• University of Applied Sciences Bachelor's degree programmes (3 years, 180 ECTS credits) and University of Applied Sciences Master's degree programmes (1-2 years, 60-120 ECTS credits)
• Scientifically-based vocational education and training
• A practical training semester as part of the study programme

General

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) provide scientifically-based vocational education and training with strong occupational orientation (the study programme includes one practical training semester).

They have different specialisations, predominantly in the fields of technology and engineering, economics, health sciences and social sciences.

The following types of study programmes are currently in place:

• Bachelor's degree programmes
  lead to the academic degree of "Bachelor" with the corresponding addition (e.g. of Arts, of Science). In some subjects, particularly in the field of social work and healthcare, the degree also entitles the holder to practise the relevant profession (e.g. social worker, physiotherapist).
• Master's degree programmes
  build on Bachelor's degree programmes, primarily serve to complement them academically and lead to the academic degree of "Master" with a corresponding supplement (e.g. of Arts, of Science).

The next step:

The following options, amongst others, are available to leavers after completing a programme at a University of Applied Sciences:

• immediate employment in the relevant specialist area
• following successful completion of a Bachelor's degree programme: Master's degree programme at a University of Applied Sciences or university
• following successful completion of a Master's degree programme: doctoral studies at a university
• attendance at courses for continuing and higher level qualifications
• self-employment in regulated (if necessary, with proof of practical experience and after completing a qualifying examination) and non-regulated industries or non-regulated professions

Sources

List of Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria
https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/Themen/HS-Uni/Hochschulsystem/Fachhochschulen.html

Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research - Universities of Applied Sciences
https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/Themen/HS-Uni/Hochschulsystem/Fachhochschulen.html

FHguide – Universities of Applied Sciences: The full range of programmes available
https://www.fachhochschulen.ac.at/en/

The website www.studienwahl.at/en provides an overview of the extensive range of degree programmes on offer in Austria as well as detailed information on individual degree programmes.