University Dialogue highlights Upper Austria’s strengths as a location for education and research

The “Upper Austrian University Dialogue” is a format through which universities and higher education institutions in the region collaborate—both at the leadership level and in university communications—to jointly highlight the strengths of Upper Austria as a location for education and research, and to promote it to potential students, ranging from school graduates to doctoral candidates.

During a joint press conference with leaders of other universities and higher education institutions, as well as Markus Achleitner, Regional Minister for Economic Affairs and Research, FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Rabl MBA (TUM), President of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FH Upper Austria), also affirmed his commitment to a joint international presence.

To support this initiative, the location agency “Business Upper Austria,” which coordinates the format, presented a new exhibition booth for appearances at international education fairs.

FH Upper Austria provides international professionals for Austria’s economy

As a practice-oriented university, FH Upper Austria is a key partner for companies and institutions when it comes to providing both a pool of skilled professionals and expertise from applied research. In terms of internationalizing education, FH Upper Austria aims to attract motivated international students and integrate them into the Upper Austrian labor market. Targeted measures for this are anchored in the new “Strategy 2040.”

“For demographic reasons alone, it is important for us to increasingly admit international students to our degree programs. However, quality still takes precedence over quantity, as our goal is always to develop every international student into a qualified academic professional for the region”, emphasizes University President FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Rabl MBA (TUM).

Highlighting Upper Austria’s attractiveness

By joining forces—all Upper Austrian higher education institutions working together—the impact is much stronger, which is why they are committed to the “Upper Austrian University Dialogue.” “International students are not only interested in their studies. They want to come to a region where life is vibrant and a broad academic community awaits them. Together with other universities and colleges, we represent this diversity and recommend ourselves as a place to live—during and after their studies”, Rabl continues.

FH Upper Austria itself offers seminars on integration and intercultural competence, promotes joint student activities, and has integrated mandatory German language modules into its English-language degree programs.

“Ready4UpperAustria”

Internally, FH Upper Austria is introducing a coordinated portfolio of English-language bachelor’s degree programs under the “Ready4UpperAustria” model. This model systematically prepares international students for a successful academic career and integration into the Upper Austrian labor market.

A Student Support Center is also being planned, which will support study organization, wellbeing & mental health, and career planning.

The latest official figures from the 2024/25 academic year show that FH Upper Austria has a total of 944 international students. Germany leads with just over 200 students, followed by a group of countries with around 30 to 40 students each, including Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, India, and Croatia.