To Do: Accreditation option for doctoral programmes

In the German-speaking world, the term "Universities of Applied Sciences" has long since established itself over "Universities of Applied Sciences", as it expresses the entire breadth of the academic teaching and research field more clearly and distinctly. This innovative and forward-looking form of higher education has long since ceased to be limited to individual "subjects", as teaching and research is now offered across a broad scientific spectrum and is valued by industry and society.

The first steps have also been taken in the context of reducing bureaucracy, as an increase or reduction in study places will no longer require approval from AQ Austria in future.

It is regrettable that the amendment has not yet been used to enable accreditation for doctoral programmes. "There are no objective reasons for this. Our research services are in greater demand than ever by the economy and society, particularly in the federal states and regions. In order to meet this demand, we need researchers more than ever who we want to train and retain through doctoral programmes. More and more European countries, above all Germany, have long since given their universities of applied sciences the opportunity to set up doctoral programmes. In Austria, we are losing more and more time when it comes to fully utilising our scientific potential. Our universities are ready, now it is up to the politicians to finally act!" says FHK President Ulrike Prommer.