Thousands of students are expected to take to the streets of Vienna on Thursday afternoon to protest against university funding plans they say fail to account for inflation and the rising cost of living.
Police expect around 20,000 people to participate, including students travelling from other cities, particularly Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz.
Bianca Ivan, spokesperson for Austria’s national student union, told AFP that organisers expected a large turnout, including students, professors and university staff from other regions, although she did not provide a specific estimate.
The protest has also received support from the Association of Austrian Universities (Uniko) and public-sector trade unions.
Universities warn of teaching and research cuts
The protests follow an announcement over the weekend that funding for Austria’s 23 public universities will remain at €16 billion between 2028 and 2030.
University rectors estimate that at least €18 billion is needed to maintain current levels of provision.
They warn that the planned funding could lead to the loss of around one in 10 teaching positions, fewer courses and delays to research projects.
University hospitals could also be affected, with potential consequences for patient care and medical education.
For students, the impact could include fewer lectures, overcrowded seminars, longer waits for examination rooms and lower-quality academic supervision, Ivan said.
Students also fear that Austria could permanently lose its appeal as a centre for scientific research.
“Given international competition, we should be investing in good conditions for studying and research,” Ivan added.
Government defends budget cuts
Austria’s three-party coalition government, comprising conservatives, Social Democrats and liberals, has defended the need for budget cuts.
Research Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner said universities have the autonomy to decide which positions should be renewed and which “may no longer be necessary”.
The dispute centres on whether the planned funding will allow universities to maintain teaching, research and healthcare services while responding to rising costs.
Also read: France moves to ban protests after clashes
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
