University Funding 2028–2030

The federal government has announced the key points for university funding for the 2028–2030 performance agreement period. According to the information currently available, Austrian universities are set to receive a total of approximately 15.9 billion euros.

Given rising prices and costs, this funding framework represents a real and significant decline in available funds. Additional responsibilities that are to be financed from the university budget in the future would further limit the universities’ financial leeway. Austrian universities repeatedly highlighted these risks in the run-up to the decision.

It is not yet possible to conclusively assess the specific implications this will have for WU. In any case, WU is preparing for various scenarios. It is clear that the coming years will present universities – including WU – with significant financial challenges.

The Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) and Universities Austria have called for a joint demonstration on October 22. WU will also participate. Together with other universities, students, and staff, we will be sending a clear message calling for adequate funding to maintain Austria’s position as a hub of higher education and research.