A new evaluation by the social science research institute abif confirms the high practical relevance of the five-day values and orientation courses offered nationwide by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) since January 2026. These mandatory courses for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection provide orientation in Austria and essential foundations for living together – from the importance of learning German and self-sufficiency to democracy, equality, and self-determination. Participants rate the topics of learning German, work, safety, equality, and living together in Austria as particularly helpful for their daily lives and integration. The mandatory values and orientation courses provide fundamental information for integration and living together in Austria. The evaluation report is now available on the ÖIF website.
Claudia Bauer, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Family: “Anyone who wants to live here must become part of our society. This includes learning German, seeking employment, and knowing and respecting our values, rules, and laws. In our values and orientation courses, we therefore make it crystal clear from the outset what Austria stands for and what we expect from people who want to become part of our society. The evaluation shows that we are addressing precisely those issues that are crucial for integration in everyday life and are perceived as particularly helpful by the participants. We provide clear guidance, but in return, we also expect personal responsibility and active participation. Because integration is not an offer, but an obligation.”
Franz Wolf, Director of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF): “Learning German, working, and knowing the values and rules of coexistence are key prerequisites for successful integration. The evaluation shows that the five-day values and orientation courses convey these basics – for example, how to fulfill obligations and comply with laws in Austria, or how women can live self-determined and equal lives – and thus provide concrete guidance for everyday life in Austria.”
Participants rate courses as an important guide for their integration.
The evaluation results show that participants rate the content of the values and orientation courses as highly practical, relevant to everyday life, and central to their personal integration process. Learning German, working, safety, and living together in Austria are particularly highlighted. According to the evaluation, the expanded course formats make an important contribution to initial orientation in Austria and help participants quickly find their way in everyday life. Many participants report that the knowledge imparted in the course is directly relevant to their daily lives – for example, when dealing with authorities, questions about school and education, or navigating rules and safety issues in Austria. The evaluation also shows that participants attribute different levels of importance to individual topics: women frequently cite equality and self-determination as important learning experiences, while men particularly emphasize information on rights, responsibilities, and laws. There is also a particularly strong interest in the topic of non-violent parenting.
Standardized curricula ensure high quality of the extended course formats.
With the expansion of the values and orientation courses to five days, additional content and in-depth modules on the topics of safety, coexistence, and belonging were added to the course offerings. The evaluation shows a significant increase in participants' knowledge of key topics such as democracy, equality, education, the labor market, and social cohesion. At the same time, the evaluation confirms that the standardized curricula, clear didactic guidelines, and nationally standardized course materials ensure a high and comparable quality of the courses. The professional work of the certified trainers and interpreters, the opportunity to discuss questions directly during the course, and the learning atmosphere were also highlighted as positive aspects. Participants rated the content on safety and the police, as well as on disinformation and manipulation on the internet, as particularly relevant. According to the evaluation, the five-day course format provides the necessary time for translations, practical examples, comprehension questions, and review.
About the evaluation
The evaluation was conducted by the social science research institute abif and took place in two phases. First, the pilot phase of the expanded course format was evaluated. The resulting findings and recommendations were directly incorporated into the further development of the courses' content, teaching methods, and language. At the start of regular nationwide operation in January 2026, the revised course format was evaluated again. The evaluation examined the course content, its practical relevance, comprehensibility, and the participants' personal knowledge gains. Various scientific methods were employed, including seven focus groups with course participants, six expert interviews, participant observation of the courses, field interviews with course instructors and interpreters, and the analysis of relevant course materials. The evaluation was conducted at several course locations in different Austrian states.
About the values and orientation courses
The values and orientation courses offered by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), as stipulated in the Integration Act, are mandatory for refugees and those granted subsidiary protection. These courses cover fundamental topics essential for initial orientation in Austria, rapid integration, and successful coexistence. Key themes include the importance of learning German, self-sufficiency, and gender equality. In January 2026, the courses were extended from three to five days. New additions include the module "Safety and Coexistence" and a dedicated module on "Belonging." The courses, conducted in German with interpretation provided when needed, are offered continuously throughout Austria and led by certified trainers.