In 2022, young people of the first migrant generation were more than three times as likely (27.3%) to be NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) compared to young people without a migration background (8.7%); for young people of the second generation, the figure was 13.3%. This is according to the ÖIF research report "Migrant Youth Without Employment, Education or Training," which is based on the most recent data available for the study. Prepared by the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), the report examines the situation of young people and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 who are neither employed, in education, nor in training and thus belong to the so-called NEET group. Using quantitative data and qualitative interviews, the research report investigates which factors are associated with these disparities and subsequent educational and employment trajectories. The research report is now available on the ÖIF website .
Significant differences according to country of birth and gender
Even within the group of young people with a migration background, significant differences are apparent: According to their country of birth, the proportion of young people who are neither employed, in education, nor in training ranges from 16.3% for those born in Germany to 24.3% for young people from the Russian Federation and up to 33.0% for young people from Afghanistan and Syria. The proportion is particularly high for young people from other European countries, including Ukraine and Georgia, at 46.6%.
Differences are also particularly evident between young women and men from certain ethnic groups. The gap is especially pronounced among young people from Turkey: while 21.5% of young men were neither employed, in education, nor in training, the figure for young women was 33.2%. Among young people from Afghanistan and Syria, however, the difference between young men and women is comparatively small.
NEET youth often have low levels of education.
Among young people who are neither employed, in education, nor in training, there are significant differences in educational attainment: 50.2% of young people without a migration background have at most a compulsory school leaving certificate, compared to over 60% of young people with a migration background. Conversely, 28% of young people without a migration background have a high level of education, compared to 14% of first-generation young people with a migration background.
Nearly 40% manage to enter training or employment within two years.
Of the young people registered as NEETs in 2021, 12.9% were in education or training and 26.4% were employed 24 months later – a total of 39.3% had successfully entered education or employment. Second-generation migrants achieved similarly high transition rates to their peers without a migration background: after 24 months, the corresponding figures were 47.5% for men and 44.5% for women, and 43.1% and 43.7% for women. In contrast, first-generation migrants were significantly less likely to achieve this transition: after 24 months, only around 7% of both men and women were in education or training. 26.9% of men and 17.6% of women were employed.
The difference is particularly pronounced among young women: Of the first-generation migrant women who were classified as NEETs in 2021, 24.7% were in education or employment 24 months later, compared to approximately 43.7% of women without a migration background and 43.1% of second-generation women. More than three-quarters of first-generation migrant women were thus still neither in education nor employment after two years.
Transitions between school, vocational training and work are crucial phases
Qualitative interviews with young people and experts reveal that transitions between school, further education, apprenticeships, courses, and entering the workforce are particularly crucial phases. Career orientation, applications, and admissions processes often have to be managed simultaneously. Educational and career paths are not always linear, but frequently involve several iterations between school, apprenticeships, courses, and short-term employment. Practical experiences such as taster days, internships, or initial work experiences can help young people better assess career options and develop concrete training and career aspirations. Key success factors identified include easily accessible support services that accompany young people through these transitions and provide practical assistance, as well as their own initiative and motivation.
Learning German opens up additional educational and career opportunities.
The results of the qualitative interviews also underscore the importance of learning German. In addition to everyday spoken German skills, reading, writing, and text comprehension are crucial, as they can open up further educational and career opportunities in job applications, continuing education, and vocational schools. Furthermore, the interviews reveal that family expectations regarding marriage, motherhood, and employment can, in some cases, limit the educational and career opportunities of young female migrants. Conversely, education, an independent income, and female role models can empower young women to pursue their own educational and career paths—and open up new perspectives for them.
About the research report
The research report by the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), commissioned by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), analyzes barriers and influencing factors regarding the educational and career opportunities of young people in NEET status. The study employs a mixed-methods approach: The quantitative analysis is based on special evaluations of the Education-Related Employment Career Monitoring (BibEr) and the Harmonized Employment Statistics of Statistics Austria, differentiating, among other things, by migration generation, country of birth, gender, and region. In addition, 16 interviews with experts from relevant institutions and 20 qualitative interviews with affected young people, both with and without a migration background, were analyzed.
ÖIF offers a wide range of programs for learning German and starting a career
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), as stipulated by the Integration Act, is the central point of contact for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and displaced persons regarding German language learning and integration in Austria. Through nationwide career platforms, the ÖIF directly connects job-seeking participants from its German courses with companies seeking employees; a particular focus is placed on entry-level opportunities for individuals with limited German language skills. In parallel, the ÖIF offers a comprehensive program for part-time German language learning, with courses available during off-peak hours, on weekends, and online, to combine German language learning with work and support a rapid entry into employment. Through the "TOGETHER:AUSTRIA" initiative, integration ambassadors also visit schools throughout Austria, providing young people with and without a migration background insights into their educational and career paths. Furthermore, company school visits offer students direct insights into businesses and various professional fields.