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Vienna adult education centers in the financial crisis: there is a risk of millions in repayments!
In 2025, financial subsidies for Vienna adult education centers were significantly increased, while critical reforms are called for.
Vienna adult education centers in the financial crisis: there is a risk of millions in repayments!
The financial currents surrounding the Vienna adult education centers (VHS) are causing heated discussions. A current analysis shows massive changes in the grant structure and on the financial side, which bring with them both opportunities and challenges.
The city of Vienna has invested heavily in adult education centers in recent years. In 2013, the city's subsidies were 25.2 million euros, but this amount has increased to an impressive 40.1 million euros by 2023. This is an increase of an impressive 59 percent compared to 2013 and 75 percent compared to 2008, when the city was only able to provide 22.9 million euros. Given the additional funds for renovations and investments, the total amount is 56.1 million euros. This corresponds to an increase of 145 percent compared to 2008, as meinbezirk.at reports.
Repayments and challenges
But not everything is going well: according to current reporting from today.at The adult education centers now have to pay back a total of 2.29 million euros to the city because funding for the “Wiener Lernhilfe” project was not used properly. The billing for 2023 is still pending, as there is no clear view of how the funds will be used. This is causing concerns not only among the city, but also among the opposition parties.
The City Audit Office (StRH) sharply criticizes the situation at the VHS. It is criticized that the obligation for comprehensive inspection by the Court of Auditors has been deleted in the new financing agreement, which significantly weakens the control options. This lack of transparency is seen as alarming by the FPÖ and the Greens, as they fulfill a central educational task.
Public and private financing
The efforts to finance further training should not least be seen in a larger context. Not only the city of Vienna is responsible, but also the public sector, the economy and various social groups, as in a report by Eurydice is presented. These all contribute to the financing of the education system.
Overall, the largest part of the financing of further training comes from public funds, which are made available for municipal adult education centers and cultural further training. Individual funding and subsidies are also distributed to ensure broad access to further training. In 2023, a significant part of the funds already came from participation fees, which underlines the need for clear and transparent use of funds.
The StRH urgently recommends reconsidering the payment modalities for funding over 50,000 euros so that in future these will be paid out in installments and the final installment will only be paid after a needs analysis has been submitted. A consulting firm has already been hired to identify reform and savings potential, and initial savings of over 5 million euros are in sight for 2024 and 2025.
The current developments surrounding Vienna's adult education centers are a clear indicator that, despite increased financial resources, there is a need for action in terms of structure and control. Politicians will be required not to lose sight of the educational mission in the future.