Facts and Figures

Kufstein University of Applied Sciences – International and Multicultural

A highly practical orientation, living internationality, applied research and continuous development: a perfect combination of practice and scientific education makes Kufstein University of Applied Sciences one of the leading higher education institutions in Europe. A degree from Kufstein University of Applied Sciences paves the way for the best career prospects – worldwide.

Milestones

The success story of Kufstein University of Applied Sciences started in 1992, when initial negotiations regarding the establishment of a university of applied sciences in Kufstein began with the Tyrolean Government. Five years later, the university council approved the first degree programs to be offered in Kufstein, and they started in fall 1997.

In July 2005, the university organization was adapted in accordance with the Bologna process, making Kufstein the first university of applied sciences in Tyrol to adopt the new higher education system. The completion of the study programs therefore lead to the internationally recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. In addition, international partnerships have continuously been promoted and with another cooperation agreement concluded in April 2006, Kufstein announced its 100th international partner university.

Moreover in summer 2008, Kufstein University of Applied Sciences of Applied Sciences further extended its high academic level in the field of research and teaching by establishing an independent research association. In this context, planned and existing projects have been and will be processed and marketed for the economy. In the same year the “Hochschule Kufstein Tirol” private trust was founded and is managed by two sponsors: the City of Kufstein and the founding association.

The House of Competencies

We see the FH Kufstein as a House of Competencies which is erected upon the foundation of the Kufstein Model and is completed by field-specific educational programs. The following illustration visualizes this strategic orientation.

The Kufstein Model

The Kufstein Model forms the foundation of the House of Competencies. Above all, this model stands for a solid economic education given by all of the degree programs that are offered by the FH Kufstein. This guarantees that Kufstein graduates have a substantial knowledge base in all the areas related to the holistic management of a company. Another aspect integral to the model is internationality, which manifests itself as a combination of the study of foreign languages, a significant contingent of field-specific courses held in English, and at least one compulsory semester abroad or study-trip abroad. Moreover, great emphasis is placed on cultivating skills in critical reflection, discussion and analysis so that students/graduates are capable of recognizing interdisciplinary connections as well as preparing for and making well-grounded decisions. Yet another aspect of the Kufstein Model is our approach to supervising and fostering our students as individuals so that they can make the most out of their studies.

It is on the integrative, consolidated foundation of this Kufstein Model that the three pillars are erected:

• Economics & Management,
• Economics & Technology,
• Economics & Society.

The bachelor and master degree programs of the FH Kufstein are organized into these three departments.

Supported by the City of Kufstein

Deputy Mayor and initiator of the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences concept, Professor Walter J. Mayr, is very proud of the university’s development: “The number of students coming from about 30 nations currently amounts to 1,200 and there are more than 140 international partner universities worldwide.” This pleasing development is also a result of the commitment made by Herbert Marschitz, lawyer and Mayor of Kufstein. He underscores the university’s importance for the city: “The great number of students and the highly qualified staff members have turned Kufstein University of Applied Sciences into one of the leading educational institutions in Austria. As far as the city of Kufstein is concerned this means: internationality and multiculturalism, taking a distinguished position in the field of education and an extra stimulation for the economy.”

The vision: “Open University”

In addition to the continuous enlargement of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs, the vision of an “open university” is steadily being implemented as well. The goals are to cross social boundaries by attracting apprenticeship graduates to the study programs offered at Kufstein University of Applied Sciences. In this context, the international orientation, international students as well as the multicultural teaching staff shall help to tear down cultural barriers and make a major contribution to an open-minded society.