The Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) is generally pleased that the new FH development and financing plan finally provides a planning document for the FH sector. The universities of applied sciences have positive things to say about the content. "In terms of content, Minister Faßmann is absolutely going in the right direction with the UAS development and financing plan. The expansion of study places, the promotion and implementation of the cross-cutting topics of digitalisation and gender & diversity as well as the expansion of institutional cooperation and internationalisation - to name just a few points - are important issues for us. The Minister of Science has our full support here," says FHK President Raimund Ribitsch.

What is lacking, however, according to President Ribitsch, is the lack of funding: "It is impossible to implement the contents of the UAS development and funding plan as long as the Ministry of Finance does not ensure appropriate funding." Federal funding, which is used to finance study places at universities of applied sciences, has not been increased since 2016. While salaries, investments and other expenses are subject to constant inflation and therefore continue to rise, the funds that can ultimately be spent on students are decreasing.

FHK President Ribitsch: "The Ministry of Finance also needs to realise that the appropriate funding of the universities of applied sciences sector is a necessity in terms of science and education policy. The universities of applied sciences are still prepared to meet the needs of the economy for well-trained graduates. The federal government must be prepared to finance this. That is why we are once again urgently calling for an immediate increase of at least five per cent in the current funding rates."