School grants help families cover education costs in Styria

Families in Styria can apply for several forms of financial support to help cover school supplies, accommodation, travel and school events, ORF reported. Eligibility depends on the child’s school level and the family’s income.

The school-start bonus is automatically paid with family allowance from primary school through the end of compulsory schooling. Families on lower incomes can also receive 150 euros in vouchers for school supplies.

Additional support is available at higher school levels, including the state school grant. The basic amount is 1,845 euros, although it can vary depending on which parental income is taken into account, said Katrin Hochstrasser of the Styrian Chamber of Labour. The grant is available from the 10th school year and can be applied for online using ID Austria or through the Styrian Education Directorate. Applications can be submitted until the end of December.

Students who live away from home can apply for a boarding grant if they meet the social eligibility requirements. This can amount to more than 2,000 euros per year. A travel-cost grant of 173 euros is also available.

Financial support is also available for school events such as project weeks or sports weeks. It applies only to events lasting four days and only to students attending an upper-level school. The grant can cover up to 281 euros, and applications must be submitted by the end of April.

Members of the Chamber of Labour can receive a separate school grant of 300 euros per year from the ninth school year. Hochstrasser also advised parents to ask their local municipality about possible subsidies. Parents’ associations may also offer financial support.