Friday, 17 April 2026

Higher Education Strategy 2040: Austria’s universities on course for the future

In a grand hall with a red carpet, two people are sitting on high stools at bar tables on a small stage. Behind them stands a large white statue in an ornately decorated niche. To the left and right of the stage are roll-up banners from **the University of Graz** featuring the yellow circle and the slogan **“We work for tomorrow”**. In the foreground, several members of the audience are seated on chairs, watching the event, which resembles a lecture or a panel discussion. ©Uni Graz/Angele

University researcher Martin Unger in conversation with presenter Alice Senarclens De Grancy. Photo: University of Graz/Vilgut

Austria has 77 higher education institutions, which is above the EU average – but does this really make sense? The new Higher Education Strategy 2040 focuses on cooperation rather than mergers. As one of the six largest universities in Austria, the University of Graz plays a central role in this.

Austria’s higher education landscape has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Whereas in the early 1990s there were only public universities, students can now choose from 77 higher education institutions: 23 state universities, 19 private universities, 21 universities of applied sciences and 14 teacher training colleges.

The government has now launched the Higher Education Strategy 2040. In eight working groups, representatives from the higher education institutions are collaborating with external experts on visions and goals to make Austria’s higher education sector fit for the future. “The aim is to develop the strengths of individual institutions in a targeted manner and reduce duplication,” explained Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz, at the Uni.Talk information event on 16 April 2026 in the University of Graz auditorium.

As an expert, higher education researcher Martin Unger is part of a working group. He specialises in international education systems and explained in a keynote speech where Austria stands in international comparison. The figures clearly show that Austria offers many opportunities for higher education. “In terms of population, we have 8.2 higher education institutions per million inhabitants,” explained Unger. This puts Austria above the EU average of 7.9 institutions per million and significantly above countries such as Germany, Switzerland or Sweden.

And a look at student numbers reveals something else: half of all full-time students are spread across just six universities, with the University of Graz being one of them. Taking all legal forms into account, 80 per cent of all students are enrolled at just 20 higher education institutions. “We have a great many programmes, some of which are highly specialised, and these are funded in very different ways,” said Unger during his presentation. However, Unger does not see the greatest opportunity for Austria’s higher education institutions in mergers, but rather in stronger cooperation. And the Styrian Higher Education Area serves as a clear model in this regard.

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