On the occasion of the press conference "Zukunftsoffensive MINT-Fachkräfte", the University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) once again points out the pending expansion of Austrian universities of applied sciences. "1,000 new study places spread over three years have already been approved according to the current UAS development and financing plan," says FHK President Raimund Ribitsch, "but doubts are spreading in the sector as to whether the first additional 330 students can be accepted in the 2020/21 academic year as planned."

Applying for new degree programmes involves a certain lead time. On the one hand, the market has to be analysed and high-quality curricula have to be designed with the involvement of experts in the respective professional field. On the other hand, the official approval process also takes several months. In addition, time must be allowed to publicise the new degree programmes and advertise them to prospective students. One thing is clear: the sooner the funding is in place, the sooner this process can be started. FHK President Ribitsch: "The economy currently has to wait far too long for graduates, especially in the urgently needed STEM fields. The universities of applied sciences would be prepared to react more quickly here, but are unable to fully utilise their potential due to a lack of funding commitments."

Enquiry note:

Kurt Koleznik,

Secretary General FHK;

Tel.: 0664/42 44 294