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Werte- und Orientierungskurs

Values course: Werte- und Orientierungskurs

A mandatory ÖIF course for people granted asylum or subsidiary protection. Five days about life, work, rights and duties in Austria.

Who
Mandatory for asylum and subsidiary protection holders aged 15+
Duration
5 days (since 2026, previously 3)
Language
In German, with an interpreter if needed (incl. Russian)
Where to register
ÖIF Integrationszentrum, Landstraßer Hauptstraße 26, 1030 Wien

Step by step

  1. After your status is granted, appear in person at the ÖIF Integrationszentrum. Book an Integrationsberatung via the hotline 050 46 80 (Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00).
  2. At the consultation you are booked into the Werte- und Orientierungskurs and a German course. Bring all the documents you are told to bring when booking.
  3. Attend all 5 days: German and education, work and taxes, democracy and rights, safety and living together, culture and volunteering.
  4. At the end of the course you sign the Integrationserklärung — a commitment to respect Austria's values and laws and to fully complete the courses offered.
  5. After the course the ÖIF offers Praxistage, seminars and consultation hours on work, education and health.

What to bring

  • An appointment for Integrationsberatung at the ÖIF Integrationszentrum
  • The documents named when you book (the ÖIF does not publish a list — ask the hotline)
  • Tell them at the consultation if you need an interpreter

Common mistakes

Thinking the course is optional. For asylum and subsidiary protection holders aged 15+ it is mandatory under the Integrationsgesetz.

Not completing the course while receiving Sozialhilfe. Breaching the course obligations is sanctioned and can lead to reduced benefits.

Signing the Integrationserklärung without reading it. Violating the basic values can lead to legal sanctions.

Words you will meet

der Wert, die Wertevalue, values
die Integrationserklärungintegration declaration
subsidiär schutzberechtigtentitled to subsidiary protection
der Dolmetscherinterpreter
die Gleichberechtigungequality

Official sources

Checked: 2026-10-07. This is a plain-language summary of official information, not legal advice. Deadlines and amounts change — check the linked official sources before you go.