Underfunding and inflation cause budget emergency from 1 January 2023

The price increases, which are now occurring on an almost daily basis, are placing an ever-increasing financial burden on the universities of applied sciences. Almost all universities of applied sciences have already developed contingency plans and some have already put them into effect.

"We need an immediate increase in funding rates more urgently than ever. In addition to the lack of funds, the universities of applied sciences are particularly concerned about the uncertainty. We need clarity now on how to proceed with the funding of universities of applied sciences," appeals FHK President Ulrike Prommer.

"All the emergency measures taken by the universities of applied sciences will not be enough if the federal government does not quickly decide to increase the funding rates by 20%. Despite their best efforts, the universities of applied sciences will no longer be able to make up the financial shortfall. We absolutely need an increase in funding rates from 1 January 2023!", adds 1st Vice President Georg Pehm.

"Teaching will also inevitably suffer from the financial difficulties. We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact, but without an increase in funding rates, we won't be able to do this for much longer. It is unacceptable for students to suffer again and for another semester to be lost because we can no longer afford the energy! We need an increase in funding rates from 1 January 2023 at the latest," explains 2nd Vice President Andreas Breinbauer

The demands of the universities of applied sciences remain unchanged:

1. An increase in the funding rates per study place by 20% from 1 January 2023 at the latest
   These 20 % are based on the current inflation (personnel costs, energy costs, etc.) and a new partial valorisation of the previous cumulative losses in value.
   Without an increase in the subsidy rates to the required level, further expansion of the sector to the desired quality is no longer feasible.
2. Introduction of special funds for special tasks
   Additional tasks assigned to the UAS sector require additional funding from the ministry. In the past, the UAS sector has already been assigned a number of additional tasks that were not accompanied by additional financial resources. The tense overall financial situation makes it necessary for additional tasks to be financed additionally.