Strong Student Demand and New Programs Mark the Start of the Academic Year at the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences

With new degree programs and strong overall demand for study places, the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences is starting the new academic year on a positive note. Particularly encouraging is the growing interest in STEM programs. Around 500 new international students further highlight the university’s increasing global appeal. At the same time, the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences is preparing for its new brand identity as UAP University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, which will take effect in mid-January 2027, and is bringing key digital services together in the new “myUAP” app for students.

Among the university’s 71 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, two innovative additions stand out: the technical program Human Enhancement Engineering and Ethics in Linz, offered as a part-time bachelor’s degree in German, and the English-taught full-time master’s program Digital Energy Solutions, offered jointly with Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) at the Hagenberg and Wels campuses.

Revised Bachelor’s Degree Portfolio in Engineering
In addition, the university has responded to requests from industry and prospective students for a broader foundational education and greater flexibility within engineering bachelor’s programs. Through the consolidation of existing degree programs, two new programs have been created:

Engineering Science, with specializations in Automation Engineering, Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering & Lightweight Design, with specializations in Lightweight Design & Composite Materials, Materials Science & Manufacturing Technology and Industrial Engineering.

These new program structures provide students with a broader academic foundation before allowing them to specialize according to their interests and career goals.

„Great Place to Study“
Guided by the principle of “Great Place to Study,” the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences continues to invest in attractive learning and social spaces. New study areas across all schools, along with modern student centers, provide an optimal environment for academic success. In addition, the university is developing AI-supported services to offer students more personalized support throughout their studies.

Further priorities include expanding the Startup Center, supporting student entrepreneurship, and advancing sustainability initiatives, including the installation of additional photovoltaic systems across university campuses.

“We aim to provide our students with a modern, personal, and inspiring study environment that allows them to focus fully on their academic journey and future careers. Around 500 new international students demonstrate that our degree programs are highly attractive far beyond Austria’s borders. At the same time, our leading position in applied research forms the foundation for practice-oriented, research-led teaching and gives our students the opportunity to contribute to pioneering projects at an early stage,” emphasizes University President FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Rabl, MBA.

„myUAP“ – The Digital Cockpit for Student Life
Anyone who has ever wished for a single access point instead of managing multiple portals and logins will see that wish become reality this semester. The new app, “myUAP,” brings everything together in one modern and user-friendly platform, whether it is timetables, grades, or campus services. "myUAP" already reflects the university’s future name, UAP University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, which will officially take effect in January 2027.

“myUAP is the digital hub for student life at the future UAP, putting everything students need right at their fingertips. The app simplifies day-to-day university life and supports students throughout their journey, from enrollment to graduation,” says MMag. Isolde Perndl, Managing Director for Finance and Operations at the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences.

Attracting Top Talent Worldwide as UAP
Preparations are already well underway: beginning in mid-January 2027, the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences will operate under its new brand, UAP University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. The new name is both a visible symbol and a clear commitment to the university’s international orientation.

As the demand for highly qualified professionals continues to grow, local talent alone will not be sufficient to meet the needs of industry. Attracting more international students and encouraging them to build their careers in Upper Austria after graduation is therefore a key priority.

The university is making strong progress in this regard. International students accounted for 15 percent of the student body in the 2021/22 academic year, and this share has increased steadily each year, reaching a record 21 percent in the 2025/26 academic year.

This growing international appeal underscores the university’s position as an attractive destination for students from around the world and supports its ambition to strengthen Upper Austria’s role as a hub for innovation, research, and skilled talent.

“For us, the goal is not to attract as many students as possible to Upper Austria, but to attract the right ones,” says FH-Prof. Dr. Stefan Sunzenauer, who is responsible for the university’s international programs. “In addition to academic potential, we look for a willingness to learn German, integrate successfully, and contribute their expertise to the regional economy over the long term after graduation. Through our International Foundation Programme, we have had very positive experiences with early German-language preparation before students begin their studies, supported by the online platform "Berlitz On Demand". This has proven to be an effective screening mechanism and makes integration into life in Upper Austria considerably easier.”

The model will be expanded next year to additional degree programs following the “Ready4Upper Austria” approach.