The Neos political party has released a new higher education strategy proposing significant tuition fee increases. Under the plan, EU and EEA citizens exceeding tolerance semesters would pay 700 euros, while third-country fees would rise to 2,500 euros.
Science spokesperson Martina von Künsberg Sarre estimates these hikes would generate 100 million euros annually. The proposal also seeks to double the minimum academic requirement to 32 ECTS points, as only 21 percent of students currently finish on time.
The plan impacts Austria's 77 institutions and 3,600 programs by restricting the 'private university' title to fully private-funded entities. Additionally, the Neos recommend integrating the IT:U in Upper Austria into the Johannes Kepler University system.