Explore
Programs
Mbbs 29 May, 2024
Share
Overview of Higher Education in Austria - Academic and scientific knowledge, as well as research, are critical cornerstones of Austria's overall growth, and their potential must be sustained and enhanced in the long run.
Austria has a diverse range of higher education courses, the majority of which are offered by universities. In recent years, a substantial number of coordinating measures for the four higher education kinds in the entire HE sector have been implemented in terms of strategy, culminating in the release of a higher education plan (Hochschulplan (HoP) 2030) in early 2023. The higher education plan makes a broad structural claim for Austria's higher education system. In conjunction with the current strategic documents for the four higher education sectors, it serves as an umbrella strategy for all 76 Austrian higher education institutions.
The higher education plan intends to strengthen the higher education system's current strengths, to make better use of existing development potential, and, most importantly, to achieve long-term, collaborative development of the Austrian higher education sectors.
The Austrian Higher Education Conference ("Hochschulkonferenz") is a standing group of higher education stakeholders that works to promote cooperation in tertiary education and serves as an advisory board to the Minister of Education, Science, and Research. The Austrian Higher Education Conference addresses cross-sectoral issues such as improving tertiary sector permeability, improving the quality of teaching and learning in HE, developing profiles for HE course content, promoting non-traditional access pathways to the entire HE sector, broadening gender competences in the HE sector, and further developing the entire HE sector.
Quantitative targets for 2030: By improving the four quantitative indicators, long-term teaching quality should be increased, while more equality in teaching, research and development, and artistic exploration (Entwicklung und Erschließung der Künste (EEK) should be sought. This includes improving student-teacher ratios, increasing the number of degrees, particularly first MINT degrees, raising the amount of mobile graduates, and, most importantly, boosting the share of women in top positions in teaching, research, and EEK.
Qualitative lines of development up to 2030: Five qualitative development lines are described, with the goal of strengthening Austria as a higher education location internationally on the one hand, and creating framework conditions that allow it to respond to changing educational biographies and increase the proportion of still underrepresented student groups. Furthermore, the role of education, research, and artistic development and discovery in overcoming current societal difficulties is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on digital transformation, sustainability, and teacher preparation, as these are subjects that will shape the future.
Austria's higher education location combines three key elements: a large number of high-quality tertiary education institutions throughout all nine federal provinces, a rich academic heritage, and an open-minded environment conducive to creativity and innovation. In numerous sectors, Austrian institutions have achieved excellent results on a global scale and earned a high reputation.
Austria blends a strong legacy in higher education with cutting-edge research, offering six categories of higher education institutions:
22 Universities (of which 6 Universities of the Arts, 3 Medical Universities and 3 Technical Universities)
18 Private Universities
21 Universities of Applied Sciences
14 University Colleges of Teacher Education
More than 75 percent of students enrolled in higher education attend public colleges. Public universities include significant actors like the University of Vienna. Founded in 1365, it is the oldest and largest university in the German-speaking world, with 91,715 students in 2018. Other significant public universities are Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz, and Salzburg. There are also a number of technical, medical, and specialist universities in Vienna, such as the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and the Vienna University of Veterinary Medicine. Art universities are another type of public university.
Since its inception in 1999, private colleges have differentiated their offerings and provided diversity to the higher education sector.2 There are currently 16 private universities with around 150 programmes spanning from social sciences and economics to law, medicine, psychology, religion, art, and music. Private universities also provide PhD courses. Since 2012, private universities have received accreditation from AQ Austria, the same authority that accredits the USA.
Private universities, which currently account for around 3% of all registered students, have grown rapidly over the last five years. These universities saw the fastest growth rates, with an average rise of 9.2% in first-time students in 2017/18.
Private universities can receive public subsidies, albeit with significant limits. Private universities receive around one-third of all public financing. Private colleges have a diverse funding structure, with over 60% coming from private sources (including tuition fees) and the remaining 10% coming from competitive third-party grants. Subnational governments may offer financial assistance to private colleges, but the legislation prohibits the federal government from giving funds and subsidies.
Universities of applied sciences concentrate on vocational education and applied research. Austria enacted the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act (Fachhochschul-Studiengesetz, FHStG) in 1993. Political motivations for establishing a new professionally oriented sector of tertiary education included facilitating the diversification of higher education degree courses and bridging the gap between academic institutions and the labour market. Another goal was to make postsecondary education more accessible to underrepresented populations, such as first-generation students or those who work. Since its inception, the UAS sector has expanded in relevance and scale. Every year, UAS develops new courses to meet the huge and diversified demand for highly qualified workers in the national and international employment markets.
The Austrian Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (AQ Austria) can accredit both public and private institutions as universities of applied sciences. Regions, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and other organisations may finance providers. The Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research sponsors study spaces within UAS study programmes rather than the universities themselves.
UAS function in osmosis inside their own ecosystems, and their education courses must reflect the abilities required for respective occupational domains. UAS must undergo accreditation for each study course, as well as initial accreditation for the school itself. Once authorised, study course curricula can grow to match the trends and requirements in the relevant occupational domains of activity, based on ongoing engagement with employers.
Q.1. What is the system of higher education in Austria?
Ans: The degree requires 180 ECTS credits and typically takes six semesters to complete. After successfully completing a bachelor's degree, students might choose to further their education by pursuing a master’s degree. Master's degrees typically need four extra semesters of study.
Q.2. What is a summary of higher education in Austria.
Ans: Higher education is a valuable cultural and scientific asset that fosters human growth while also promoting economic, technical, and societal transformation. It encourages the interchange of information, research, and innovation while also providing students with the skills required to compete in ever-changing job markets.
Q.3. Is Austria suitable for higher education?
Ans: Find the ideal study degree in Austria! Austria's large number of high-quality educational institutions, strong academic heritage, and open-minded learning environment make it an obvious choice for students seeking an international education.
Q.4. What are the advantages of studying in Austria?
Ans: Austria is an ideal destination for international students seeking to improve their education. For starters, it's a bilingual country. With German, Austrian, and English as the three official languages, students will have no problem finding courses taught in either their home language or English.
