For the expansion of international mobility offerings
International mobility is the key to a connected scientific community and an open, future-oriented society. It enables enriching experiences through cultural and linguistic exchange that extend beyond the field of study. Students should therefore have low-threshold access to these opportunities and, among other things, the possibility to spend at least one semester abroad without having to accept a major organizational burden or disadvantages in their academic progress.
Study abroad opportunities for everyone
International student mobility is often restricted by bureaucratic hurdles, unclear funding conditions, and a lack of support. Without transparent rules for the free choice of destination country, uncomplicated return options, and financial assistance, many students cannot effectively plan or carry out their semester abroad. Therefore, students must be able to freely choose their destination country for a semester abroad, receive financial support and flexible recognition regulations, and benefit from a significantly reduced administrative burden.
For equal rights for international students
We are committed to promoting equal opportunities and supporting the diversity of the international student community. For us, this means low-threshold access to our universities for international students, whether for short-term stays in Austria, such as through a semester abroad, or for a longer period, such as an entire degree program. Regardless of their origin, all students should be offered the same opportunities and rights.
It is particularly important to us that students from third countries are not disadvantaged by structural or financial hurdles and that their academic achievements are recognized. Achievements completed abroad are currently unfortunately not recognized, or are recognized only through an exhausting, lengthy, and sometimes non-transparent process. We therefore advocate for a uniform and fair recognition of achievements that have been completed abroad.
International health insurance
International students are often inadequately protected against health, financial, and legal risks during their studies. Without access to health insurance, financial support, crisis plans, and clearly regulated work opportunities, they face significant disadvantages and uncertainties in exceptional situations.
Therefore, we demand that international students receive access to fair health insurance, specific scholarships, crisis protection, a legal entitlement to an extension of their residence status, and clear work opportunities in order to be able to carry out their studies safely and in a predictable manner.
For the international presence of our universities
Austrian universities, as well as the ÖH, should promote their multilingual offerings with the goal of international exchange. This not only includes more and diverse groups of people but also appropriately positions the scientific operations and the reputation of the Austrian science location internationally. By designing degree programs attractively for international students, the opportunity arises to strengthen Austrian universities in international comparison and promote innovation.
Language tolerance
International students at Austrian universities often encounter language barriers that impair their academic success. Without multilingual offerings in the academic and administrative areas, access to important information and integration are made more difficult, which hinders both equal opportunities and internationalization. Therefore, Austrian universities must offer free language courses, establish English as a second language in administration, translate study-relevant documents free of charge, and comprehensively ensure linguistic support for international access.
International mobility
International mobility and the recognition of academic achievements in Austria are often severely restricted by bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of transparency. Without clear and uniform regulations for the recognition of academic achievements, documents, and cultural differences completed abroad, student mobility is hindered and equal opportunities are prevented. Therefore, we demand that foreign academic achievements be recognized without additional examinations, exchange programs be supported through simple procedures, cultural diversity be actively promoted, and the recognition of study-relevant documents be legally binding.