Shorter teacher degree draws 20% more entrants in Salzburg

Enrollment in secondary teacher training has risen by 20% after the bachelor’s programme was shortened, ORF reports. The new academic year began last week, and students can still enrol until the final figures are confirmed on October 31.

Following a reform of teacher training a decade ago, secondary school teachers had to complete an eight-semester programme, followed by a two-year master’s degree. The bachelor’s programme has now been reduced to six semesters, or three years, and is intended to include more practical training.

Sebastian Lankes, chair of the staff committee at the University of Teacher Education, said the increase in interest was important because a new wave of retirements could bring back teacher shortages. The largest wave is expected in 2028, when people born in 1963 retire, he said. The union does not consider the teacher shortage resolved.

Lankes welcomed the shorter degree but said further measures were needed to make teaching more attractive, including expanding school social work. Teacher shortages are not currently being reported, particularly in compulsory schools, but could return in coming years.