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Study

Gruppe an Menschen in einer Besprechung
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Should I study at university?
You can answer these questions with yes, no or maybe. Which answer is correct actually depends mainly on you.

University degree necessary for a career?

The common perception is that people with a university degree have better career opportunities and earn more on average. According to a study by the OECD, this is not necessarily true for Austria: Academics in this country are just as often (or rarely) unemployed as those who have “only” completed upper secondary education (AHS, BHS or apprenticeship). Depending on the industry, the income does not differ that much when calculated over a lifetime. In many industrial professions, skilled workers earn at least as much as academics, according to a study by the Federation of Austrian Industry in Lower Austria. And they are already earning while the others are still studying. This study has calculated that someone who has studied computer science, for example, will not have caught up financially with someone who has completed an apprenticeship in systems engineering until the age of 42.

Yes, no, maybe - it's up to you

Whether the decision to go to university is a wise one is therefore very much down to you and your interests and preferences. If you enjoy or find it easy to learn, you like to get to the bottom of things theoretically and ideally you are passionate about an academic subject, then a university degree is the right choice for you. A degree is not practical vocational training, but it is a prerequisite for a number of professions, such as scientist, architect or secondary school teacher. If your dream job requires a degree, the path leads via university or a university of applied sciences (FH). Do you prefer practical work to burying your nose in books? Then it's smart to take a closer look at the more than 200 apprenticeships. Especially in times of skills shortages, this offers very good job opportunities. You can still go to university after your apprenticeship. This is made possible by a Berufsreifeprüfung or a Studienberechtigungsprüfung if you have not completed a Matura. The duration of the apprenticeship is reduced from three to two years in most professions with a school-leaving certificate. The answer is often unclear: perhaps you would like to study further and gain an academic degree, but at the same time do some practical vocational training? Find out which UAS degree programs interest you! Universities of applied sciences combine theory and practice. Or are you actually saying a clear “yes” - and just can't imagine how to finance your studies? Then don't give up, because find out about grants, scholarships, part-time income opportunities and dual study programs. Study grant authority Social brochure for students (ÖH)

Dual study in Austria

A dual study program requires a lot of hard work: you alternate between studying at a university or university of applied sciences and working in a company. So you can forget about traditional semester breaks. You have to take leave if you want time off - or have to study for exams. However, the advantages definitely outweigh this: you will already receive a salary during your studies. You will also gain professional experience, which will give you a head start when applying for jobs after graduation - or a promotion in the company where you are doing your training. Some dual study programs offer an apprenticeship qualification in the same subject in addition to a Bachelor's degree. And you can also add a Master's degree on top of the dual study program. Find out more on the dualstudieren.at platform and dual study programs in Austria.

FAQ

Not necessarily. In Austria, studies show that academics do not automatically have better opportunities on the labor market than people who have completed an apprenticeship or high school diploma. In some technical professions, skilled workers actually earn more – and earlier, because they start their careers earlier.
A degree is a good fit for you if you enjoy learning, are enthusiastic about a subject area and like theoretical work. It is also necessary if your dream job – such as teacher, architect or scientist – requires an academic degree.
Then studying at a university of applied sciences or a dual study program is a good option. Universities of applied sciences combine theory and practice, while dual study programs alternate between studying and working in a company – and even earn money at the same time.
Yes, that is possible. With a Berufsreifeprüfung or a Studienberechtigungsprüfung, you can also start studying without a Matura. If you already have a school-leaving certificate, you can complete many apprenticeships in a shorter time and then go on to study.
Don’t be discouraged. There are study grants, scholarships and opportunities to work alongside your studies. A dual study program can also be a solution because you will receive a salary. Find out about your options from the Student Aid Office or the ÖH.

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