Energy costs and salaries are eating up the reserves of the Viennese colleges. They could close as early as 2023.
With five colleges, Vienna is Austria’s most important college location. More than 16,000 students, more than 30 percent of all students at Austrian colleges, currently complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree at one of the five institutions in Vienna: FH des BFI, FH Campus Wien, Lauder Business School, FH Technikum Wien and FH Wien the WKW. A success story that could come to an abrupt end.
The technical colleges are missing 22 million euros
The universities of applied sciences no longer have any money. Gabriele Költringer of the Hogeschool Technikum Wien, who also speaks on behalf of the other institutions: “The current cost increases in energy and personnel hit us hard.” The situation is dramatic: “Optimization potential is exhausted, reserves barely exist. If subsidy rates are not adjusted quickly and sustainably, it will become pitch dark. In the worst case, there will be closures in the autumn of 2023,” says Költringer.
Business Location Hazard
And the problems are homemade. Federal funding per college seat has lost 36 percent of its value since 1993, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). The financial gap is 22 million euros – peanuts compared to the corona aid in the billions. And the price increases are not only a threat to Vienna as an educational location. Without the approximately 1,000 skilled workers who graduate from Viennese colleges every year, the location of the business is also at risk.
Students demand more help
There is also support from the students. University students, union youth and Fridays for Future are demanding more support for pupils, students and families, as well as living expenses compensation for all public educational institutions. “Universities are facing a catastrophe,” said those responsible.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
