#UnisRetten – future first, not cuts
Austria’s universities face budget cuts. The Federal Government decides the conditions under which the universities operate from 2028. Thereby, it sets the course for the chances of the next generation. In the face of rising personnel and operating costs, keeping the budget at its existing level would require drastic cuts.
The University of Vienna, which was ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide in 2026, has a clear objective: To maintain high quality in research, teaching and administration, and prevent long-term damage to Austria as a place of academia and studying. Now it is important to make our voices heard!
Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University, addressed 28.000 people at the #unisretten demonstration in Vienna on 27 May 2026.
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The achievements of the University of Vienna are tangible!
- Investing in universities makes a difference
The University of Vienna shows what targeted investments can achieve – the return on investment adds up. - International competitiveness needs planning certainty
To maintain the University’s strong position, a reliable budget is needed. - Efficiency and excellence must be worthwhile
The high expectations by which we are measured also need to be reflected in budget allocation.
- Investing in universities makes a difference
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Johannes HlochThe University of Vienna ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide – demonstrating excellence that has a positive impact on Austria. Each euro invested in the University of Vienna pays off double: in degrees, research and the future.
Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University of Vienna
Investing in universities makes a difference
The University of Vienna has shown what targeted investments can achieve for years. The budget increases granted to Austrian universities in recent years were tied to concrete tasks defined by the Federal Government, all of which the University has successfully implemented:
- improving student-teacher ratios by appointing new professors,
- increasing research output, especially in the STEM disciplines,
- and achieving better results in rankings.
Despite being allocated just 15 % of the federal university budget, the University of Vienna awards one in four higher education degrees in Austria. Simultaneously, the University of Vienna ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide. The return on investment adds up!
The University of Vienna was able to increase third-party funds by 75 % and EU research funds by even 170 %. This shows that: Investments in universities yield measurable results – for students, research, innovation and Austria as a business and academic location.
Sebastian Schütze: “Investing in universities today means investing in the talents and innovations of tomorrow.”
Analyse the smallest details.
And change the bigger picture.
International competitiveness needs reliable university budgets
The University of Vienna is competitive at international level and wants to maintain this status in the interests of Austria as a location for academic research, innovation and business. In the THE-Ranking the University made it into the top 100 universities worldwide, despite the fact that its budget has always been below the average compared to other top-ranking universities. International comparisons shows that top-ranking universities are allocated significantly higher budgets on average. Universities placed in the top 50 receive on average twice as much funding as universities in the top 100.
Rankings reflect how closely excellence, reputation and funding correlate. The University of Vienna’s success was not achieved by excess funding, but by consistent and strategic development, continuous efforts and efficient use of resources.
Sebastian Schütze: “International reputation develops over many years – however, it can be damaged rather quickly. If Austria wants to attract talents, research and innovation in the future, universities require a reliable framework.”
Efficiency and excellence must be worthwhile
The University of Vienna shares the objectives stated by the Federal Government: Efficiency, excellence and a responsible use of resources. These objectives must also be reflected in future funding models. These include:
- a highly performance-oriented budget share,
- clear roles and profiles within the higher education system,
- study law that promotes study progress,
- and sufficient funding for the years 2028 to 2030.
The University of Vienna has shown what targeted investments and planning certainty can achieve for years. Now, we must put the necessary prerequisites in place so that we can continue on this successful path.
Sebastian Schütze: “We are happy to be assessed by certain standards, but we also expect those standards to be taken into account when allocating the budget.”