In the 25-year history of the universities of applied sciences, there have only been two adjustments to the funding rates per study place, without full compensation for the loss of value incurred to date.

Whilst recognising the need for democratic politics to provide parties with good financial resources independently of major donors, the FHK finds it incomprehensible that investments in the further development and quality of universities of applied sciences are simultaneously being put on the back burner. This is regularly accompanied by the comment that all federal funding is being scrutinised.
"Apparently, the political scrutiny has shown that funding the parties is more important than the necessary further development and maintenance of the quality of an entire higher education sector," says Raimund Ribitsch, President of the FHK.

Universities of Applied Sciences have produced around 125,000 graduates in the last 25 years. Their graduates have the lowest unemployment rate of all educational institutions. They have the most transparent and efficient funding system of all education sectors and stand for recognised, practice-oriented higher education that is in high demand by the economy. Nevertheless, they are regularly overlooked or put off when it comes to the necessary adjustment of their funding rates.

"The current development and funding plan for universities of applied sciences does not provide for an index adjustment of the financial support for study places until 2022/23. In view of the federal government's plans published today to increase party funding, this is viewed with great incomprehension in the UAS sector," concluded Ribitsch.

Enquiry note:
Kurt Koleznik
FHK Secretary General
0664/4244294
kurt.koleznik@fhk-alt.local