Vienna (OTS) - At the last board meeting of the Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK), Science Minister Faßmann and President Ribitsch emphasised that the establishment and development of the Austrian university of applied sciences sector is a success story that must be continued in the coming years: this is why Austrian universities of applied sciences need to be strengthened, cooperation with business and industry needs to be even more intensive and, last but not least, sustainable funding is required.

The role of universities of applied sciences has changed since they were founded in 1994: Starting with 10 degree programmes and just under 700 students, the UAS sector has developed in figures to 450 degree programmes, over 51,500 students, just under 130,000 graduates, just under 20,000 employees in the 2017/18 academic year at universities of applied sciences. But it is not only the fact that there are 3 applicants for every UAS study place that reflects the high demand for UAS study places. Universities of applied sciences have now established themselves as one of the main pillars for securing Austria as a centre of business and industry. Especially in times of high demand for university graduates in the field of information and communication technology, it is essential to strengthen the universities of applied sciences.

"The joint exchange between the FHK and Federal Minister Faßmann was extremely pleasing and valuable. The meeting clearly emphasised the strengthening and positive further development of the UAS sector. It was agreed that concrete steps must now be taken quickly, which must be reflected in the next federal financial framework and in the development and financing plan for universities of applied sciences. The FHK is calling for an overall package for the qualitative and quantitative further development of the universities of applied sciences, which have established themselves as important higher education partners in the regions. Expressed in concrete measures, this means valorisation of the funding rates for study places by 5% to ensure the quality of teaching and subsequently a further expansion of study places as well as funds for continuous research funding to promote the transfer of innovation to the economy, which will drive the development of new products and services," states FHK President Ribitsch.

"We must now set the course and press ahead with the expansion of university of applied sciences study places. A recommendation that the OECD also urgently recommends," states Faßmann. And there are many good arguments in favour of this. "Above all, qualification at university level with a strong practical focus is essential for the Austrian economic and innovation system. Universities of Applied Sciences in particular show their strengths in the flexibility of the courses they offer by proactively incorporating current and future challenges facing society, such as the cross-cutting topics of digitalisation and Industry 4.0, into their curricula." In terms of graduation rates, the UAS sector also has by far the highest graduation rate of all higher education sectors: With a share of 15% of the total number of students, the UAS sector has over 30% of all degrees. Faßmann is convinced that "we should utilise this potential and create the political framework conditions for universities of applied sciences that will enable this quantitative and qualitative development".
Federal Minister Faßmann and President Ribitsch not only agree on the matter, but also on the approach: The UAS sector can only continue to make this essential contribution to securing Austria as a centre of business and science with a joint alliance that guarantees both sufficient funding for new UAS study places and a basis for high-quality further development of the range of courses on offer. "This requires a wise foresight, a commitment to sufficient funding and finally the courage to invest in the overall system - the return on investment for our society will prove all this right in the near future," is the final appeal - from Faßmann to business and from Ribitsch to politics.