Austria

Organisational autonomy: medium high

Universities can select and appoint their executive heads autonomously. The process for the dismissal of an executive head is stated in the law and the exact length of their term of office is also stated in the law. Universities must include external members in their board/council-type governing body and half of these external members are appointed by an external authority. Universities can decide on internal academic structures and create legal entities.

Financial autonomy: medium low

Universities receive a block grant as part of a three-year funding period. They control internal allocation, may keep surpluses and borrow money, as well as own buildings. Universities may not charge fees to national/EU students who complete their studies on time. An external authority sets the level of fees to non-EU students.

Academic autonomy: medium high

Student selection at Bachelor level is entirely regulated externally and based on free admission. At Master level admission criteria are co-regulated by universities and an external authority. There are some restrictions on student numbers in some subject areas which are agreed on between universities and an external authority. Universities must undergo mandatory institutional accreditation, for which they can choose the provider. Universities may design the content of their academic programmes freely and choose the language of instruction.

Staffing autonomy: medium high

Terms and conditions including salaries and dismissal procedures are regulated externally for those staff with civil servant status. Universities set salaries for private employees on the basis of collective agreements. All new recruitment is based on private employee contracts.