Temporary suspension of compulsory education

When can compulsory education be suspended for a fixed term?

According to the Compulsory Education Act (Section 7), a person subject to compulsory education may apply for a temporary suspension on the following grounds:

• A long-term illness or disability that prevents the completion of compulsory education.
• Receipt of maternity or parental allowance in accordance with the Health Insurance Act.
• A temporary stay abroad lasting at least one month, provided that the pupil participates in education equivalent to compulsory education during the stay or is otherwise deemed to be completing their compulsory education abroad.
• Other compelling reasons related to the person’s life situation that prevent the completion of compulsory education.

Suspension until further notice

A person subject to compulsory education has the right to apply for a suspension until further notice of their studies if the illness or disability serving as the grounds for suspension is permanent. In such cases, the education provider must inform the pupil and their guardian before the decision is made that an indefinite suspension will result in the pupil being considered withdrawn.

Assessments prior to the decision

Before a decision on suspension is made, it must be assessed whether the completion of compulsory education can be secured by other means. Options to be evaluated may include, for example:

• individual choices and the individualisation of studies
• necessary support measures
• reasonable adjustments to teaching

A decision to suspend is only made once these possibilities have been explored and the completion of compulsory education remains impossible despite them.

Who makes the decision?

• If the pupil is enrolled with a single education provider, the decision on suspension is made by the education provider.
• If the pupil is not enrolled with any education provider, the decision is made by the pupil’s municipality of residence.

In cases of suspension until further notice, the education provider must report the pupil’s identification and contact details to the municipality of residence.

Contact Information