Universities of Applied Sciences waive tuition fees and call for further political support for students

During today's meeting of the Higher Education Conference, the President of the Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK), Ulrike Prommer, signed the Higher Education Conference's declaration of solidarity with Ukraine. In this context, President Prommer announced that the universities of applied sciences will exempt Ukrainian students from paying tuition fees if these cannot be raised due to the current war situation. Prommer: "In view of the current situation, it is clear to us that Ukrainian students must receive all the support they need. With this in mind, the universities of applied sciences have decided to waive tuition fees if necessary." Attempts are also being made to enable students who are unable to (return) to Austria for the start of the summer semester to participate in classes online.

At the same time, Prommer is calling for swift political support for the students. In particular, it needs to be clarified how Ukrainian students will be accommodated if they no longer have access to financial support from their home country. In addition, psychological support for Ukrainian and all other affected international students must be provided in their native language. Prommer: "The current situation is not only associated with possible financial problems for those affected, but also with immense psychological stress."