Research Council FORWIT Demands Strategy for Students from Third Countries

Background: Growing Numbers, Declining Domestic Enrollment

FORWIT names several specific options: stronger selection, for instance in STEM subjects, possible fee models, and a better approach to admission and credit recognition problems. Henzinger stressed that Austria can indeed select among third-country nationals, even though it does not select among Austrians and EU citizens: "Wir können hier sehr wohl selektieren, auch wenn man für Österreicher und Personen aus EU-Staaten nicht selektiert."

Henzinger sees a central problem in determining the equivalence of foreign qualifications. Es sei schon kompliziert genug bei der Zulassung festzustellen, ob eine Ausbildung etwa in Vietnam maturaäquivalent sei. Added to this are credit transfers from studies begun in another country, or even nostrification of degrees.

Right to Remain and the Labor Market

The council chair is particularly critical of the lack of a right to remain after graduation. Students from third countries, unlike those from elsewhere in the EU, often cannot stay in Austria at all after completing their studies. Das heißt, wir bilden sie gratis aus und schicken sie dann wieder weg, criticized Henzinger.

Financing is also up for debate. Henzinger's exact words: "Wollen wir sie uns etwas kosten lassen oder wollen wir sie zahlen lassen?" Was jedenfalls wenig Sinn macht, ist, dass wir diese Studierenden unselektiv mit österreichischem Steuergeld subventionieren und dann nicht einmal Anreize setzen, sie am heimischen Arbeitsmarkt zu halten.

Fee Models in International Comparison

Regarding international comparisons, Henzinger pointed to models in other countries that accept large numbers of third-country students but charge high tuition fees. "Das sind inzwischen oft die Cash Cows des Systems." He added a caveat, however: "Das sei nicht unbedingt sein eigener Zugang, schränkte Henzinger ein. Aber man muss darüber nachdenken."

With its proposal, the research council primarily wants to stimulate political debate. The drafting of a comprehensive strategy should clarify what goals Austria is pursuing in admitting international students and how these can be reconciled with the needs of the labor market.