# Austria to Create New Academic Secondary Schools October 27, 2026 at 05:28 PM > Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr announces a bill to formalize a program allowing students to earn university credits early. Education Minister **Christoph Wiederkehr** (**NEOS**) announced that a bill for a new special form of academic secondary school is currently under review. This follows the success of the 'Students at University' pilot project launched in 2000 at **Salzburg University**. The program allows students to take exams before their final school leaving certificate, which are credited toward future degrees. Participation rose from 58 students in 2019/20 to 170 in 2025/26, with the number of partner institutions doubling from 19 to 38. This expansion includes universities, private colleges, and vocational schools. Computer science and natural sciences lead enrollment with 25 students each. Currently, Salzburg University hosts 28 students, followed by 22 in **Vienna** and 20 at **WU Vienna**. [#Education]() [#Austria]() #StudentsAtUniversity #AcademicSuccess #HigherEd ## Related news ## [Vienna Reports 98 School Headscarf Ban Violations]() October 23, 2026 at 12:09 PM ## [One in Five Austrian Teachers on Fixed-Term Deals]() October 11, 2026 at 12:59 PM ## [Austria to Launch Fast-Track AHS for Gifted Pupils]() October 11, 2026 at 11:43 AM ## [Austria School Headscarf Ban Leads to 87 Reports]() October 9, 2026 at 09:45 AM ## [Austria Reports Rise in Non-German Speaking Pupils]() October 8, 2026 at 08:25 AM