Grant for individuals

This scheme is aimed at persons with foreign education who need to supplement their education in Sweden in order to be able to work in the profession the person is trained in. The eligible group includes unemployed recent migrants who got their resident permit within the last 3 years and who have a qualification or work experience in a shortage occupation. They have to be or have been enrolled in the introduction programme and have signed an individual introduction plan. Recent immigrants with experience or training in one of 40 shortage occupations in 14 industries are offered support including validation, further education, in-service training, and work placement in order to promote a fast entrance into the Swedish labour market. Along with the described support beneficiaries are also entitled to support for living costs. 100% of study costs related to an educational plan can be funded.

Persons permanently living in Finland, having a full-time employment relationship with the same employer for at least one year, or whose pension-insured entrepreneurship has lasted for at least one year may receive state-funded contributions to their costs for education and training. The maximum allowance period is 19 months if the applicant has a working history of at least 8 years. The amount of the allowance consists of a base amount and a wage-based amount. The monthly base contribution is approx. EUR 705 and the wage-based contribution amounts to 45% of the difference between the monthly wage and the base contribution. The eligible education and training activities include studies leading to a degree, but also vocational further or continued training organised by a Finnish educational institution under public supervision. The education and training take place during an unpaid study leave of at least two months.

Employed and self-employed persons attending one of the JobsPlus courses and whose weekly wage does not exceed EUR 300 (basic) per week can apply for this grant. Employed individuals following these courses can benefit from a financial grant of EUR 25 per week provided that they attend a minimum of four hours of training per week. The grant is given to an individual upon successfully completing the whole course. JobsPlus offers training courses in various areas including literacy and numeracy, computing, trade, technical, accounting, clerical work, and care services. Payment is based on the hours an individual attends and the duration of the course. Persons who terminate or drop out of the course, and/or have absences, which preclude them from sitting for the final assessment, are not eligible to claim this allowance.

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a scheme for unemployed people, lone parents, and people with disabilities who receive certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DSP). The allowance is paid to people who wish to pursue approved second or third-level courses of education. The BTEA is not an unemployment payment and is paid instead of social welfare. The payment is matched to the benefit received by the applicant prior to receipt of the Back to Education Allowance. Those with a dependent child receive an annual Cost of Education Allowance of EUR 500 in addition.

Employed and unemployed persons (in the age group of 15-65) without completed primary school registered in the unemployment register, applying for the grant, can receive the lump-sum payment, covering the training costs. The funding amount depends on the education period. For example, for the first educational period, the learner can receive the funding of HRK 500 (approx. EUR 67) if takes an exam based on the consultation received, HRK 1 200 (approx. EUR 161) in the case when the teaching is delivered through a consultative-constructional teaching approach, HRK 1 800 (approx. EUR 242) in the case when the learner regularly participates in the teaching process. The individual (the learner) can finish more than one educational period in one calendar year meaning that the learner can receive more than one funding for education and training in one calendar year. The funding is provided by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education.

Individuals receive State-funded contributions to their costs for education and training. Specific groups defined by their status of vulnerability who are defined by being employed 15 hours or more per week, having an income of a maximum of EUR 20 000 per year (individual) or EUR 40 000 per year (household income) can apply for the grant. The eligible education and training activities include individual professionally related training. That means that the selected training measure for the participant must be relevant for his/her professional life - regardless of the current job. The co-funding share is 50% and max EUR 500 of the costs for training and education. No preferential treatment is applied. The scheme is governed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The scheme can be used once in each calendar year.

All individuals meeting at least one of the pre-determined criteria (i.e. applicant has completed basic or general (and not professional or vocational) secondary education at least five years ago, or has obtained professional or vocational education 15 years ago or earlier, or do not continue working in the current position due to health-related circumstances, or is employed and is between 16 years old and retirement age) can apply for a financial grant. The preferential treatment for particular applicants is not applied. The applicant receives a fixed monthly allowance directly to her/his bank account. The amount of the grant allocated per person depends on the nominal study period. The maximum amount for employed persons is EUR 180 per month, for unemployed persons EUR 270 per month. The allowance can be used to cover training costs. In order to receive a fixed monthly allowance, a trainee has to attend training on a regular basis. There is an opportunity for re-use of the grant for different educational levels (BA, MA, PhD)

This measure aims to increase the digital skills of employees by supporting specific courses related to digitalisation (programming, use of software, etc.). Employees with a max net income of EUR 2 500 and unemployed are eligible for this scheme. No preferential treatment is applied. This scheme supports up to 80% of course fees, up to EUR 5 000, depending on the net income of the beneficiary. There is no opportunity to re-use the scheme.

Increasing the level of competitiveness and professional competence of employed persons by enrolling in vocational training programmes, upskilling or retraining in line with the developments of the labour market. Employed persons, after receiving a counselling session with the CES counsellor, can decide, based on the recommendations received and tailored to their existing professional experience and preferences, to participate in an adult education programme offered by public or private adult education providers. The grant is paid directly to the adult education provider. Educational programmes are financed in two ways: 1. From ESF via a public call for adult education programmes for certain occupations and certain profiles of employed adults. The education programmes are financed through ESF funds and are thus free of charge for the participants.2. From state budget via a public call for adult education programmes that need to be awarded by CES. The allocated funding covers 100% of occurred costs.

All members of the Chamber of Labour of Lower Austria can apply for the grant with special treatment for unemployed persons and parents. The eligible activities include training in priority sectors (e.g. health sector), the procedures for recognition of foreign diplomas, the "Berufsreifeprüfung" and the apprenticeship or the preparatory courses for the university of applied science/colleges. The Chamber's co-funding share is 50% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum amount of EUR 220 per year. The unemployed persons and persons on parental leave receive higher co-funding share/maximum amount. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

The Study Entrance Grants aims to support the unemployed with short prior education whose labour market prospects significantly can be improved by gaining a qualification on the basic or upper-secondary level. Applicants must have been unemployed or in an ALP measure six months within the last 12 months. The grant is managed by the municipalities that can apply slightly different rules for the criteria an applicant and their envisaged education have to meet. In general, applicants should lack a qualification on the higher secondary level (Swedish gymnasium) and have good chances to increase their employability by pursuing a second chance education. The study programmes eligible for the grant include education on the level of compulsory or upper secondary schools (Komvux) or general courses on those levels in liberal adult education institutions (Folkhögskola). The educational activity has to be performed on a level of at least 50% (according to study credits) for at least three weeks. The benefit can be granted for a maximum of 50 weeks of full-time studies. The maximum amount of funding is EUR 10 625 plus a potential child allowance of EUR 1 931. The minimum amount of funding is EUR 319.

Unemployed and employed people with risk of losing their job can apply for this training voucher covering 100% of course costs. No preferential treatment is applied. In addition, travel costs and other additional expenses can be funded. Funding is provided after mandatory counselling at the Federal Employment Agency, which decides on the funding on a case by case basis. The same person can apply for the scheme after a break of a particular period.

Members of the Chamber of Labour in Vienna can apply for the grant. The eligible education and training activities include computer and IT courses, job-related courses in the areas of work organisation and work environment, and language courses. The co-funding is fixed with an absolute amount of money (in 2020: EUR 120, EUR 170 for people on parental leave).

The MOD promotes lifelong learning among members of the Armed Forces, and this is encouraged through the Learning Credit schemes. The Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme helps eligible Service personnel (SP) or Leavers (SL) with the cost of learning. The scheme allows a single award in each of a maximum of three separate Financial Years, or a single aggregated lower-tier award. ELCs may be claimed for learning which is an integral part, and results in the cost-effective achievement, of a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3 or above. 80% of eligible costs can be covered (up to EUR 7 127). The ELC scheme permits Regular SPs to pursue their personal development, both during their Service and generally for 5 years after discharge.

Eligible groups (depending on the region, e.g. employed, unemployed, self-employed/professionals) can apply for training vouchers co-funded by the European Social Fund, and implemented at the regional level, according to the Regional Operational Programme

Italian citizens (unemployed, resident or domiciled in a municipality of the Region of Tuscany and over 18 years of age) and residents with a legal work permit can apply for the grant. Preferential treatment is not applied. The company turns to the Center for Employment expressing the need to find trained workers to be able to hire with an open-ended or fixed-term contract, including apprenticeships. After selection, an applicant (person belonging to the eligible group) enrols in the training programme. Eligible types of training include targeted and customised training courses to facilitate the matching of job supply and demand.

Individuals receive state-funded contributions to their costs for education and training. Nearly all groups of learners can apply for the grant. Personal conditions for entitlement to a grant are German citizenship or residence status listed in § 8, the general suitability for the chosen training and the age limit of 30 years (35 years for master studies). The eligible education and training activities include nearly all kinds of training and education measures (e.g. secondary general education (e.g. primary, intermediate and comprehensive schools, high schools) from class 10, Vocational schools, Technical and specialized secondary schools, Higher technical schools and academies and Universities). Beneficiaries receive a lump sum based on the individual criteria. Training costs for which funding can be received can go up to a maximum amount of EUR 861. The share, as well as the maximum amount, do not differ for different groups. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

Unemployed persons, job seekers, and employees aged 45+ registered in the district job center can apply for the grant to cover the costs of their postgraduate studies (lasting at least 2 semesters). No preferential treatment for a particular eligible group is applied. District job centre can finance up to 100% of the cost of the studies (tuition fees), however, the funding cannot exceed 300% of the average monthly salary. The additional criteria that have to be fulfilled in order to remain the costs for educational activities eligible for co-funding, is a positive final examination. Eligible costs include tuition fees. There is no limitation to re-use the scheme.

The regional Chambers of Labour (Arbeiterkammern) provide funding for adult learning in the form of vouchers or grants in various forms. Membership in the Chambers is compulsory for all employees (with the exception of public servants) so that the Chambers' cofounding schemes are widely available. The schemes of the various regional Chambers differ from each other. For example, the Chamber of Lower Austria promotes various courses at different levels. The courses funded include the areas of health, IT, languages and second-chance education. In addition, university studies are encouraged. The Chamber of Tyrol promotes basic computer courses to computer driving licence with cofounding up to EUR 400. In addition, there is support for mainly formal adult education leading to a degree. Funding schemes are changing over time, an overview is available in various databases (for example, in http://www.kursfoerderung.at). There are no statistics available on the various schemes across Austria. The latest available estimate (2006) assumed a volume of up to EUR 3 000 000 for all schemes provided by regional Chambers of Labours.

The most important grants for adults are provided by the nine Austrian countries (Bundesländer) but in very different forms and approaches. Budgets are defined for a one-year or multi-year period within the circle of legislation of yearly budgets, proposed by the county governments and formally decided by the county parliaments. The implementation of the schemes differs widely. The country of Vienna stands out as an agency with its own legal status is responsible for providing co-funding for adult learning.

At least 13 German county governments fund personal training measures, mostly via voucher systems or other kinds of grants. All parameters - amount of funding, eligible groups, eligible training measures, etc. - differ a lot between the different counties.

The individual learning account enables anyone, employees or job seekers, at one's own initiative, to undertake a training action. The account is credited with EUR 500 a year up to EUR 5 000 (EUR 800 - EUR 8 000 for low-qualified people). The CPF allows all economically active persons (i.e. in the labour force), from the moment they enter the labour market and up to the date on which they claim all their rights to a retirement scheme, to acquire rights to education and training that can be used throughout their working life. Since January 1, 2019, each employee (excluding civil servants) has a Personal Training Account (CPF) credited in euros instead of hours. The CPF is intended to fund qualifying training (mandatory), 'corresponding to the foreseeable needs of the economy in the short or medium term'. Sources of funding include individuals (by their contribution to vocational training - based on wages), companies (by their contribution to vocational training - based on gross income and the State (the state supports the implementation of the CPF). Companies of 10 employees or more may sign a CPF direct management agreement. Companies then do not have to make the CPF contribution of 0.2% to their OPCA, although this contribution has to be used to fund training requests of their employees. In that case, employees may not address their request to an OPCA.

The active labour market policy programme reimburses competency-building training activities of unemployed jobseekers registered by COLSAF. Introduced in September 2015, KOMPAS supports courses that are less vocationally specific and aimed at building more general competencies, e.g. PC skills or foreign language courses. The financing formula is based on a percentage of eligible costs. 100% of training costs can be covered. The funding is directly transferred to the learner via her / his bank account as cost reimbursement based on the documented costs and proof of participation. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

The instrument provides support to disadvantaged target groups in the labour market to participate in training in order to improve their labour market situation. The training is funded by the National Employment Fund and can be accessed through the National Employment Service. Public co-funding share is not defined by law but in practice amounts to 60%-70% on average. In addition to the course fee, other costs related to the training (e.g. travel cost, wage substituting allowance etc.) if justified, may also be financed from the National Employment Fund to the individuals.

All employed individuals meeting at least one predetermined criteria can apply for a financial grant for up to EUR 2 500 in three years. The allocated fund can be used to cover tuition fees for the training (incl. programmes leading to the formal qualification (ISCED 2-5), general courses, occupational courses connected to the present economic activity, occupational courses of all kinds, non-formal education, and ICT sources of different levels). The grant is funded under Unemployment Insurance Fund, the National budget, and ESF. The funding is directly transferred (reimbursement principle) to the training institution (voucher principle) if the requirement of regular attendance of the trainee has been met. There is no opportunity to re-use the grant (EUR 2 500 and 3 years limits)

Beneficiaries of this scheme include all types of learners (employees, persons with parental leave benefit, persons on parental leave, marginally employed, unemployed, self-employed, freelancer, academics with a max gross income of EUR 2 700, entrepreneurs with a maximum of 5 employees) as long as they are residents of Upper Austria. The co-funding share is 30% of the costs for training and education, up to EUR 2 000. Professionally oriented further training and re-training are the eligible types of training to be funded. Office of the Upper Austrian government, Department Education and Society, governs, administers, and takes responsibility for the whole scheme.

The Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs offers national scholarships to young persons coming from socially and financially disadvantaged family backgrounds. The students up to 27 years old and the secondary school pupils up to 22 years old may apply. The eligible education and training activities cover fields of study offered by Slovene universities and high schools. Corporate scholarships are granted by employers, who want to ensure the development of appropriate staff and thus encourage the development of companies. High school pupils and students can also apply for this scholarship. The amount of basic scholarship varies from approx. EUR 36 per month up to approx. EUR 195 per month depending on the amount of average monthly income of the household in which the applicant resides. Beneficiaries may receive a bonus for success at university/school (from approx. EUR 17 per month up to approx. EUR 41 per month), a bonus of approx. EUR 82 per month in case a beneficiary's permanent residence is more than 25 km away from the educational institution. Additionally, beneficiaries with special needs receive a monthly bonus in the amount of approx. EUR 51.

Employees with an annual taxable income between EUR 20 000 and EUR 40 000 as well as individuals re-entering the job market and self-employed, residents in North Rhine Westphalia can apply for the State-funded grant (voucher system). Employees in the public service are excluded from the scheme. The eligible education and training activities focus on defined professional qualifications and technical skills or key skills. The co-funding share is 50% of the costs for education and training (max EUR 500). The same applicant can use the scheme once in each calendar year.

People who have lost their job in the private sector have in general the right to outplacement aid paid by their (former) firm. However, if this firm does not comply people may apply for outplacement paid by FOREM (Walloon public employment agency). Certain conditions and obligations have to be fulfilled and FOREM will pay outplacement costs up to EUR 1 500 via an outplacement voucher.

Both employed workers (aged 16 or over, regardless of their level of qualification, whose applications can be submitted by themselves or by the respective employers) and unemployed persons (enrolled in the PES at least at 90 consecutive days, aged 16 or over, with levels 3 to 6 of qualification) can access the grant. This grant is provided by IEFP (Institute of Employment and Training) and supports technical training, continuous training, and RVCC (professional recognition, validation, and certification of skills). Eligible types of training include technical training, continuous training, and RVCC (professional recognition, validation, and certification of skills). The co-funding for active employees is EUR 4/hour, with a maximum total amount of EUR 175, and for unemployed a maximum of EUR 500. The source of funding is European funds for the programming period 2014-2020. Eligible costs include travel and meal costs, as well as daily allowance for subsistence (for unemployed persons). There is no possibility of re-use, and no preferential treatment (more than the distinctions between employed and unemployed workers).

The PRO-A instrument aims at fostering career development and encouraging employees to remain in their jobs by offering an individual learning path, based on the alternate between formal learning and work. PRO-A replaces the former "période de professionnalisation ». The Pro-A scheme is intended for employees on permanent employment contracts (CDI); employees with a single integration contract (CUI) of unlimited duration; employees, sportsmen, and women or professional trainers, with a fixed-term employment contract (CDD). PRO-A is a work-based learning scheme for adults having at least a Bachelor's Degree. OPCOs are in charge of financing the PRO-A scheme. Government bodies include France Compétences and OPCOs. The type of education supported includes any formal learning leading to a formal qualification and provided by adult learning centers or by the company in case she has an adult learning department. Eligible costs include direct costs (tuition fees, daily allowance, travel/accommodation costs), that are supported by the OPCO. Each of the 11 OPCOs follow the priorities of the sectoral agreement, and financing formulas vary across OPCOs. The maximum amount of funding is EUR 3 000.

There are 2 groups that may apply for the grant during the current EU programming period: job applicants and job seekers. The overall condition for eligibility is registration in PES databases. Specific conditions may include a sufficient prior qualification level or positive outcome of skill needs analysis by PES. The eligible education and training activities include vocational courses aimed at deepening or upgrading qualifications, re-training/re-skilling. Retraining may be selected by applicants or it may be assigned to job-seekers by PES. The co-funding rate is 100% of eligible costs. The scheme can be re-used by the same applicant after a break of a particular period.

Employees having completed vocational qualifications can apply for this State-funded grant to finance their costs for education and training. The eligible education and training activities include all kinds of university studies. A lump-sum allowance is granted (EUR 861 per month plus a book allowance of EUR 80). No preferential treatment is applied. The scheme cannot be re-used by the same applicant.

Persons with at least five years of working history in Finland, independent of their current employment status can apply for this grant. The eligible education and training activities include all kinds of vocational examinations. If the tests of competence are passed after 1 August 2013, the amount of the scholarship will be EUR 390. If the qualification the person has got is his or her first qualification, the amount of the scholarship will be EUR 450. Scholarship for qualified employees is provided by the Education Fund, which is administered by the social partners of the Finnish Labour market.

The scheme provides a wage-replacement payment for workers who have no higher education qualifications during participation in educational programmes selected by the dedicated body (published in a yearly list) for up to three years. Eligible programmes cover a broad range of secondary and post-secondary (mainly vocational) programmes. Support for fees can be also provided, however, coming under different other lines of support provided by the Public Employment Service. The scheme had been implemented as an alternative to the paid educational leave scheme, as the latter had been rarely used by adults starting from a low-skilled position/aiming at an intermediate level of qualification. 100% of eligible costs can be covered. The scheme offers a lump-sum grant as a wage replacement of EUR 30.60 (2020) per day.

The scheme provides a wage-replacement payment for workers who have no higher education qualifications during participation in educational programmes selected by the dedicated body (published in a yearly list) for up to three years. Eligible programmes cover a broad range of secondary and post-secondary (mainly vocational) programmes. Support for fees can be also provided, however, coming under different other lines of support provided by the Public Employment Service. The scheme had been implemented as an alternative to the paid educational leave scheme, as the latter had been rarely used by adults starting from a low-skilled position/aiming at an intermediate level of qualification. 100% of eligible costs can be covered. The scheme offers a lump-sum grant as a wage replacement of EUR 30.60 (2020) per day.

Individuals may apply for the grant to finance their learning/training if they are not undertaking any secondary, further, or higher education, do not have a degree or above, and have an income of GBP 22 000 (approx. EUR 26 133) a year or less or are on benefits. The eligible activities include education and training delivered by 460 approved learning providers. The maximum funding individual may receive amounts to GBP 200 (approx. EUR 238). The same applicant can re-use the grant once in each calendar year.

The aim of the scheme is to reskill people in areas where there is evidence of job opportunities, including ICT, high-level manufacturing, international financial services, skills to trade internationally, cross-enterprise skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital marketing, and project management. Springboard+ was formed in 2014, with the incorporation of ICT Skills Conversion Courses. A feature of Springboard+ is the mixture of provision from the public and private higher education sectors. Providers are higher education colleges with established quality assurance systems, including Irish universities, institutes of technology, and private higher education colleges. For people in employment, a 10% course fee contribution for Level 7, 8, and 9 courses is applicable, payable directly to the provider. There are no tuition fees for DEASP customers or Returners. All Level 6 programmes are free to all participants.

People aged 18 and above, with Danish citizenship (or equivalent), are eligible for this scheme. They are entitled to a State grant combined with a loan (grant 2/3, loan 1/3 of total support) to cover the costs of their education and training. Every student enrolled in a higher education course is entitled to a number of monthly grants corresponding to the prescribed duration of the chosen study, plus 12 months. Within a maximum of 70 months, students can change from one course to another. If the student has used all her/his study grant portions, he/she can get a completion loan in the last year of studies. Eligible activities are general and vocational secondary education and training, and higher education. The amounts of support depend on the level of the programme the learner is enrolled in. Students must start paying back State loans no later than 1 year after the end of the year in which they graduate or give up their studies. The loan must be repaid within 15 years. No preferential treatment is applied. The system is managed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education.

Low-skilled employees at primary, secondary, or upper secondary levels are entitled to a wage compensation while studying. The rate depends on how much absence the person has from their workplace due to studying and from the level of education attending. To get SVU, a person must be admitted to or have been promised admission to an education that entitles a person to SVU. An applicant also must be over a certain age and have been employed for at least 26 weeks. A broad range of the formal programmes at ISCED 1-7 levels are eligible types of training to be funded. The maximum amount that the learner can receive as wage compensation is 80% of the highest unemployment insurance benefit rate. As of January 2015, the highest unemployment insurance benefit rate is DKK 827 (approx. EUR 111) per day (DKK 4 135 (approx. EUR 553) per week); 80% of this amounts to DKK 3 308 (EUR 443) per week. The amount of support is calculated based on the number of working hours lost; support may be given for up to 40 weeks (of 37 hours). The minimum SVU grant is one full week of 37 hours. Participation in education that does not add up to a loss of at least 37 working hours will therefore not be eligible for support. If the learner must pay a fee to participate in training at the primary or secondary level, the participation fee will be fully covered. The subsidy is transferred directly to the learner's bank account or to a company if the learner is paid a wage during the training period. The scheme can be re-used by the same applicant after a break of a particular period.

For adults (irrespective of age) in secondary and HE, a grant for meeting the living costs during higher education is available in case their gainful income is below the minimum wage. For anyone else, a loan scheme is available. The grant consists of a basic grant of EUR 1 050 per semester and a 50% contribution to HE fees capped at EUR 3 700. Further 50% are available as a loan. The grant can be also expanded with the help of the loan for meeting tuition costs. The state provides a guarantee for the loans. The level of support provided is subject to regular adjustments.

A student enrolled in full-time further and higher education undergraduate courses can apply for the grant to cover the fees and living costs. The grant is means-tested. There are special eligibility criteria and rates for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The maximum amount of the grant is EUR 5 915. Students whose family's income is below certain limits can qualify for a partial fee grant. This means that they will either be exempt from 50% of the student contribution, or exempt from 50% of any tuition fees and all of the student contribution. Eligible costs include fees and other costs related to education and training (living costs). The same applicant can use the scheme once in each calendar year.

Middle-level VET students (ISCED 3-4 levels) older than 18, but younger than 30 who decided to follow a full-time or dual VET pathway (BOL - school-based learning) can access the grant providing a monthly subsidy. The grant is financed by the State and managed by Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) - an agency of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. The grant for students in vocational education and training (ISCED 3 and 4) is a monthly amount of EUR 867,39 for students not living at home and EUR 643,74 for students living at home. These amounts include a loan of EUR 192,76. Eligible costs include different ones related to the living of a student (including tuition fees/fees for participation (external providers), costs for training materials (e.g. books), costs for home office, travel and accommodation costs, daily allowance for subsistence, etc). No possibilities for re-use are foreseen.

Among other unions the organisation Unionen (Sweden's largest trade union on the private labour market) offers financial assistance in further education under the label Student Support (Studiestöd) to their members. The intention of the grant is to increase employees' skills and thus strengthen their role in the labour market. Courses at universities, in general adult education (Komvux), vocational schools (Yrkesvux) or liberal adult education (Folkhögskola) are eligible to co-funding up to SEK 3 425 (approx. EUR 322) per semester and up to SEK 13 700 (approx. EUR 1 288) in total. Eligible costs include course fees, literature and learning material costs.

Unemployed, or employed under a certain maximum gross salary may apply for this grant, providing a contribution of up to 100% of course fees. The grant is implemented by regional PES. Individuals have to apply for this grant before starting the course.

All individuals meeting pre-determined criteria (i.e. individuals who obtained a qualification within no longer than 3 years or employed persons who have completed a respective labour market training arranged by Unemployed Insurance Funds or for whom an employer received the training grant) can apply for a financial grant for up to EUR 500 within 3 years (the minimum amount of funding is not set). The fund is allocated under the budget of Estonian Unemployment Insurance Funds. The fund can be used for obtaining formal qualifications (ISCED 2-5). The grant is transferred (the costs are reimbursed) to an individual or employer, who covered training costs, only when the participant receives a positive exam evaluation. There is no opportunity to apply for a grant more than once.

This scheme is intended to fund the recognition of competencies acquired through non-formal and informal learning for the individual to obtain a diploma or a certificate attesting to their competence. The highest amount of funding (provided as a lump-sum payment) for one person cannot extend the 0.47 of the minimum monthly salary approved by the government (EUR 301). All unemployed individuals are eligible for this scheme. No preferential treatment is applied.

Under REPAS jobseekers registered by COLSAF may choose a vocational training programme. The total costs related to the training are being reimbursed by COLSAF. The financing formula is based on a percentage of eligible costs. 100% of training costs can be covered. The funding is directly transferred to the learner via her / his bank account as costs reimbursement based on the documented costs and proof of participation. Training providers should be accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. The introduction of REPAS resurrected the training provided by COLSAF, with steady growth in the number of supported trainees. In 2018, under REPAS+, training was provided to 13 308 participants with a budget of EUR 10 247 562.

Staff working directly with children in registered early years services can apply for the grant. The eligible education and training activities include level 5 and level 6 awards in childcare. The public co-funding share is 75% of the eligible costs (the maximum cost of the course is EUR 750). Learners pay 25% of the cost of the course (i.e. no more than EUR 187,5 as the maximum cost of the course is EUR 750). No preferential treatment is applied.

Skilled and unskilled workers who want to improve their competencies through a diploma programme or academy professional degree are entitled to this grant. Workers can get as much as DKK 10 000 (approx. 1 340 EUR) annually for user fees on the training programmes. Every year from 2018-2021, a total of DKK 65 000 000 / DKK 8 700 000 (approx. EUR 8 698 096 / EUR 1 164 207 ) is devoted to the fund. Eligible costs include tuition fees/fees for participation (external providers). The funds are distributed between the different educational institutions weighted after a basis of allocation is renewed every year.

Individuals receive State-funded reimbursement of their costs for education and training. General conditions for eligible groups are that they must be employed at the time of applying for training and that their educational background should not exceed general vocational training unless qualifications have not been in use for the past 5 years. The eligible education and training activities include single subject courses or part-time education in IVET and CVET. If the individual is paid by his/her employer during the training period the company may apply for reimbursement of the wage costs (from AUB). If the individual is not paid during the training period, he/she is entitled to wage compensation up to DKK 4 405 (approx. EUR 589) per week. Travel costs may also be covered.

According to general national legislation, the training check targets the unemployed. The pilot project applied in 2019 targets unemployed persons interested in obtaining a professional certificate (for officially accrediting informal skills) in the professional field 'trade and marketing', and living in the autonomous community of Madrid. It is regional public employment services officers that assess candidates to take part in the training check following their professional path. No preferential treatment is applied for a particular eligible group. National legislation does not specify costs covered. In the pilot project developed by the autonomous community of Madrid in 2019, types of learning content eligible referred to courses aimed at obtaining the professional certificate (for officially accrediting informal skills) in the 'trade and marketing' professional field.

Employees who participate in a employer-provided training in a bottleneck job receive a lump-sum premium of EUR 350 as an individual reward for completing the training. The employer is benefiting indirectly as the incentive is intended to increase the motivation of the employees to complete the relevant programmes. For individuals eligible for receiving the incentive, the training need to last at least 4 weeks, with a weekly minimum work load of 35 hours/week. Training must be job-related.

The Training Pays Scheme is co-funded by the ESF and aims to assist individuals to develop and/or improve their skills by participating in further off-the-job education and training. The scheme offers assistance in the form of a training grant to aid participants with costs relating to training (75% up to a maximum of 1 000 EUR). The scheme is open to applicants of working-age population 16 to 64 years who have completed compulsory schooling. In the case of persons aged between 16 and 24, they must not be participating under the Youth Guarantee NEET Activation Scheme II. No preferential treatment is applied. The grant is awarded to the individual (trainee) after successful completion of their training. Training courses between MQF level 1 to 5 are eligible.

Young unemployed persons (up to 30 years old) registered in the district job center, who prove (show high probability) that after completing the training can find employment or launch their own company can apply for the grant to fund CVT courses. Maximum co-financing from the public resources amounts to an average monthly salary. If the cost of training is higher, the difference has to be covered by the learner. Tuition fees and other costs related to training (travel costs; physician and/or psychological test, if necessary; accommodation, if training takes place outside the place of living of the unemployed) are considered eligible costs. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

Employees without a higher education degrees may apply for public contributions (vouchers) to cover their education and training costs. Employees with a higher education degree are also eligible provided that the education and training that they follow are a part of their personal development plan agreed with an accredited personal development coach/centre. All kinds of education and training are eligible. This grant is partly funded by the Public Employment Service (PES) Flanders (VDAB), with co-funding from the individual. Employees can purchase vouchers in advance, with which they then pay the training institution. Employees can buy vouchers paying 50% (for no tertiary education) of their nominal value, which may not exceed EUR 125 per year. 50% of the value of the vouchers is co-funded by VDAB (PES Flanders). The funding is directly transferred to the training institution. No preferential treatment is applied for a particular eligible group. The voucher scheme does not apply to the self-employed, unemployed, persons with a student contract, and persons with a working contract of fewer than 80 hours per month.

Specific vulnerable groups - young people from 15 to 29 years older people without education, qualification, and work experience, and unemployed persons aged over 50 - can apply for the grant. For the first group, the eligible education and training activities include training for acquiring a professional qualification in the field of landscaping and nursing. For the second group, training in teamwork, as well as training for acquiring a professional qualification in the profession as a nursing attendant, are eligible. Eligible costs include tuition fees/ fees for participation (external providers), costs for training materials (e.g. books), fees, and other costs related to education and training (e.g. work clothes, resources needed at the workplace. The public co-funding is fixed with an absolute amount of money and may cover up to 100% of the education and training costs. National budget covers the costs for training, Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) covers expenses for work clothes, means of labour, etc.

Funding under the Upgrading Training Assistance Act - or AFBG in short - represents a statutory payment to support people undergoing training. Funding under the AFBG can be claimed by anyone who satisfies the statutory requirements. The AFBG addresses people taking part in measures leading to advanced vocational qualifications. Typical upgrading training measures are measures that lead to Meister and Fachwirt qualifications as well as courses at colleges of early childhood education or specialized technical colleges. In Germany, over 700 equivalent further training measures are eligible for funding under the AFBG. Participants receive a contribution towards the cost of training irrespective of their income and assets. Participants in full-time measures also receive an additional means-tested payment to cover living expenses. Funding is partly in the form of a grant and partly in the form of a low-interest loan from the KfW Development Bank.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is targeted at unemployed persons over 21 years of age. Its primary target groups are the longer-term unemployed. It aims to give participants education and training opportunities which will develop and prepare them to go into paid employment or on to further education opportunities leading to paid employment. If eligible, participants receive a training allowance in place of their welfare payment as well as travel and meal allowance and can access childcare supports under the Childcare Employment and Training Support scheme under the Department of Social Protection.

Individuals receive financial support from the State to cover part of their study costs. Only selected part-time programmes in higher education and training are eligible, corresponding to fields currently in short supply (including health and welfare, and technical fields of study). Students who enroll in the eligible programme get a voucher of EUR 1 250 per 30 ECTS. Given that only programmes with fees below EUR 3 750 per 30 ECTS are eligible, the minimum co-funding share is 33% (and more, when fees are lower than the set maximum). The remaining share of the fees is expected to be covered by the individuals and/or their employers (if any). Funding comes from the State, approximately a total of EUR 32 000 000 for the time period 2016-2024, and approximately 3 900 students in Higher Education participate in the financing experiment. There is no possibility of re-use.

Persons belonging to the specific target groups of migrants, unemployed persons, pensioners and senior citizens, persons with special educational needs and persons with no post-compulsory education can apply for this scheme. In summer universities, the voucher subsidy is used to support persons who have dropped out of university. The eligible activities include nearly all kinds of education and training measures. The subsidies are given to the educational institutions in order to enable them to significantly lower or totally compensate tuition fees for students belonging to the specified target groups.

Employees with a monthly net income below EUR 1 800 may receive public contributions to their costs for education and training. The eligible education and training activities have to be relevant for the current occupation of the learner and have to be provided by an approved training provider. The co-funding share is up to 50% of the costs for education and training up to a maximum of EUR 2 000 (for one training). The Vienna Bundesländer agency WAFF manages the measure. The funding is covered from the Budget of Vienna Bundesländer. The grant can be re-used after a break of a particular period. There is no preferential treatment.