(Vienna, 22 October 2026/APA) - On Thursday, thousands heeded the call from the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) and took part in a demonstration in Vienna to demand a retrospective increase in the university budget. Back in the spring, the ÖH – at that time in conjunction with the Universities’ Conference (uniko) – had organised protests in several university towns, bringing 40,000 people onto the streets. This time, the turnout was estimated at 30,000 shortly after the demonstration began.
The event began at 3 pm in front of the main building of the Vienna University of Technology (TU). In addition to students and staff from Vienna’s universities, several hundred demonstrators from the federal states were expected; furthermore, the GÖD organised travel for university staff and doctors from university towns.
According to a decision taken at the weekend, the 23 public universities will receive around 16 billion euros between 2028 and 2030 – roughly the same amount as in the current performance agreement period; uniko had demanded 18 billion euros solely to cover inflation. In response, the rectors have announced the loss of one in ten posts and warned of cuts to teaching, research and medical care at university hospitals.
The ÖH fears a deterioration in the range of courses on offer, student support and employment conditions.
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