried out and € 270.524.560 were granted (projects with higher costs than the available EU funds were approved and compensated by additional national funds from the Federal Ministry).

From 2018 - 2020, SALTO and the Intercultural Center (IZ) accompanied the implementation of the 'European Solidarity Corps' on behalf of the EU Commission (SALTO Resource Centre for the European Solidarity Corps). From 2007-2013, the ‘Research-based Analysis and Monitoring of the Youth in Action Programme’ (RAY) took place. The monitoring was carried out by the Institute for Educational Science at the University of Innsbruck, the Institute for Generations and Educational Science in Austria and the Intercultural Centre, the National Agency at the time.

Furthermore, young people can serve as European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps (formerly EU Aid Volunteers) in third countries under the European Solidarity Corps. This programme brings together volunteers and organisations from different countries, providing practical support to humanitarian aid projects and helping to strengthen local capacities and the resilience of communities affected by disasters. Participants must be between 18 and 35 years old and have the nationality of an EU Member State or be long-term residents of the EU.

Other Programmes

There are several opportunities in Austria for young people to gain international experience through voluntary work and personal development programmes. On a national scheme, these programmes are regulated by the Austrian Volunteering Act (Freiwilligengesetz) and enable young adults to undertake structured voluntary placements abroad. The main types of voluntary service abroad are the Social Service Abroad (Sozialdienst im Ausland), the Memorial Service (Gedenkdienst im Ausland) and the Peace Service Abroad (Friedensdienst im Ausland).

The Social Service Abroad enables young people to participate in community projects around the world. Volunteers typically support host organisations working in areas such as education, youth and child work, social services, disability services, environmental projects, and assistance for vulnerable groups. The programme provides practical insight into social work, strengthening civic engagement and intercultural understanding. 

The Memorial Service focuses on remembrance and educational work related to the victims of National Socialism. Participants are usually placed at Holocaust memorial sites, museums, or partner institutions in Austria and abroad. There, they contribute to educational activities, public outreach, and historical documentation. The programme aims to promote historical awareness, democratic values, and international dialogue. 

The Peace Service Abroad supports projects that contribute to peace building and conflict prevention. Participants are involved in educational initiatives, research activities, and community development projects, particularly in regions affected by conflict or social tensions. The programme also includes preparatory training and ongoing pedagogical support. 

Participation in these voluntary services is generally possible from the age of seventeen. Placements usually last between six and twelve months and are organised by officially recognised sending organisations, which are authorised by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. These organisations manage the selection process and provide participants with preparation and support. Eligible young men may be able to have a continuous voluntary service abroad lasting at least ten months recognised as a substitute for compulsory civilian service (Zivildienst). Participants may also remain entitled to family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) during their stay abroad, usually until the age of 24, provided the programme meets the relevant legal requirements.

In addition, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), on behalf of the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs, supports several programs that enable young Austrians to participate in development projects abroad. These include guidance and preparation programmes such as WeltWegWeiser, which is aimed at 18- to 26-year-olds interested in volunteering in the Global South. There are also short learning stays, such as Dreikönigsaktion one-month ‘LernEinsätze’, and longer volunteer schemes, such as ‘Voluntariat bewegt’, which places young adults (aged 18-35) in social and educational projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America for about a year. Participants in these programmes undergo selection procedures, preparatory training and supervision during their stay, as well as follow-up activities upon their return. The overall aim is to strengthen their intercultural skills, global awareness and long-term engagement in development cooperation. 

Legal framework applying to foreign volunteers

Young people from non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss countries need a residence permit to volunteer in Austria (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Freiwilliger) for more than three months. The volunteer's residence permit is usually granted for 12 months (see further on validity of residence permits) to third-country nationals participating in the European Voluntary Service. Applicants must comply with the general conditions and work within the framework of the service, and must present an agreement with the host organisation setting out the details of the service, duration, conditions of employment, means of subsistence, accommodation and any necessary training. A declaration of liability may be required. The residence permit can be applied for abroad at Austrian embassies or consulates, or in person at the settlement authority in Austria. Applications within Austria are accepted after legal entry and stay, without the need for local accommodation.