Innsbruck medical university warns €16 billion plan could cause lasting damage
Sunday 18th October 2026 on 19:15 in
Austria
Medical University of Innsbruck has criticised the federal government’s planned €16 billion in funding for Austrian universities in 2028 to 2030, saying the amount could seriously harm the country’s university system. ORF Tirol reported the university’s response on Sunday.
The government’s coalition of the Austrian People’s Party, Social Democrats and NEOS announced the funding package on Saturday and called it a success. The plan covers more than 20 public science institutions, including the University of Innsbruck and the Medical University of Innsbruck.
The medical university said the proposed amount was not satisfactory and left its future funding uncertain. Universities received about €16 billion for the current 2025 to 2027 funding period, according to updated calculations. Although the new package matches that figure in nominal terms, the university said inflation would leave institutions worse off.
“What is currently on the table will cause lasting damage to Austria’s university landscape and medical universities,” said Gert Mayer, rector of the Medical University of Innsbruck. He said anything below €18 billion would be a major setback and a serious threat to Austria as a centre for research.
The government has said the plan will not raise existing tuition fees or introduce fees for all students, and that student grants will continue to be adjusted for inflation. It also said doctors’ salaries at medical universities and faculties would be secured.
Mayer said universities needed clarity soon to plan for their institutions, staff and students. The medical university would support further protest measures if the Austrian Universities Conference decided to take them.
Funding allocations for individual universities are expected to become clear over the coming months. Negotiations with each institution are planned next year and are due to conclude by mid-November 2027.
The University of Innsbruck said it would wait several days before commenting, as the implications of the overall package were not yet clear. Gregor Weihs is due to become its rector next March and will negotiate its funding for the next period.