Universities Could Earn More from International Students, Says WU Rector

Universities in Austria could potentially generate substantially more revenue by increasing tuition fees for international students, according to Rupert Sausgruber, Rector of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). Sausgruber highlighted that the current fees levied on students from outside the European Union are notably low within Austria.

His remarks come amid a period of protest from universities concerning potential budget cuts in performance agreements for the 2028-2030 period. Sausgruber indicated that if the government continues to be parsimonious with funding, Austrian universities risk stagnation and decline. He presented the idea of higher international student fees as a viable income stream, particularly if universities struggle to retain talented individuals.

Sausgruber, who was recently reappointed Rector of WU for another four-year term, emphasized the financial challenges facing higher education institutions. He suggested that a more robust fee structure for non-EU students could help compensate for potential shortfalls in government funding and support the universities' operational needs and development. The university sector has been vocal about the need for adequate financial resources to maintain quality and competitiveness.