Standing together for the future of universities – demonstrations against the planned budget cuts

The University of Klagenfurt calls for a demonstration against cuts

Dear colleagues,
dear students,
 
Austrian universities are facing substantial cuts in the forthcoming federal budget. According to the latest information, the 22 public universities are to receive a total of only EUR 15.5 billion for the period from 2028 to 2030 – around EUR 1 billion less than in the current performance agreement period. In real terms, taking inflation into account, this would amount to cuts of up to EUR 2.5 billion.
Cuts on this scale would be unprecedented and would have serious consequences for teaching, research, innovation and healthcare in Austria. Speaking on this matter, our Rector has said: “We will use every means at our disposal to stand up for fair and sustainable funding for our university and for universities in Austria. Science, research and education are not cost factors, but investments in the future of our country, in democracy, innovation and social cohesion. “Yes” to savings, but not at the one-sided expense of universities. In doing so, the government is putting not only the universities at risk, but also the future of our country, our capacity for innovation and our democratic values.”
Why we must act together now
The planned cuts pose a serious threat to the future of Austria’s higher education and research system. The consequences would be severe:

  • the loss of up to 10,000 posts at Austrian universities,
  • significantly poorer staff-student ratios in teaching,
  • longer study periods,
  • reduced research output and innovative capacity,
  • considerable disadvantages and a loss of competitiveness for Austria as a centre for business and research,
  • loss of international reputation and competitiveness.

Demonstrations and joint mobilisation
The following demonstrations will take place in order to send a strong and visible message. We hope that as many of our staff members as possible will join together to make that message clear. We expressly support participation in the demonstrations and hope that many of you will take part.
Demonstration in Vienna on Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Start: 1 p.m.
Meeting point: Ring, in front of the main building of the University of Vienna
 
Demonstration in Klagenfurt on Thursday, 28 May
Meeting point: 10 a.m. in front of the main building of the University of Klagenfurt
Please make every effort to take part in this demonstration; we need to show strength in numbers. We therefore warmly invite all staff, students and supporters to join us next Thursday in sending a clear message for the future of universities.
 
A strong university needs reliable funding. This is about the future of science, research, education and social progress in Austria.
Now is the time for us to stand together and be visible. Please take part in the demonstrations and let us stand together for the future of universities.
The University Management
Der Beitrag Standing together for the future of universities – demonstrations against the planned budget cuts erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.