P5NEU: Wahlprogram 2025 - Federal Programme International Mobility

OUR VISION FOR A STUDY PROGRAM THAT FITS YOU –
OUR PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

We want to create an academic experience that empowers you, celebrates
individuality, and meets the challenges of our modern world. We believe in
education that adapts to you – not the other way around. Our proposals seeks to
create opportunities for every student to thrive through international
experiences. At the heart of our vision is internationalization as a key to
excellence and innovation. By strengthening global exchange, we can foster
creativity, cross-cultural understanding, and groundbreaking ideas. We are
dedicated to building stronger connections between universities, expanding
mobility programs, and preparing students to succeed in an increasingly
interconnected world.

Our mission is clear: to expand opportunities for students through global
exchange, fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and innovation. Programs
like ERASMUS+ have already opened doors, enabling thousands to gain life-
changing experiences across Europe. Therefore, it is even harder to understand
why the EU Council is planning to cut the ERASMUS+ budget. This shows there is
still so much more room for improvement, especially in the European dimension of
higher education. This is why we are committed to expanding and enhancing
international mobility.

YOU DERSERVE NOTHING BUT THE BEST! Together, we can turn this vision into
reality. Explore our concepts in our election program here:

1. YOUR STUDIES, YOUR LIFE, YOUR PATH

1.1 Start Up Your Future: The Founders’ Semester

Learn how to turn great ideas into successful business – right on campus. We
want to provide an alternative to 9-to-5, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit
and equipping you with the tools to succeed. Internationalization plays a
crucial role, particularly in the early stages of founding a business. As
globalization progresses, it becomes increasingly important for startups to
expand internationally at an earlier stage. Why not begin this journey with a
study abroad experience?

To promote the entrepreneurial spirit, we call for the establishment of startup
centers that provide essential support, including assistance in raising both
private and public capital. Additionally, we aim to expand consulting services
and introduce a founders’ semester, with its structure and requirements
determined by each individual university. We also propose the awarding of ECTS
points for founding a company, and the enhancement of transparency in spin-offs
to encourage more student-led ventures.

Demands:

1.2 No More Endless Prerequisite Chains: Study What
Challenges You

Access to new areas of knowledge should not be limited by rigid prerequisites.
Where foundational skills are required, bridging modules or assessments should
provide the necessary support. Equally important is the swift and
straightforward recognition of ECTS credits earned format foreign universities.
These credits must integrate seamlessly, ensuring that diverse educational
experiences are acknowledged and valued. At the heart of these changes lies the
commitment to fostering a mindset that prioritizes curiosity and exploration
over rigid achievement metrics. By implementing these measures, we aim to
dismantle barriers, embrace individuality, freedom, and prepare the education
system for the demands of the future.

Demands:

1.3 Freedom for Studies: Drop Attendance Rules, Strengthen
Hybrid Learning

It is time to transform how we approach university education. Students should no
longer be held back by rigid attendance policies that hinder meaningful
learning. If you are already an expert in a subject, why should you first take
the beginner's course when you can attend it concurrently? We call for a bold
shift towards practical, hands-on education that values engagement and growth
over mere physical presence. Outdated attendance requirements unfairly impact
international students, limiting your ability to thrive and to gain as many
experiences as possible. By abolishing mandatory attendance and embracing hybrid
learning formats, we can provide the flexibility you need to succeed. This
freedom allows you to explore your host country, reconnect with loved ones, and
fully engage in your educational journey.

Unfortunately, many degree programs have become monotonous and rigid, depriving
students of the opportunity to actively shape their study plans. Additionally,
the increasing "schoolification" of many programs limits personal development
and interdisciplinary education. To foster personal growth and specialization,
students should be given more freedom to pursue their own interests.
Universities must aim to nurture independent, critically thinking individuals.
Therefore, we call for at least 15% of courses in all curricula to be self-
chosen electives, with a special focus on offering practical, career-oriented
electives.

Demands:

1.4 Summer and Winter School Revolution: Study Whenever
Works for You

To enhance academic flexibility and global engagement, universities should
expand summer and winter school programs that offer the same quality and credits
as courses during regular semesters. These programs allow students to advance
their education during breaks without compromising degree requirements, while
also breaking the traditional semester structure, enabling students to maintain
momentum and graduate sooner. Expanding short-term mobility and hybrid
international experiences provides students with flexible global learning
opportunities, whether physical or virtual.

A common issue is the selective recognition of study achievements from other
institutions, often due to curricula that are overly content-focused. To
simplify credit transfer, universities should shift towards outcome-based
curricula that focus on learning outcomes and competencies. Streamlining credit
transfer mechanisms for both domestic and international students will support
seamless academic mobility.

Demands:

1.6 Cross Borders, Expand Horizons: Boost Erasmus, Joint and
Individual Study Programs

Expanding Joint Study Programs and individualized study options, alongside
strengthening university alliances, is essential to positioning the university
as a gateway to international experience. Integrating optional mobility windows
into curricula is a key step in this effort, providing students with flexible
opportunities to study or intern abroad without delaying their academic
progress. These initiatives offer students valuable opportunities for global
engagement, enhance mobility, and foster intercultural competencies. However,
their full potential can only be realized with stronger promotion to increase
awareness and participation. As emphasized in performance agreements, the
expansion of university alliances is vital for advancing collaboration, research
synergies, and shared resources. Such efforts not only enrich the academic
experience but also strengthen the university’s international profile and
rankings, making them a strategic priority. International mobility, however, is
as essential for faculty as for students. We advocate for team-teaching models
to enable short-term faculty exchanges abroad, allowing educators to gain and
share valuable experiences. To sustain these benefits, returning teams should
remain active and contribute to "international classrooms," where diverse
students learn together, fostering intercultural skills and global readiness.

Demands:

2. CAMPUS LIFE MATTERS

2.1 Empowering Campus Life: More Events

We demand more events to be organized on campus because they are not just
activities – they are lifelines. They represent connection, community, and
belonging. We also call on the ÖH to organize more events aimed at fostering
networking between incoming and local students. These events break down cultural
barriers, build friendships, and spark cultural exchange. They transform a
campus from a mere place to study into a vibrant, welcoming home for all
students.

Demands:

2.2 Support for Student Clubs and Initiatives

We strongly advocate for the establishment and support of various clubs and
initiatives that allow students to meet, grow, and expand their horizons. Debate
clubs, reading groups, and teams for technical competitions must be actively
supported by universities and the ÖH, providing them with essential resources
such as facilities and financial backing. To further support this, we demand the
establishment of a dedicated website by the Federal ÖH, showcasing the various
existing student clubs and initiatives across Austria, while also providing
clear information on available funding opportunities.

In particular, we call for the creation and promotion of international
networking among students through European Students’ Associations. These are
student-led organizations that operate at a European level to advance cross-
border collaboration and exchange. A prime example of this is the European Law
Students’ Association (ELSA).

Demands:

3. FAIR PLAY

3.1 Reducing Barriers for International Students

It is time to break down the barriers that burden international students!
Reducing targeted bureaucracy is increasingly recognized as essential for
facilitating student and researcher mobility, promoting international exchange,
and enhancing the quality of educational institutions.

Currently, students from third countries applying for a residence permit in
Austria are required to prove they have €703.58 per month to cover living costs
until the age of 24. After that, the required amount inexplicably jumps to
€1,273.99 per month – a figure that assumes their cost of living suddenly nearly
doubles overnight. We demand an immediate reduction of the required amount to
€703.58 per month for all students, regardless of age. Additionally, while the
Bologna Process aimed to harmonize degree recognition across member states, many
graduates still face bureaucratic hurdles. We call for automatic recognition of
degrees within the European Economic Area (EEA) to ensure smooth mobility.
Lastly, to improve accessibility, all official documents, including those from
the government, universities, and ÖH, must be available in English so that
language does not hinder students’ understanding of their rights and
obligations.

Demands:

3.2 Affordable and Accessible Housing for International
Students

Finding housing is one of the biggest challenges for international students in
Austria. High rents, limited availability, and complex bureaucracy make it
difficult for them to settle and focus on their studies. To address this issue,
the ÖH must take decisive action. Simplifying bureaucratic processes for
international students seeking housing is essential to make finding and securing
accommodation easier. Additionally, the ÖH should expand its offerings of
affordable housing, especially as it manages many student dormitories, to better
meet the needs of international students. Furthermore, dedicated ÖH support
services should be established to assist students in navigating housing
challenges, providing guidance and resources to alleviate the burden. Ensuring
access to affordable and accessible housing is crucial for creating an inclusive
and equitable environment where all students can thrive.

Demands:

3.3 Harmonizing European Education: Bologna Process

Achieving greater harmonization within the European Higher Education Area is
essential for fostering mobility. We demand an EU-wide database with information
on study programs, costs, and admission processes, helping students make
informed decisions about studying abroad. This database should be maintained by
the EU Commission and updated by member states, with potential collaborations of
non-EU universities. Additionally, the lack of automatic recognition of academic
degrees remains a major barrier. To fulfill the Bologna Process' goals, degrees
should be automatically recognized within the European Economic Area (EEA). A
unified academic calendar will also simplify exchange programs, eliminate
confusion, and ensure greater consistency for students transitioning between
institutions. Additionally, we seek to address the unfair distribution of ECTS
credits. We demand greater transparency between universities and regular reviews
to ensure that ECTS points accurately reflect the actual workload of courses,
particularly in technical fields.

Demands:

3.4 Reward Excellence, Support Independence: Expand
Scholarships Now

Expanding scholarship opportunities for students from EU and third-party
countries is essential for promoting academic excellence and supporting student
independence. Scholarships help alleviate financial barriers, enabling talented
individuals to pursue higher education. By increasing funding options,
universities can attract top students globally, fostering a diverse and
competitive academic environment.

However, many scholarships are not accessible to international students. We
strongly advocate for making these scholarships available to all students,
especially merit-based scholarships.

In addition, scholarships specifically designed for international students must
be expanded. These programs are crucial for addressing the unique challenges
faced by students from abroad, such as higher tuition fees, relocation costs,
and the lack of local support networks. By increasing the availability and scope
of these scholarships, universities can create a more inclusive environment that
attracts a diverse range of students from around the world. Additionally, there
is a strong demand to increase awareness for scholarships, particularly through
platforms like the ÖH website or similar channels.

Demands:

3.5 Open Doors, Open Minds: Level the Field for
International Students

Empowering the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) by making it independent from both
the ÖH and university governance will enhance its ability to support
international students. This autonomy enables ESN to create tailored programs,
advocate effectively, and better integrate international students into
university life. Furthermore, initiatives like buddy programs play a crucial
role in ensuring a smooth start for incoming students by providing peer support
during their first weeks. In addition, workshops should be introduced to help
international students navigate life in Austria. These workshops should cover
topics such as the Austrian job market, understanding employment rights, using
FinanzOnline, and other relevant aspects of daily life. Providing guidance on
administrative processes, including work permits and visa renewals, is essential
for easing their integration into everyday life. These efforts, combined with
multilingual support services and intercultural training, will create a
welcoming, inclusive, and interconnected campus environment.

Demands:

3.6 Promoting Languages

We aim to expand access to German language courses for international students in
Austria, helping them integrate into academic life and the job market more
effectively. To ensure accessibility, these courses should increasingly be
offered online, providing flexibility for students. At the same time, we support
the promotion of foreign language skills to prepare all students for success in
an increasingly globalized world.

To ensure fairness and mobility, we propose the harmonization of language
certifications across all universities. This will create transparency, improve
comparability, and make it easier for students to pursue academic and
professional opportunities, both in Austria and abroad.

Demands:

3.7 European Student ID

To simplify mobility, a digital European student ID should be created under the
leadership of the European Union that securely stores student data. This
centralized system would reduce administrative workload for universities and
could also facilitate the digital transfer of study information. A digital
European platform would be needed to store the data, which should be encrypted
according to modern standards. The ID should also fulfill the traditional roles
of a student ID, such as granting access to university libraries. Initially,
students should have the option to apply for a European student ID during a
pilot phase. Additionally, students should have the choice to request a physical
card, with the cost being covered by the students themselves.

Demand:

4. European Student Union

The European Students' Union (ESU) serves as the umbrella organization for
national student unions at the European level. We regret that the ESU has not
fully utilized the opportunity to advocate for meaningful collaborations among
European countries in the higher education sector, instead focusing increasingly
on identity-politics issues. We urge the Austrian Students' Union (ÖH) to push
for a stronger integration of the European Higher Education Area within the ESU
by advocating for the demands outlined above.

Demand: