Fachhochschule and Pädagogische Hochschule in Austria: What to Know in 2026

Austria offers higher-education options beyond traditional universities. Fachhochschulen (FH), also known by the newer name Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW), provide practice-oriented programmes, while Pädagogische Hochschulen (PH) are also part of the higher-education system.

Fachhochschule or university?

Fachhochschulstudiengänge were established as an independent alternative to university programmes. Their main features include:

• profession-related, practice-oriented education at higher-education level;
• a fixed study period with attendance requirements;
• a limited number of students for each programme and year group;
• an akademischer Grad awarded to graduates.

FH students have the same legal status as university students. Studienförderung and support for studies abroad also apply to FH students.

Approximately 50 percent of programmes can be completed while working (berufsbegleitend), rather than only as a full-time programme (Vollzeitstudium).

How long do the programmes take?

• Bachelor: six semesters
• Master: usually four semesters

A compulsory professional placement (Berufspraktikum) must be completed during the Bachelor programme.

Who can apply?

FH programmes are open to anyone who meets the professional requirements.

Admission to a Bachelor programme

Applicants need an allgemeine Universitätsreife or a suitable professional qualification. In the latter case, additional examinations (Zusatzprüfungen) are usually required.

The following can qualify as allgemeine Universitätsreife:

• an Austrian school-leaving certificate (Reifeprüfungszeugnis), including the Berufsreifeprüfung certificate;
• another Austrian certificate granting study eligibility for a particular subject group at a university, Pädagogische Hochschule or FH;
• a foreign certificate recognised as equivalent under an international agreement, through nostrification (Nostrifizierung) or by an individual decision of the head of the relevant programme;
• a diploma from at least a three-year programme at a recognised domestic or foreign higher-education institution.

The FH itself can confirm which professional qualifications are accepted and which additional examinations are required. In many cases, these additional examinations correspond to the Studienberechtigungsprüfung.

Admission to a Master programme

Applicants need an FH Bachelor qualification in the relevant field or an equivalent qualification from a recognised domestic or foreign higher-education institution.

How does the admission process work?

Meeting the formal requirements is not enough: every applicant must also take part in an admission procedure (Aufnahmeverfahren). The exact process varies by programme, but usually includes:

1. a written application describing the applicant’s personality, background and motivation;
2. a written test and presentation assessing analytical and logical thinking;
3. often, an admission interview.

The FH publishes the selection criteria and required materials in advance. These may include a ranking test (Reihungstest), portfolio (Werkmappe), interview or group discussion. Many FHs also offer informal trial tests, for example at career fairs. If an application is unsuccessful, it is generally possible to try again later.

How do the programmes end?

Bachelor

Students must write one or more Bachelor theses (Bachelorarbeit). The final examination is a comprehensive examination before a professional committee (Prüfungssenat). It includes a discussion of the theses and their links to the curriculum. The qualification is “Bachelor …”, followed by the relevant field.

Master

Students need a positively assessed Master thesis (Masterarbeit) and a final examination before a committee. The examination includes presenting the thesis, discussing its links to the curriculum and discussing further curriculum content. The qualification is “Master …”.

An FH Master qualification allows graduates to apply for a doctoral programme at a university in the relevant field.

Where are the Fachhochschulen located?

Austria currently has 21 Fachhochschulen, distributed among the federal provinces as follows:

• Vienna: FH des BFI Wien, FH Technikum Wien, FH Campus Wien, FH Wien der WKW, Lauder Business School
• Lower Austria: FH Wiener Neustadt, FH St. Pölten, IMC Krems, Ferdinand Porsche FernFH, FH für angewandte Militärwissenschaften
• Upper Austria: FH Oberösterreich, FH Gesundheitsberufe OÖ
• Styria: CAMPUS 02, FH Joanneum
• Tyrol: FH Kufstein, MCI Innsbruck, FHG Zentrum für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol
• Salzburg: FH Salzburg
• Carinthia: FH Kärnten
• Vorarlberg: FH Vorarlberg
• Burgenland: Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Burgenland (Eisenstadt, Pinkafeld)

Where are the Pädagogische Hochschulen located?

A Pädagogische Hochschule operates in every federal province: Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria, Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia and Vorarlberg.

There are also private PHs in Graz, Linz, Vienna/Krems and Stams, as well as the Vienna-based Hochschule für Agrar- und Umweltpädagogik.

Both types of institution have student representation (ÖH-Vertretung). Contact details are available on oesterreich.gv.at.

Reporting duties during your studies

If your correspondence address or permanent address changes, you must notify the FH office. The same applies if your name changes. Notification can be made in person with your student ID, in writing or online.

A written request must include your student number (Matrikelnummer) and a copy of the inside page of your student ID. Anyone receiving study support (Studienbeihilfe) must also report the change to the Studienbeihilfenbehörde.

Frequently asked questions

Do FH students receive the same support as university students?

Yes. Study support and support for studies abroad also apply to FH students.

Can I apply with a foreign school-leaving certificate?

Yes, if the certificate is considered equivalent to the Austrian certificate under an international agreement, through nostrification or by an individual decision of the head of the programme.

Can I work while studying at an FH?

Approximately 50 percent of programmes are available in a format that can be completed while working.

What happens if I am not admitted?

You can generally try to apply again later.

Practical steps before applying

1. Choose a Fachhochschule, Pädagogische Hochschule or programme and check its specific admission requirements.
2. Confirm whether your school-leaving certificate or previous qualification is recognised and whether Zusatzprüfungen are required.
3. Check the programme format, attendance requirements, duration and whether it is berufsbegleitend.
4. Prepare the required application documents, motivation materials and any Werkmappe or other portfolio.
5. Review the published Aufnahmeverfahren and practise for possible tests, presentations, interviews or group discussions.
6. After enrolment, report any address or name change to the institution and, if applicable, to the Studienbeihilfenbehörde.

This information is based on sources available online and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own responsibility. For specialised advice, contact an appropriate professional. Source: oesterreich.gv.at