The University of Applied Sciences Salzburg looks back on three decades of practical university formation, innovative research and lived quality. Today it is not only a fixture in Austria’s educational landscape, but also an engine for the design of the future. On May 8, numerous guests of honor celebrated the 30th anniversary of the university on the Urstein campus – and the departure into a new era of learning, research and design.
Since its foundation in 1995, the University of Applied Sciences Salzburg has developed into one of the leading universities in Austria that combines practical training with interdisciplinary research. With around 3,400 students in 34 courses Today the University of Applied Sciences Salzburg offers a diverse range of education in the areas of IT, technology, economy, tourism, design, sustainability, media, health and social issues. The university always sets new standards in the future fields of digitization, sustainability and research.
“Education of the future – future of education”
“We stand for practical, research-based education at the highest level-supported by our consistent quality awareness. Regional anchoring, international orientation and professional competence make up our sustainable success,” emphasizes FH rector Dominik Engel and thus opens up the ceremony. “This anniversary is not only a milestone of our institution, but above all an appreciation of all those people who have shaped the FH Salzburg: students, employees, Cooperation partner and graduate. Your commitment and our interdisciplinary strength make us one of the most researched universities of applied sciences in Austria today. It is an opportunity to celebrate our success and at the same time take a look into the future. ”
Among the numerous guests were the representatives of the shareholders of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences: Land Salzburg, Chamber of Commerce Salzburg and Chamber of Labor in Salzburg.
Governor Wilfried Haslauer: “Since its foundation three decades ago, the University of Applied Sciences has developed into an irreplaceable player of our domestic science location. With its practical and high innovative claim that it offers students and teachers, it has become an integral part of a success story and from Salzburg.”
WK director Manfred Pammer: “The Chamber of Commerce was a strong partner in the founding and development of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences from the start. As early as 1995, when the first two university courses -telecommunications technology and systems in Itzling as well as wood technology and wood technology and wooden administrator were started in Kuchl, this would not have existed without the active support of the economy and the Chamber of Commerce in this form. The Chamber of Commerce of the former Techno-Z association and drove the expansion of the courses in the fields of economy, media and tourism. Realizing educational campus, the Chamber of Commerce assumed liability of 45 million ꞓ. The FH is indispensable for the Salzburg economy. It is estimated by companies for their practical and research -oriented training. The great interest of many companies in the graduates underlines the top training that is offered here. ”
AK director Eva Stöckl: “Education has always been very important to the Chamber of Labor. Because: Education is a central key to equality of opportunities, participation in society and social advancement. The FH makes an important contribution to more permeability in education and opens doors that were closed to many in previous years. With the merger of the college of the college and 20 years ago Formulating and developing the teaching and research. the focus of ‘Digital Social Work’ begins. The FH can look into the future for the other 30 years! “
The role of science
At the ceremony on May 8th, physicists and science publishers Florian Aigner kept a keynote on the subject: “Education instead of imagination: how we become wiser together”. He gave a look at what science is, what distinguishes it and why it is so important to us. Florian Aigner: “Science is not only the basis of our prosperity, but also the basis of our democracy. Only if we agree on common facts, only if we all recognize that scientifically proven facts cannot simply wipe off the table, we can find solutions together for difficult problems together.”
Sleearies set for the future
With a clear focus on practice -oriented education and future -oriented research, the FH Salzburg is well prepared for upcoming challenges. Dominik Engel: “We rely on stronger differentiation. Last autumn we introduced four new master’s programs. Retail and Technology. In addition, we are currently developing the bachelor’s degree Green Engineering am Department Design & Green Engineering In Kuchl. In addition, we examine the introduction of an interdisciplinary course in the field of health sciences and artificial intelligence. ”
Focus on digitization, AI and internationalization
Digitization and artificial intelligence change and learn teaching and learn – topics that the FH Salzburg actively acts. Globalization, individualization and educational justice are also central challenges of the coming years. “Our goal remains to offer students the best prerequisites for their career and at the same time enable them to make a positive contribution to society,” explains Engel.
Particular attention is paid to the internationalization: “We have significantly expanded our English -language range of courses. From the coming winter semester, all master’s programs at the Department of Creative Technologies will also be taught in English. In the Department Information Technologies and Digitization, many courses will take place in English. Our International Office is also ensuring that international students arrive well and receive comprehensive support.
Graduates award top marks
For the 30th anniversary of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences Survey among former students carried out. The results draw a clear picture: the vast majority looks back on their studies, praises practical, family environment and good care.
In retrospect, over 90 % evaluate your choice of study and would choose your studies again. 92 % of the respondents would also recommend the FH Salzburg to its circle of friends and acquaintances. The start of the career is not a hurdle for the graduates of the University of Applied Sciences Salzburg. Over 86 % had already had a job immediately or within a short time after completing their studies.
Focus group: Visions for the FH of the future
In February 2025, the FH Salzburg invited students, alumni and employees to one Future workshop a to develop perspectives for the coming decades.
The participants designed a vision for the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in 2050. They see a modern, networked and innovative university of applied sciences, which actively integrates students into the learning process, intelligently linked digital and physical spaces and act as a social innovation driver. “The Vision 2050 confirms: Our strategic orientation fits. The topics are clear – it will be crucial how we design self -determined, digital and practical learning in the future,” says Engel.
Special edition of the FH magazine and digital journey through time
In the Special Edition Despars “Why!” the success story of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences becomes alive. FH Rector Dominik Engel, Alumni, students and partners together look ahead-into the future of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. https://epaper-warum.fh-salzburg.ac.at
All interested visitors can currently look back in the Exhibition “digital journey through time” experience. The central element of the exhibition are stories and anecdotes of students, graduates, employees and companions who make personal highlights from three decades of FH Salzburg in short videos. Visitors also have the opportunity to record their own memories in a video contribution. The exhibition is open to the Urstein campus until July 4 from Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The end of the anniversary summer semester is a festival for the employees in July.
The FH Salzburg offers their 3,400 students in the departments of applied social sciences, business and tourism, creative technologies, health sciences, design and green engineering and information technology and digitization best academic training with high practical relevance. A total of 18 bachelor and 16 master’s programs as well as numerous further training opportunities are offered. With the focus on innovation in research and teaching as well as international orientation, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences becomes a thoughtful and initiator of sustainable and relevant solutions for economy and society. Competent, relevant, sustainable.