What is the Travel Cost Subsidy?

The Travel Cost Subsidy is intended for students of Business Education (Wirtschaftspädagogik) and teacher training students who are required to travel beyond fare zone 101 as part of compulsory or compulsory elective courses in their curriculum.

You can find the link to apply here: Travel Cost Subsidy – click here

What are the requirements for the subsidy?

To be eligible for the Travel Cost Subsidy, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are enrolled in a teacher training programme or a Business Education programme in Graz.

• You are completing compulsory or compulsory elective courses as part of your curriculum that require you to travel beyond fare zone 101.

• You can provide proof of financial need in accordance with the guidelines.

Additionally, the following conditions apply:

• Teacher training students whose primary enrolment is at the University College of Teacher Education Styria (Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark) must first apply for the subsidy there. An application to the ÖH Uni Graz is only possible if their application has been rejected.

• There is no legal entitlement to the Travel Cost Subsidy.

What does financial need mean? (As of 2026)

Financial need exists if your financial situation makes additional support necessary.

You can demonstrate financial need in two ways:

1. Proof of receipt of certain social benefits

You are considered financially in need if you receive one of the following benefits and can provide appropriate documentation:

• Exemption from the Austrian broadcasting contribution (ORF contribution exemption)

• Exemption from prescription fees

• Housing assistance (provided by the federal state or municipality)

• Student financial aid (Studienbeihilfe) under the Austrian Student Support Act

• Financial support from the ÖH Uni Graz Social Fund (Sozialtopf)

In this case, a separate comprehensive income assessment is generally not required.

2. Proof of income

If you do not receive any of the benefits listed above, your financial need can be assessed based on your income.

The current reference threshold (as of 2026) is a monthly income of €1,461.60. This corresponds to 80% of the current

for single-person households (€1,827.00).

Your total income is taken into account, not just regular earnings. This includes, in particular:

• Income from employment (including marginal employment)

• Maintenance payments

• Grants and financial assistance

• One-off payments (e.g. special payments or bonuses)

• Financial support from third parties

• Available savings

Your necessary living expenses (e.g. rent, utility costs, health insurance and study-related expenses) are taken into consideration.

Your individual circumstances are always assessed in accordance with the applicable guidelines. There is no legal entitlement to funding.

How do I apply for the subsidy?

Applications must be submitted online via our online application form.

The following documents must be uploaded:

• Documents proving financial need in accordance with the guidelines

• A copy of the confirmation of completion of your internship (including the school’s official stamp) or, for Business Education students, confirmation of successful completion of the course „Wirtschaftspädagogisches Schulpraktikum“

• A copy of the attendance schedule confirming your presence at the placement school on the relevant days or, for Business Education students, a self-prepared attendance record

• Proof of travel expenses for public transport (original tickets) and/or

• If travelling by car: a scan of the vehicle registration certificate and the number of kilometres travelled (according to the Austrian Commuter Calculator

• A current residence registration certificate (Meldezettel)

How does the payment work?

Please note that you can only submit your application in the semester following the semester in which your internship took place, as the Travel Cost Subsidy is always granted retrospectively.

It is important that you keep all receipts and documents relating to your travel expenses (fuel receipts, public transport tickets, etc.) incurred during your internship until you submit your application. You must then submit all the required documents together.

Do you have any questions?

If you would like more information, feel free to contact us by email at soziales@oehunigraz.at, give us a call, or visit us in person at the

Your ÖH Uni Graz Social Affairs Team!