
General information about the ÖPUK
Private universities are the third pillar of the tertiary education system in Austria and, at the same time, the sector of higher education with the fastest growth rates in Austria. With growth rates between 5% and 11%, almost 15 000 students and more than 200 degree programmes at 16 private universities, the sector boasts increasing demand. Private universities contribute significantly to the Austrian export of education with 39% of students being international students (as compared to 27% at public universities and 16% at universities of applied sciences). Moreover, the number of students registered at private universities has increased by 50% within the last five years.