With the votes of the government parties ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS as well as the Greens, the National Councilor today a Novella of the University and Education Documentation Act. This provides for temporary relief for recruiting scientists: inside the USA, simplifications for cross -state study programs and the basis for creating an Austrian digital student ID card. Minister of Science and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner emphasized the importance of freedom of science and research for a society. In addition to the government’s political groups, positive signals to the novella also came from the Greens. The freedom, on the other hand, doubted that the amendment would give a “big run” and asked to check exactly who would like to come to Austria.
In addition, the political groups unanimously supported an application that Folk request “ORF household levy no” to undergo a first reading.
Digital student ID from summer semester 2026
In addition to simplifications for cross -state study programs, exemptions are created in the University Act to facilitate the employment of researchers: inside from the USA at Austrian universities in the face of current developments. In the period 1 July 2025 to September 30, 2026, exceptions to the obligation to tender when the employment contracts are concluded, if they are members of the scientific and artistic staff, the focus of which was the research and teaching activity in the USA in the USA. So it is not just US citizens: inside, but also researchers from Austria who are currently working in the United States.
In addition, extensive changes to the Education Documentation Act aim at the further development of the digital data network of universities and universities. This concerns data exchange and the creation of a student register. This also takes steps for the creation of an Austria -wide digital student ID card. Due to the complex data management, a longer lead time and a prospect of the amendment to the University Act are needed, so that the digital student ID should be available from the 2026 summer semester.
Holzleitner: “Choose Europe for Science”
Science and research must be free and remain free, emphasized the Federal Minister of Women, Science and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner. Only if these are actually free can a society develop and a country progress. The expansion of opportunity hiring enables universities to hand the hand in the direction of researchers: inside the USA. There there are “dramatic developments” with cuts into freedom of science. Every state that makes such incisions will sooner or later be presented to a “horrendous invoice”, she was convinced. This is “short -sighted, narrow -minded and democratic danger of democracy”. The message is sent out with the novella: “Choose Europe for Science”. In addition to the digital student ID, the minister also described the exhibition of final documents in English as a further significant measure of the amendment.
FPO doubts about the success of the novella
Gerhard Deheimek (FPÖ) doubted whether the “big run” would be given by this novella. He demanded not only the chances, but also the risks by the novella. It is important to ensure which people are brought to Austria. So the “quota of anti -Semites” had to be zero, you don’t want to do it in Austria, emphasized Deheimek. On the other hand, he saw needs for scientists: inside from the MINT area and at doctors: inside.
ÖVP emphasizes simplifications through new student ID card
Rudolf Taschner (ÖVP) welcomed the digital student card as a simplification of bureaucracy. However, he did not have “too much hopes” in terms of opportunity hiring. However, it is important to improve this possibility, he emphasized and also advocated this “good initiative”.
Thomas Elian (ÖVP) also supported the digital student ID and spoke of a “clever and moderate” investment in the educational location.
SPÖ: Secure freedom of science and research
Anyone who limits scientific freedom will take the future to people, said Petra Oberrauner (SPÖ). The amendment is a signal that Austria stands for scientific freedom and international cooperation.
Henry Himmer (SPÖ) also emphasized that standing for freedom in research and teaching is anchored in the federal constitution. The amendment is therefore a “signal per science, research and freedom”. After the cuts in research and teaching in the United States, Austria could be a “safe haven” for researchers and teachers.
Wolfgang Moitzi (SPÖ) described the novella as an important initiative to bring the “best minds” to Europe. In addition, he emphasized that the Austrian university was involved in the law on the law from the start.
The amendment should only be the beginning, said Peter Manfred Harrer (SPÖ). If education is to be accessible to everyone, it also needs improvements for cheap living space for students, fair study conditions, mental care and social security, he demanded.
NEOS: Commitment to the freedom of science
With the decision, a commitment to the freedom of science is given, said Martina von Künsberg Sarre (Neos). Research and science should be able to work freely with the appropriate support, she said. It is therefore the task of the Federal Government to give universities and universities of applied sciences the best framework conditions so that excellent services are possible.
With the amendment, the student ID card is brought into the 21st century and the everyday student life is facilitated, said Ines Holzegger (Neos). Digitization is the basis for making universities and universities of applied sciences internationally more competitive and modern.
Greens: Novele good, but integrated from the affected person insufficient
Süleyman Zorba (Greens) also supported the novella, which in his opinion makes important processes for the administration and students more efficient. He expressed criticism of the short assessment phase and the insufficient involvement of the students. (Continued National Council) PST/FAN
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