Quick implementation of important reform projects now until the new elections in October

The FHK congratulates the newly appointed Minister of Science and Economics, Dr Harald Mahrer, and hopes for constructive cooperation in the remaining time until the National Council elections in October. "Harald Mahrer is taking on a position of responsibility in difficult times for domestic politics," says Helmut Holzinger, President of the FHK. "This is precisely why it is important to get the reform plans for the further development of the Austrian higher education sector, which are already well advanced, over the finishing line in time for the elections in October and to consistently continue the "Future University" process," says Holzinger.

In any case, the FHK sees the release of the funds from the banking billion already announced in 2016 as a key item on the agenda. "It is time for the government's announcements to be followed by action and for the promised 100 million euros from the banking billion to be made available to finance additional university of applied sciences study places," emphasises Holzinger. The FHK also emphasises the need to coordinate the range of courses on offer. "It must now be clarified quickly which degree programmes can be sensibly taken over by the universities of applied sciences and which should remain with the public universities," concludes Holzinger.