Voluntary Social Year Gains Popularity in Austria

Austria is seeing a growing trend of young people choosing to undertake a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). In 2025, around 1,900 individuals participated, a notable increase from the 1,700 who took part in 2024. This surge contrasts sharply with the pre-2012 era, when only 300 to 400 people annually engaged in the program before its legal establishment.

The program, which can last between six and twelve months, offers participants a monthly allowance of 550 euros. Participants can also receive family benefits until age 24. The majority of volunteers, averaging 19 years old, are women, making up two-thirds of the participants. The most popular areas of engagement are emergency services, followed by social and disability support, and the care of children and the elderly.

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The number of young women and men who are doing a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) continues to increase.

Geographically, Lower Austria leads in participation with 730 volunteers, followed by Vienna with 352 and Upper Austria with 243. The program's impact extends beyond the volunteer year itself; a significant 75 percent of participants indicated in an evaluation that they intend to pursue careers in the social sector. For instance, nearly half of those who complete an FSJ with the Red Cross continue to work with the organization.

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75 percent of all participants – on average they were 19 years old – stated in an evaluation that they also want to work in the social sector in the future.