Story of Success – The University of Applied Sciences

Ground-breaking. With the resolution of the Austrian Federal Government to establish the University of Applied Sciences educational sector in the year 1990, the story of success of UASs took its course.
High aims. The goals were the diversification of higher education, the increase in the capability to innovate in the educational system, and the harmonisation with other EU countries.

Trend recognised. On 1 October 1993 the University of Applied Sciences law (Fachhochschul-Studiengesetz) went into power and sparked a boom of start-ups that was not to be expected. Currently 32,000 students are studying at Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences – and the number is growing – not to mention the 30,000 students who have already completed studies at a UAS.
Austria-wide. From the original ten degree programmes from the starting year 1994/95, there are now 260 at locations all over Austria.
Bologna Process. 167 Bachelor’s and 89 Master’s degree programmes are testimony to the harmonisation of UASs with the EU countries, which has already progressed to a wide degree.

Advantages. The advantage of the standardisation of the system of education for students is obvious:
“Comparable educational programmes enable flexibility and make it easier to establish oneself in an international market. A Bachelor’s in Austria, a Master’s in France and perhaps a PhD in Spain.”

Open Europe. The times are over when graduates stood before closed doors abroad with an Austrian degree because it was not clear what their degree corresponded to. This is no longer a problem!
UASs popular. UASs regularly scored points with students in questionnaires as regards the good infrastructure, accessibility and the specialist support by instructors.