VIENNA. The University Conference (Uniko) proposes the introduction of a basic security for students. Uniko President Oliver Vitouch is considering a monthly compensation allowance, which is currently around 1200 euros. This would then also cover family and study allowances. Entitlement to basic security should be possible from a minimum study performance of 40 ECTS points per year. For a minimum study period, 60 ECTS per academic year is required. Education Minister Martin Polaschek (VP) is once morest this.
Pay back part of it
This measure is intended to enable students to concentrate primarily on their education, argued Vitouch. The initiative is part of the demands presented by Uniko before the national election for “Universities 2030”. After their training, graduates who have a certain income level will have to pay back part of it.
Polaschek does not see such basic security as an effective means. The education minister referred yesterday to statements by the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH), “which clearly rejected such a system because it is actually a scattergun approach that does not allow for any differentiation.” The universities are also calling for nationwide university planning by a single ministry with combined responsibilities for universities, research and innovation. Polaschek also rejects this.