Vienna - The current Student Social Survey 2023 confirms it once again: Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)/Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) offer students in Austria a clear perspective and structured study programmes that enable high success rates and a quick entry into the world of work.

Shorter study duration and high success rate
With a success rate of up to 79 % and shorter study periods, universities of applied sciences clearly demonstrate how an efficient and clearly structured education can succeed. At universities of applied sciences, most students complete their studies within the standard period of study or with only minor delays. "This high success rate is no coincidence, but the result of a targeted and optimal study organisation for the students as well as practical content," emphasises FHK President Ulrike Prommer.

Low cancellation rate thanks to clear structure
 At around 20 %, the drop-out rate at UASs is significantly lower than at universities, where around 36 % of Bachelor's students do not complete their studies. The clear structure of the degree programmes with fixed timetables and clearly structured modules offers students orientation and facilitates graduation. 

Practical orientation as a bridge to a career
 A particular advantage of universities of applied sciences lies in their close links with the professional world: from the outset, the degree programmes are aimed at clearly defined professional fields and yet their content is designed to ensure broad applicability in everyday working life. They integrate practice and theory into a professionally relevant curriculum. This labour market orientation is also reflected in the level of information provided by students. UAS students stated with above-average frequency that they felt confident about their career prospects and labour market opportunities before starting their studies. "Universities of Applied Sciences offer an education with a future and are therefore an engine for the economic development of our country," emphasises FHK President Prommer.

Part-time study programme - flexibility for working people
Another major advantage of universities of applied sciences is the wide range of part-time degree programmes on offer. The part-time offer allows students who are dependent on it or are consciously planning to do so to organise their studies alongside a professional activity. The part-time and career-enabling degree programmes are tailored to the needs of working people and enable them to study without having to sacrifice income and work experience. "With this flexibility, universities of applied sciences offer a future-proof and practice-orientated higher education programme that is invaluable in today's working world," emphasises Kurt Koleznik, Secretary General of the FHK.

Permeability and social background
Universities of applied sciences traditionally perform better than other types of higher education institutions when it comes to permeability and social background. Part-time degree programmes in particular appeal to students with a delayed start to their studies, including many working people who wish to gain further qualifications. The proportion of students without a traditional educational qualification is also higher at universities of applied sciences. The report shows that universities of applied sciences reach students with lower educational backgrounds better, which leads to a greater social mix.

In order to continue to play such a central role in the higher education landscape, the FHK believes that the right framework conditions are also needed, which are essential for the sustainable further development of universities of applied sciences:

The UAS need new, comprehensive and reliable funding! An adequate funding model is orientated towards the overall performance of the university and covers teaching, research and knowledge transfer in equal measure. In order to maintain quality, the budget must be adjusted annually.

Externally accredited doctoral programmes at universities of applied sciences are necessary to exploit potential! Other countries have long since recognised that excellence is only possible if researchers have the best development opportunities. We must offer career prospects and ensure that our scientists are able to pursue their own fields of research in a high-quality manner.

Universities can only meet the requirements of students and the labour market with personal responsibility and flexibility! Universities of applied sciences have many years of expertise in the development and quality assurance of degree programmes. It is time to fundamentally rethink the lengthy initial accreditation of degree programmes and to place quality assurance in the hands of those who are best able to manage it: the universities themselves.