The Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) welcomes the success of the latest round of negotiations between the Austrian-Italian Joint Expert Commission in Rome. For the first time, Austrian university of applied sciences degrees and degrees from universities of applied sciences (HAW) were officially recognised as equivalent to university degrees in Italy as part of the so-called "exchange of grades". This was particularly important because the Italian higher education system does not recognise degrees similar to degrees from universities of applied sciences.

The negotiations centred on the academic recognition of Austrian Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UAS/UAS degree programmes - particularly in the fields of business, social sciences and technology. With the breakthrough that has now been achieved, it has been possible to overcome a differentiation that has existed for many years and was not objectively justified, thus also making the Austrian FH-HAW degree programmes even more interesting for the special group of German-speaking South Tyroleans.

FHK President Ulrike Prommer is delighted with the result achieved:
"This milestone is important for the entire Austrian UAS system. For years, the FHK has worked intensively for the international equality of UAS degrees - with the result that the quality and relevance of our degree programmes now also receive the recognition they deserve at diplomatic level. In this particular case, our thanks go to MCI Rector and FHK Executive Board member Andreas Altmann, who negotiated this issue on behalf of the Austrian universities of applied sciences."

The "Exchange of Notes", the central bilateral agreement for the mutual recognition of academic degrees between Austria and Italy, was established in 1952 and is regularly updated. The newly recognised degrees are currently undergoing the diplomatic ratification process. Their formal recognition brings considerable advantages, particularly for UAS graduates who wish to work in Italy - for example with regard to professional licences.