While the federal government already confirmed a few weeks ago that not only will there be no cuts to the university budget for the current 2016-2018 period, but that it will even be increased by a further 615 million euros to 9.72 billion euros, the FHK has yet to receive a clear statement from politicians regarding its financial future. According to FHK President Raimund Ribitsch, the universities are delighted with the significant budget increase. However, a clear plus on the university side should not be accompanied by a minus at the universities of applied sciences. The relevant requirements of the Ministry of Finance should be seriously scrutinised.

The Austrian Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (FHK) is therefore appealing to the Ministry of Finance not to make any cuts to the funding of universities of applied sciences. The universities of applied sciences can now look back on a 25-year success story, which is largely due to the good student-teacher ratio and intensive supervision in small groups. It is precisely these USPs that are the first to be affected by a reduction in funding rates in the UAS sector. "Our appeal is now addressed directly to the Ministry of Finance, as the Minister of Science has made clear declarations of intent to maintain funding levels: Do not allow any cuts in student place-related funding that have a 1:1 impact on the quality of universities of applied sciences! It is sad that the universities of applied sciences have to fight for a comparatively low 7.8 million euros, while the universities can look forward to an increase of 1.35 billion euros in the coming years," concluded FHK President Raimund Ribitsch.

Enquiry note:
Kurt Koleznik
Secretary General
Austrian Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences
Tel.: 0664/4244294
E-mail: kurt.koleznik@fhk-alt.local