Vorarlberg university receives 1,218 applications for 715 places

The Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences has received 1,218 applications for 715 study places, ORF reported. That equals an average of 1.7 applicants per place, roughly the same level as last year.

The 715 first-year students begin their studies this week with an orientation programme under the motto “Ready, study, go”. The programme includes information and counselling as well as joint activities such as campus tours, breakfast and ice skating.

Demand remains particularly strong for technical courses, health and nursing care, social work, international business and computer science with a focus on digital innovation. Applications have also reached a record level for the master’s programme in international business, said managing director Stefan Fitz-Rankl.

Last year, the university recorded a record 737 new students. Fitz-Rankl said the latest application figures were especially encouraging for technical programmes and health and nursing care because they lead to jobs that are urgently needed.

About 80 of this year’s first-year students come from Vorarlberg. Governor Markus Wallner said graduates had good employment prospects. More than 80 percent already receive a job offer during their studies or immediately afterwards, he said, while a further 15 percent find employment within six months.