Universities of Applied Sciences enjoy the highest reputation among the population

The Austrian Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (FHK) commissioned a large-scale image study on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Austrian universities of applied sciences. By means of an online survey, 3,200 Austrians were asked about the general image of the education sectors and specifically about the property profiles of universities of applied sciences and universities.

Excellent image

Universities of applied sciences enjoy a very good image among the general population. The general impression among the surveyed educational institutions in Austria is best for universities of applied sciences. 69% of the respondents have a very good or good impression of universities of applied sciences, followed by universities (65%) and higher vocational schools (64%). Bringing up the rear in the ranking are new middle schools (32%) and polytechnic schools (26%).

In particular, the tighter organisation of studies, supervision and service, the practical relevance and the proximity to the economy and potential employers are perceived as strengths of universities of applied sciences.

The organisation of studies at Fachhochschulen (admission procedure, completion in a given time, limitation of study places) was found to be very or good by 86% of respondents. FH graduates rate the organisation of their studies significantly better than university graduates (94% vs. 68%). The information and general framework conditions of the degree programme are also rated very well. 66% felt very well or well informed. UAS graduates also rate this aspect much better than university graduates (82% vs. 60%).

Characteristics of Universities of Applied Sciences and Universities

Universities of applied sciences are considered modern and innovative. The surveyed characteristics profile of the two educational institutions is clearly in favour of the universities of applied sciences. About 7 out of 10 respondents (between 68% and 73%) are of the opinion that universities of applied sciences are useful, goal-oriented, offer good career prospects and are important. Universities are attributed these attributes by 53% to 66%. Furthermore, a good 6 out of 10 respondents (between 61% and 66%) ascribe to UAS the attributes contemporary, relevant to the labour market, close to business and industry, modern, efficient, practice-oriented, innovative, high reputation and solution-oriented. For universities, the shares of mentions range between 41% and 45%. In terms of openness to new things, universities tend to be rated better (63% FH vs. 69% Uni).

High satisfaction with studies

The survey also asked about various aspects of the degree programme itself. It was found that graduates of universities of applied sciences and students at universities of applied sciences are clearly more satisfied than graduates and students at universities. In terms of practical relevance (FH: 76%, Uni: 38%; very and rather satisfied), topicality of content (79% vs. 65%), technical equipment (70% vs. 41%), support and service (70% vs. 47%), commitment and support by teachers (71% vs. 55%) as well as the teaching materials available (73% vs. 60%), universities of applied sciences perform much better. In particular, the service quality and modernity of the facilities are clear strengths of the universities of applied sciences.

The general conditions of an FH degree programme bring with them the positive aspect that students largely expect to graduate in the minimum time and that there are enough places in the courses for all students. About 7 out of 10 FH students (71%) assume that they will complete their studies in the minimum time; among university students, the figure is 40%. About six out of 10 FH students (62%) consider the number of places in the courses to be sufficient (university: 51%).

The study conditions in general are rated very well by the students, although here, too, students at universities of applied sciences tend to be satisfied more often than is the case at universities.

Strong practical relevance and business proximity

A clear strength of universities of applied sciences is their practical relevance and proximity to business and the world of work. The prospects of finding a job are seen as better at universities of applied sciences than at universities. More than two thirds of FH students and FH graduates see the following advantages over universities:

Completion of studies in minimum time (FH: 72% vs. Uni: 24%)
high practical relevance (69% vs. 28%)
good reputation in the business world (67% vs. 46%)
modern and innovative (68% vs. 39%)
close cooperation with companies (63% vs. 29%)
Teaching of contemporary content (70% vs. 49%)
innovative study models for working students (62% vs. 34%)
take into account the requirements of the business world (62% vs. 33%)
strong orientation towards the economy (48% vs. 24%)

With regard to the range of fields of study and the quality of education, there are no notable differences between the two educational institutions - both rank at a very high level.

Impressive status in the education system

The significance of education at university level is undisputedly high. 84% of the population are of the opinion that Fachhochschulen have a very high or high significance in the Austrian education system. In a direct comparison between universities of applied sciences and universities, the two educational institutions are on an equal footing: 32% rate the importance of universities of applied sciences higher, just as many see universities as having a higher status, and 36% see both at the same level.

The study can be downloaded from the FHK homepage

Statements

Thomas Madritsch (FH Kufstein Tirol), Walter Draxl (FH Gesundheit) and Andreas Altmann (MCI) see themselves confirmed in their many years of work: "For 25 years, Austria's universities of applied sciences have stood for the combination of academia and practical relevance, internationality, service orientation, innovation, entrepreneurial dynamism and, last but not least, excellent career prospects for graduates. This is reflected in excellent image values and a high reputation in the economy as well as in the social and health sectors."

Günther Platter, Governor of Tyrol: "The decentralisation of university education in Tyrol is progressing and is a great concern to me personally. The universities of applied sciences in Innsbruck, Kufstein, Landeck and Lienz make a significant contribution to regional education and strengthen Tyrol as a science and business location. The universities of applied sciences enjoy a high reputation - and rightly so: because the combination of practice and theory is regarded as an excellent preparation and supplement to personal professional careers".

Bernhard Tilg, Provincial Councillor for Science: "This survey confirms the high status of the universities of applied sciences in the Tyrolean higher education landscape. The offer of scientifically based education tailored to a specific professional field is an important complement to the diverse scientific professional preparation offered by the universities."

Enquiry

Ulrike Fuchs, MCI, Tel. +43 (0)664 813 0524,
Christine Haage, FH Kufstein Tirol, Tel. +43 (0)5372 71819 168,
Claudia Potocnik, FH gesundheit, Tel. +54 (0)512 5322-76705,
Kurt Koleznik, FHK Secretary General, Tel. +43 (0)664/4244294, E-Mail
Teresa Schaup, IFES, Tel: +43 1 546 70 584,