Vienna, [1 September 2025] - Austria's universities of applied sciences (UAS)/universities of applied sciences (UAS) are starting the new academic year 2025/26 with around 62,000 students and 17,000 graduates per year.

More than half of the students are women (54.9 %), with more women than men already studying in the natural sciences and economics in particular. Particularly pleasing is the high graduation rate and the fact that students complete their studies within the specified period of study. The large proportion of degree programmes that are organised in such a way as to enable students to pursue a career is particularly beneficial for working students. A degree guarantees high starting salaries and excellent job opportunities, as UASs have the lowest unemployment rate among graduates.

As a result of the entrepreneurial focus in teaching, graduates are already instilled with an entrepreneurial spirit. Around 70 start-ups and spin-offs are created every year, fuelled by an active start-up culture and supported by optimal framework conditions at the UASs.

With 139 degree programmes taught entirely in English, the UASs strengthen Austria's visibility and attractiveness as an international science location.

Around 6,000 students a year gain important experience abroad - a decisive factor for international networking and competitiveness. There are also numerous internships that students complete abroad.

Clear mandate for politicians: improve framework conditions

For over 30 years, UASs have been shaping the educational landscape, setting standards in practice-oriented teaching and conducting highly relevant application-oriented research. In order for this success to continue, three clear steps need to be taken by politicians:

• Valorisation of federal fundingOnly by continuously adjusting funding to inflation can universities of applied sciences safeguard the high quality of their teaching and research. Valorisation of federal funding not only strengthens education, but also secures research in the long term.
• Independent doctoral programmesIn order to strengthen international competitiveness and expand career paths in the academic system, the possibility of independent doctoral programmes at UASs is needed.
• De-bureaucratisationBoth the accreditation of study programmes and the funding of study places require leaner procedures and more flexibility in order to be able to react efficiently and quickly to new requirements.

"It is high time to send out clear signals, especially at the start of the semester. The UASs have submitted their proposals - now politicians must act quickly to ensure the success of the sector for the coming decades," emphasises Ulrike Prommer, President of the UAS Conference.

"We find ourselves in challenging and dynamic times, characterised by profound changes. Right now, we need to utilise the UAS/HAW lever more than ever before. There are only small adjustments to be made, but they have a big impact - and that's exactly where we need to start," concludes Kurt Koleznik, Secretary General of the FHK.