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Annual ReporT 2025 AUSTRIA’S AGENCY FOR EDUCATION AND INTERNATIONALISATION

Financed by

Annual ReporT 2025

AusTria’s Agency for EducaTion and InTernaTionalisaTion The OeAD, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation, is a non-profit limited liability company (GmbH) owned by the Republic of Austria. The ownership rights are exercised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF). The OeAD’s programmes and activities are financed primarily by the BMFWF, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB), the Austrian Federal Chancellery (BKA), the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS), the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) within the framework of International Partnerships Austria, and the European Commission. With its future-oriented programmes, the OeAD advises, supports, and connects people and institutions in education, science, research, and culture. The OeAD is also the national agency for the implementation of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS THE POWER OF TOGETHER.

Foreword

The OeAD is the Republic of Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation and implements key national, European and international programmes and initiatives. As a non-profit limited liability company, the OeAD makes a significant contribution to high-quality, internationally interconnected education, science and research and is therefore an important partner of the Republic of Austria and the European Commission. The year 2025 was marked by geopolitical change. This gave rise to challenges across the entire community and made international cooperation more demanding. Particularly in this dynamic environment, the OeAD strengthens international networking and enhances the attractiveness and visibility of Austria as a centre of education, science and research through its reliable advice and targeted support. An important contribution in this regard is also made by OeAD-Wohnraumverwaltungs GmbH, whose objective is to provide high-quality accommodations at affordable rates. The opening of the Innsbruck guesthouse created new accommodations for international students – a significant step at a time of rising energy and housing costs. Particular emphasis was placed on modern, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient standards.

ments are redefining the scope for action, as programmes end and new initiatives emerge. the OeAD responds to these changes in close cooperation with its commissioning bodies – reliably, professionally and with integrity. Particularly in times of profound change, edu cation, science and international exchange play a vital role in strengthening democracy, social cohesion and European understanding. Digitisation opens up new opportunities to design access, collaboration and services in an effective and contemporary way. Inclusion is equally important: education and international mobility should be made accessible to as many people as possible.

Eva-Maria Holzleitner, BSc Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research

The OeAD plays a key role in shaping interna tional cooperation. Cooperation with partners in the Global South and South Eastern Europe strengthens scientific exchange, fosters mutual learning and supports the development of sustainable networks. In this way, the OeAD not only acts responsibly at the international level but also strengthens Austria’s future viability. As the Republic of Austria’s representative in its capacity as owner, I would like to thank all OeAD-employees and everyone involved for their dedication. Strengthening Austria as a centre of education, science and research over the long term is a shared responsibility and an investment in our future.

The framework conditions for education, science and research are constantly evolving: geopolitical, strategic and budgetary develop-

ConTenTs

3 6

Foreword Editorial

The OeAD 10 The foundation of our work: our corporate strategy 12 The OeAD stands for internationalisation, education, quality and transparency 13 Roadmap to the future: digitisation 14 OeAD and digitisation: harnessing potential 18 Impact measurement and evaluation 20 Anniversaries and awards 24 The OeAD in figures

Internationalisation 30 32 33

Incomings and outgoings ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA OeAD University Preparation Programmes in Graz and Vienna 34 CEEPUS 36 Ernst Mach Programme 38 European Higher Education Area 40 Scientific and Technological Cooperation (S&T Cooperation) 41 Focus on Ukraine 42 Focus on China 43 Focus on UniNet

44 Research for better living conditions 45 Focus on Africa 46 Positioning Austria as an international centre of higher education and research

Erasmus+ and ESC 50 Projects, mobility, financial flows 52 Total figures School education, vocational education and training, adult education, higher education, youth, sport and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) 55 DiscoverEU and Youthpass 56 Erasmus+ Higher Education International 58 Let’s talk Europe 60 Erasmus+ special programmes 62 Experiencing and shaping Europe 66 Our services: guidance and support

Multilingualism 70 Kultur und Sprache (Culture and Language) 71 Teaching Abroad: lectureships and junior lectureships Language assistance programmes

OeAD Annual Report 2025

OeAD cooperation offices 74 Educational Cooperation with Eastern and South Eastern Europe in Pre-University Education 75 Scientific Cooperation in Higher Education

Education and Society 78 80 82 84 85 86

Cultural education with schools in Austria Public Science ERINNERN:AT Strengthening schoolf for a strong society Mobility allowance for visits to concentration camp memorials Digital Learning device initiative

Quality and Transparency

92 93 94

The NQF and Europe Ö-Cert and Level Up OeAD Digital Skills Office

OeAD subsidiaries 98

OeAD student housing

Financial statements 102 OeAD’s total budget (year-on-year) Development of funding, 2023–2025 105 Development of OeAD’s revenue, personnel expenses and operating expenses 107 Balance sheet for 2025 108 Income statement for 2025

109

Acknowledgements

90 RQE – Quality sets an example at schools 2.0 Quality label for learning apps Learning Apps Marketplace 91 OeAD International Testing Services

EdiTorial

The OeAD Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation The OeAD had an eventful but challenging year in 2025. Global and geopolitical shifts are making international cooperation in education, science and research much more complex than in the past.

Jakob Calice, PhD Managing Director, OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation

Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, the post-war order established at the time is coming under increasing pressure. Europe’s most important and strongest ally – including in science and research – has undergone a strategic realignment that we are also feeling at OeAD. In response, we have created a dedicated “Focus USA” section on the Euraxess website, which provides US audiences with more comprehensive information on Austria’s higher education and research landscape for the first time. This project will help set the course for the years ahead. Against this backdrop, the further development of the European Education and Higher Education Area is being rapidly advanced. Record levels in the implementation of Erasmus+ clearly demonstrate this.

Austria marked 30 years of EU membership in 2025 and has participated in many European programmes over the past three decades. In 2025 alone, some 800 Erasmus+ projects were approved. More than 42,000 Austrians took part in Erasmus+ programmes abroad to study, teach, learn, work and gain experience. Over 700 accredited institutions benefit from simplified participation in Erasmus+. Another highlight in 2025 was that the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) and the OeAD presented the Internationalisation Award for the first time, recognising best-practice examples in implementing the National Higher Education Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy 2030. An equally strong signal of this commitment within science policy is the launch

OeAD Annual Report 2025

of the Erhard Busek Grant, which for the first time provides funding for full master’s degree programmes for outstanding students from non-European developing countries. Most of the students have been in Austria since the 2025/26 winter semester and, given the focus on STEM degree programmes, have the potential to enter the Austrian labour market as highly qualified professionals.

In this way, the OeAD contributes to civic education and promotes critical engagement with Austria’s history – something that is more important today than ever. I would like to thank all OeAD employees who have helped shape OeAD’s development. I also want to thank all of our stakeholders for your interest in our work and your trust in the OeAD.

FACT #01 Strategic Framework 2021–2026: oead.at/strategie

For us as an education agency, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War also highlights our responsibility to contribute to peace and democracy. The OeAD programme ERINNERN:AT made this a key focus of its activities during the year. Teachers were provided with a wide range of materials and resources to address these topics in the classroom.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

The OeAD

The foundation of our work: our corporate strategy The OeAD stands for internationalisation, education, quality and transparency Roadmap to the future: digitisation OeAD and digitisation: harnessing potential Impact measurement and evaluation Anniversaries and awards The OeAD in figures

The OeAD

The foundation of our work: our corporate strategy The OeAD, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation, is a non-profit limited liability company (GmbH) owned by the Republic of Austria.

The ownership rights are exercised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF). The OeAD’s programmes and activities are financed primarily by the BMFWF, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB), the Austrian Federal Chancellery (BKA), the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS), the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) within the framework of International Partnerships Austria and the European Commission. Its tasks are aligned with the Austrian Federal Government’s content and strategic goals.

Our goals

OeAD-employees work in Austria, Europe and internationally in priority countries. With the agency’s future-oriented programmes, they advise, support and connect people and institutions in education, science, research and culture.

DEVELOPING PERSONAL SKILLS FOR LIFE IN A DIGITISED AND GLOBALISED WORLD

STRENGTHENING AUSTRIA’S POSITION AND VISIBILITY AS AN ATTRACTIVE, INTERNATIONALLY ORIENTED CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND RESEARCH IN THE GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY

STRENGTHENING THE (INNOVATION) COMPETENCE OF EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND INSTITUTIONS

Implementation in three strategic areas of action +

Advancing the internationalisation of science and research, formal, non-formal and informal education

Strengthening links between education, science and society

Enhancing quality and transparency in education

The OeAD’s activities +

Implementing national and international funding programmes and educational initiatives

Strengthening connections between education, science, research and society

Contributing expertise to the shaping of the education and science sector

OeAD Annual Report 2025

FACT #02 Supervisory Board and Strategy Advisory Board The Supervisory Board met four times in 2025. oead.at/en/the-oead/ boards

FACT #03 OeAD is obliged to apply the Austrian Federal Public Corporate Code of Governance. It prepares a Corporate Governance Report every year as part of its annual financial statements. This report confirms compliance with the provisions of the Code.

The OeAD’s key topics up to 2026 +

Internationalisation in school education, vocational education and training, higher education and adult education, as well as in youth and sport

Our activities support +

European Higher Education Area

European Research Area

National Higher Education Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy (HMIS2030)

Innovation and transfer to the education system

Austrian Higher Education Plan 2030

Talent development research and excellence promotion

National Strategy for Research, Technology and Innovation 2030 (RTI Strategy 2030)

Digitisation

Promoting understanding of science and democracy

Austrian Action Plan for the European Research Area (ERA-NAP) 2022–2025

Sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda

Research, Technology and Innovation Pact 2024–2026

Diversity and equal opportunities

European Education Area 2025

Self-perception as European citizens

Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027

Promoting a modern image of Austria

Digital Skills Austria strategy

Global cooperation

National Strategy against Antisemitism

Holocaust education

Focus on strengthening trust in science and democracy

Join in STEM action plan

Regional Strategy of Austrian Development Cooperation with the Western Balkans and related country strategies

Three-Year Programme on Austrian Development Policy

European Youth Strategy “Engage – Connect – Empower” 2019–2027

UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education

EU Work Plan for Sport

Special geographic priorities +

EU and neighbouring countries, the Western Balkan states, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova

South Caucasus – part of the EU’s Eastern Partnership

Africa – EU focus area

China and Southeast Asia

01 The OeAD stands for internationalisation, education, quality and transparency

Internationalisation – the key to knowledge and experience sharing Internationalisation and the associated support for transnational cooperation and mobility are key factors for education, science and research.

Stays abroad contribute to the development of personal skills. They strengthen the innovative capacity of institutions and entire education systems.

Education – shaping the future together Moving beyond theory and into the world of research and creativity: a range of funding programmes supports schools, vocational schools and kindergartens in enabling children and young people to conduct their own research, engage in creative activities

and make effective use of new digital tools. Education is the capital for the future: it is therefore imperative to support the development of the education sector with customised offers and a high level of expertise.

Building trust through quality and transparency Reliability and quality provide the framework for innovation. Ensuring lasting knowledge transfer requires improvements in quality and transparency.

The focus is on the continuous development and quality assurance of Austrian education programmes and quality management tools.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Roadmap to the future: digitisation

In 2025, the OeAD implemented key digitisation measures to further modernise and standardise internal processes. Strategic emphasis was placed on the organisation-wide roll-out of digital signatures. The introduction of digital signature processes facilitates seamless administrative workflows, reduces processing times and enhances legal certainty. At the same time, paper-based processes were significantly reduced, enabling The OeAD to make a measurable contribution to its sustainability goals. In parallel, the OeAD systematically analysed existing workflows and introduced auto mation in several key areas. This reduces manual intermediate steps, minimises sources of error and enhances transparency throughout the process chain.

In addition, the OeAD expanded technical interfaces between central administrative tools. Greater system integration reduces redundant data entry, ensures data consistency and streamlines reporting processes. The project planning for the comprehensive modernisation of funding tools has been completed. Based on a detailed requirement analysis, a modular target architecture was developed to enable a future-ready, user-centred and scalable funding administration system. This marked a major milestone in the long-term digital transformation of the OeAD’s funding landscape.

New, dedicated helpdesk systems for ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA and the Learning Apps Marketplace programme enable structured ticket processing, clearly defined escalation paths and transparent documentation of all enquiries. This improves service quality and makes support processes easier to evaluate.

80,727

sheets of DIN A4 paper saved

KEY FIGURES FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURES IN 2025

4,470

digital signatures completed

5,616

documents processed

01 OeAD and digitisation: harnessing potential New teaching and learning platforms, online components in international mobility, distance learning and virtual partner meetings are now an integral part of everyday education.

Digital Learning

The OeAD supports the Digital Learning device initiative on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB). Each year, pupils at participating schools are

provided with devices. The initiative thus creates the technical prerequisites for ITsupported teaching and ensures that pupils have equal access to digital education.

Digital Skills Austria Another initiative focuses on building and expanding digital skills among the Austrian population. Key measures include free workshops as well as quality assurance and certification of acquired digital skills. To this end, the OeAD’s central office implements the National Reference Framework for Digital Competences (NRDK) and participates in the European Commission’s Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition.

Digital Skills Office

Since 2024, more than 4,500 free workshops for digital beginners have been offered all over Austria as part of the Digital Überall (Digital Everywhere) initiative. They are conducted in cooperation with adult

education providers and target people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of prior knowledge. The aim is to enable them to use digital technologies safely and confidently. In addition, the Digital Überall PLUS programme was developed to help participants further enhance their digital skills. The OeAD also coordinates measures such as trainthe-trainer programmes (DISKIT) and cooperation with educational institutions, municipalities and organisations. These activities support multipliers in passing on digital skills and help ensure high-quality educational offerings across the country.

Evaluation of foreign higher education qualifications by

ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA | Credential Evaluation

Recognition of higher education qualifications: ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA

The use of digital tools plays a key role in the efficient, quality-oriented evaluation of foreign higher education qualifications for the Austrian labour market. In coordination with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF), the OeAD

uses a platform that allows applicants to upload their documents, which are then thoroughly reviewed as part of the evaluation process. The growing number of requests requires continuous optimisation.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

EPALE – Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe EPALE is a multi-language, virtual meeting point for everyone who participates in adult education.

EPALE platform

Erasmus+ and ESC: AI and digitisation In line with the priorities of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), Erasmus+ supports the involvement of learners, educators, youth workers, young people and organisations in the digital transformation. Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps promote digital learning and the responsible use of AI tools. According to the results of the OeAD customer survey, AI is playing

an increasingly important role in both the application process and project implementation. The OeAD supports this process through targeted training and continuing professional development, as well as specialist events for project implementers and staff. This facilitates the further development of digital skills and promotes the responsible use of digital tools and AI.

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ goes digital: European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) This initiative aims to enable data entered once to be exchanged so that people do not have to enter it multiple times. To this end, the Erasmus Without Paper Network provides the basis for secure data exchange between higher education institutions. The Erasmus+

app serves as a single point of entry for Erasmus+ students. With the European Student Card and a European Student eID, all Erasmus+ students will be able to access a range of services at their host higher education institutions more easily and quickly.

Erasmus+ goes digital

01 ERINNERN:AT – teaching and learning about National Socialism and the Holocaust

ERINNERN:AT

DERLA

ERINNERN:AT is the OeAD programme for teaching and learning about National Socialism and the Holocaust. Teachers can find a wide range of training courses and learning materials for use in the classroom at

www.erinnern.at. The DERLA Digital Memorial Map currently documents over 4,000 places and symbols commemorating victims and sites of Nazi crimes.

eTwinning: virtual school partnerships eTwinning

eTwinning is a digital platform for schools in Europe that enables cross-border coop-

eration and exchange among teachers and pupils.

Euroguidance: career guidance in the digital age – strengthening guidance skills, using AI tools, shaping the future

Euroguidance

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in guidance featured prominently at the Euro guidance Conference 2025. The focus was on equipping counsellors with the skills

needed to use digital technologies safely, critically and effectively in their counselling practice.

Europass: assessing digital skills and documenting learning achievements

Europass

The European Union’s free online tool enables users to clearly present and further develop their educational pathway, digital skills and professional profile. One of the most popular features on the Europass platform is the digital skills test, which assesses

skills such as information and data literacy and online safety. European Digital Credentials for Learning were developed as part of the Europass initiative, enabling educational institutions to issue digital, tamper-proof credentials.

Internationalisation of higher education institutions: HMIS platform with practical, real-world examples

HMIS2030 platform

The OeAD’s platform for the Higher Edu cation Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy 2030 (HMIS2030) enables Austrian higher education institutions to provide easy-to-understand examples of good practice in just a few steps and thus make them accessible to a wider audience.

These examples, which extend far beyond curricular changes, internal certificates, tailored mobility initiatives, or virtual course offerings, illustrate the wide range of approaches Austrian higher education institutions take to internationalisation.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Kultur:Bildung (Cultural Education) This comprehensive cultural education programme in schools all over Austria brings together artists from all disciplines and pupils in creative projects.

The focus on “More than Bytes” facilitates the acquisition of (digital) media skills through innovative artistic methods and participatory work processes. Kultur:Bildung

“Kultur und Sprache” In 2025, more than 1,125 teachers of German as a foreign language worldwide participated in 18 online training courses offered under the OeAD’s Kultur und Sprache programme. A key element of the support for teachers of German around the world is the Kultur und

Sprache OER platform, which complements the online training courses by providing free teaching materials. Kultur und Sprache is implemented on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB). Kultur und Sprache

Learning apps: from quality label to Learning Apps Marketplace By June 2025, a total of 141 apps had been certified for the quality label for learning apps. They are described on the website guetesiegel-lernapps.at. The quality label has been further developed through a new quality

assessment conducted by the OeAD, which all apps must undergo in order to be made available to schools via the new Learning Apps Marketplace from the 2026 summer semester.

Learning Apps Marketplace

Quality label for learning apps

Science ambassadors at schools In 2025, a total of 594 Austrian researchers volunteered to visit schools – and, since autumn 2025, also after-school care centres and kindergartens – as science ambassa-

dors. Overall, 380 visits took place across Austria, during which researchers spoke about their research fields and professional careers. Of these, 61 visits were held virtually.

Science ambassadors

Youthpass This ofﬁcial European certiﬁcate serves to recognise and document non-formal and informal learning experiences in the

Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

Youthpass

01 Impact measurement and evaluation Certified quality management The OeAD uses its quality management system as an effective tool to support and advance strategic priorities, such as the increased digitisation of OeAD processes and services. The quality management system has been established for many years and is certified according to the international quality management standard ISO 9001:2015. Annual audits by external auditors and

internal evaluations certify and document the OeAD’s high standards of customer service and service-oriented processing of tasks on a regular basis. As part of the 2025 surveillance audit, the auditors also highlighted the importance of quality management for the integration of new areas within the OeAD in the interest of consistent organisational development.

Satisfaction surveys As part of the quality management process, satisfaction surveys are conducted on an ongoing basis for the various programmes, including Educational Cooperation with Eastern and South Eastern Europe, Kultur und

Sprache, the Lectureship Programme and Language Assistance. Surveys of programme participants consistently show high levels of satisfaction, with the programmes receiving an average rating of 1.24.

Evaluation of APPEAR – Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development

APPEAR project partners Hafte Mebrathen Tesfay and Hans Sanden at BOKU University

APPEAR evaluation

The OeAD commissioned an external evalu ation of 15 APPEAR projects implemented in nine countries and six subcontinental regions. The evaluation was based on qualitative and quantitative social science methods and found the APPEAR projects to be highly relevant and efficient, while also commending the APPEAR Office within the OeAD for its professional implementation and, in particular, its flexibility in responding to emerging challenges. These were also linked to rapidly intensifying political, social and economic uncertainty in some of APPEAR’s priority countries and regions. Notably, around 20 per cent of the project staff surveyed reported facing political,

social and/or economic changes that had posed challenges for their work on the projects. 88 per cent of the project staff surveyed stated that gender awareness and gender mainstreaming are taken into account in the implementation of the projects. Seven APPEAR principles are intended to ensure that international higher education cooperation is designed to be collaborative, inclusive, needs-based and grounded in research. According to the project teams, all seven APPEAR principles are taken into account to a degree of more than 50 per cent.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Erasmus+ and ESC RIA-AE network The OeAD is part of the RIA-AE (Research- based Impact Analysis of Erasmus+ Adult Education Programmes) network, which brings together national agencies and research institutions from 21 European countries to strengthen the evidence base for adult education within Erasmus+. The impact of Erasmus+ adult education is being assessed at the individual, organisational and systemic levels in three survey waves (2023–2028). The findings feed into national monitoring studies, which are conducted in the participating countries using a harmonised survey design and provide robust insights into the implementation and impact of the Erasmus+ adult education programme. At the same time, the collected data are incorporated into a European study that highlights transnational effects and provides evidence-based input for the further development of the programme at European level.

LTA on impact, monitoring and evaluation As part of Erasmus+, 12 national agencies, including the OeAD, initiated a long-term activity (LTA) focusing on impact. The programme’s impact is strengthened over the long term through materials and targeted training for project promoters, evaluators and staff at national agencies. Based on needs assessments, a range of tools was developed to embed the concept of impact at an early stage in project planning, including four webinars and an impact handbook. The Impact Toolkit supports projects throughout all phases. Surveys on the communication and dissemination of impact results are currently underway and the findings will feed into the development of further support measures. The developed tools are already used in training sessions and webinars and are complemented by ongoing awareness-raising activities, for example as part of the Erasmus+ and ESC Impact Award.

The RIA-AE network is currently in its second survey phase. Current research findings are published on an ongoing basis.

RIA network (OeAD)

ria-ae.eu

Impact tools Erasmus+ and ESC Impact Award Since 2023, the Erasmus+ and ESC Impact Award has been presented annually in Austria to project promoters (KA1) and projects (KA2) that have achieved particularly lasting change at various levels through the implementation of the Erasmus+ and ESC programmes.

Erasmus+ and ESC Impact Award

Sparkling Science 2.0 Since 2021, the OeAD has coordinated this research funding programme financed by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMFWF). It was evaluated by Technopolis in 2025. The results show that Sparkling Science 2.0 not only produces high-quality scientific outcomes, but also brings about a wide range of positive impacts at the personal level. The focus is on strengthening the skills of all participants – particularly pupils, teachers and researchers

– as well as improving access to science, for example for schools in peripheral regions. Sparkling Science 2.0 also contributes to the implementation of Open Science. The evaluation underscores the added value of close cooperation between science and society and recommends continuing the research funding programme and establishing it on a lasting basis. Evaluation

01 Anniversaries and awards

30th anniversary celebration, attended by Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and other guests

30 years of educational cooperation with Albania Austria and Albania have shared a close and steadily growing partnership in the field of education since 1995. For three decades, the OeAD’s Educational Cooperation with Eastern and South Eastern Europe programme has supported strategic reforms in the Albanian education system. It primarily supports the development of modern, labour market-relevant education and training programmes, thus making a lasting contribution to strengthening the qualifications and future prospects of young people.

The focus is on education and training in business, tourism and IT, as well as on cooperation between schools and companies, with a particular emphasis on work-based learning. These areas of emphasis reflect the priorities of the European Union and support the reform processes associated with Albania’s EU accession. This results in an education system that is consistently aligned with quality, practical relevance and European standards, drawing on Austrian expertise (university colleges of teacher education). The 30th anniversary celebration was held in Tirana on 25 November 2025. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Albanian Deputy Ministers Orjana Osmani (Education) and Olta Manjani (Economy and Innovation) emphasised the importance of this cooperation. The event showcased the long-term impact of education reforms and their economic policy relevance for Albania and Austria.

Federal Minister Meinl-Reisinger visits the exhibition as part of the 30th anniversary celebration

OeAD Annual Report 2025

At the European Digital Skills Awards 2025 with the Austrian Federal Chancellery (BKA) and the two responsible European Commissioners

European Digital Skills Awards 2025: first place for Digital Überall

The Digital Überall (Digital Everywhere) initiative was awarded first place in the “Inclusion in the Digital World” category at the European Commission’s European Digital Skills Awards (EDSA). This places the programme among the most successful initiatives in Europe for promoting digital skills in line with the objectives of the European Digital Decade 2030. The European Digital Skills Award recognises projects that strengthen digital skills and inclusion in Europe.

Digital Überall brings practical digital skills to all regions of Austria and reaches people who have previously had limited access to digital education opportunities. The award confirms the effectiveness of the initiative and shows that Austria is setting benchmarks in digital inclusion. The success of Digital Überall is based on close cooperation with partners, trainers and participants, who play a key role in its effective implementation.

Digital Überall

EU Digital Skills Awards 2025

10 years of the Citizen Science Award Researching and discovering together: since 2015, more than 27,000 citizen scientists have participated in a total of 73 projects as part of the Citizen Science Award. The competition helps inspire people of different ages – from pupils and youth groups to families and adults – to engage with science and actively participate in research processes.

The 10th anniversary of the Citizen Science Award was celebrated as part of the Young Science Congress, which was held at Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) on 23 October 2025.

In 2025, the first eTwinning Award was presented to BG/BRG Judenburg for the project E-ventus (wind power in electricity generation).

20 years of eTwinning – networking, exchange and innovation in European education Two decades, countless ideas and a strong European network: what began in 2005 as an initiative of the European Commission is now an integral part of the European education landscape. More than one million dedicated teachers from almost 295,000 schools in 46 countries have since turned eTwinning into one of Europe’s largest platforms for school collaboration. eTwinning embodies European partnerships in practice, intercultural learning and the creative use of digital tools in the classroom.

International project work, authentic crossborder encounters and innovative learning formats are a regular part of day-to-day activities. Milestones such as the introduction of the quality label, a wide range of online and in-person training opportunities and integration into Erasmus+ clearly demonstrate the lasting and effective contribution eTwinning makes to shaping education in Europe. The celebrations took place in Brussels, Vienna and all over Europe – marked by great enthusiasm, rich exchange and a strong European spirit.

EU programme recognised: a success story What is now taken for granted – studying in France, teaching in Finland, learning in Slovenia – is a direct result of European education programmes. Erasmus+ thus stands as a prime example of a Europe of opportunity. It strengthens not only competitiveness, but also social cohesion, democratic values and equal opportunities.

On 7 May 2025, the Erasmus+ programme was awarded the prestigious European Integration Award by the Cercle d’Economia, recognising its significant role in European integration, social cohesion and empowering the younger generation. The award was accepted by Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Europass event on 29 April 2025

20 years of Europass – making skills visible For 20 years, Europass has promoted the transparency of skills and qualifications across Europe, thereby supporting people in education, employment and international mobility. The event (Digital) Skills Connect Europe was held at the Urania in Vienna on 29 April 2025. It provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and look ahead, with a particular focus on the role of European Digital Credentials for Learning.

The figures highlight the importance of Europass: the European portal records some 280,000 visits from Austria each year, along with more than 10,000 new profiles and around 50,000 downloaded CVs. Since the launch of the initiative, over 40,000 mobility documents have also been issued in Austria.

10 years of EPALE – the platform for the adult learning community For a decade, EPALE has brought together people and institutions involved in adult learning. The 2025 EPALE and Erasmus+ Conference on “Artificial Intelligence Meets Adult Learning: Fostering Innovation, Strengthening Skills”, held at Vienna’s Urania on 22 April 2025, offered an opportunity to reflect on 10 years of EPALE and 25 years of European adult learning programmes.

With over 170,000 users in Europe, including 2,027 from Austria, EPALE has become a central platform for the adult learning community. This anniversary also serves as motivation to continue on this successful path.

170,000 users in Europe

2,027

including from Austria

01 The OeAD in figures The total budget for 2025 amounted to 166.6 million euros, of which 125.1 million euros were dedicated to funding mobility activities and projects. Figures as of April 2026

29.1

Programmes of the BMFWF and BMB

125.1

Total funding

1.6

(actual disbursements)

Programmes funded by third parties

3.8 Development cooperation

programmes

166.6

90.6

Total budget

Erasmus+ and ESC programmes

in millions of euros (2025)

The OeAD serves as a central hub for educational programmes for all: kindergartens, schools, higher education and research, vocational education and training, as well as adult education, youth, culture and sport.

166.6

BUDGET DEVELOPMENT 150

100

150.5

in millions of euros

The OeAD budget increased in 2022 due to the integration of ERINNERN:AT and the addition of the funding programmes Ukraine Scholarships, 100 Schools – 1000 Opportunities and Sparkling Science 2.0. In 2023, the OeAD took on additional responsibilities through the establishment of the new Digital Skills Office. In 2024, the OeAD team was expanded to include ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA. The increase in 2025 is mainly due to very high funding disbursements under Erasmus+.

24.52

2025

2024

2020

2015

2010

2005

2000

1995

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Lviv Chişinău Odesa/Uzhhorod

Sarajevo Tirana

Shanghai

Linz OeAD headquarTers, Vienna Salzburg Bregenz

Innsbruck

Leoben

Graz

KlagenfurT OeAD locations

Student housing for international and domestic students (OeAD student housing)

OeAD headquarters in Vienna The subsidiary OeAD student housing is wholly owned by the OeAD. The Foundation for Innovation in Education is a separate legal entity. The foundation’s office is assigned to the OeAD.

6 OeAD locations in Bregenz, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg and Vienna

Focus: scientific cooperation The OeAD cooperation offices in Lviv (Ukraine) and Shanghai (China)

Focus: educational cooperation Regional cooperation offices in Tirana (responsible for Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia) and Sarajevo (responsible for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro) as well as cooperation offices in Chişinău and Odesa/Uzhhorod, headed by Austrian educational coordinators directly seconded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB).

387 OeAD

University Preparation Programmes

(not including teachers and lecturers)

404

employees advise project promoters and outgoings, provide assistance for incomings, and support the projects.

employees of OeAD student housing

01 Projects 13,997 projects were funded by the OeAD in 2025, of which 12,418 were national initiatives.

772

International Cooperation Offices and Foreign Language Teaching

Internationalisation: Erasmus+ School Education, Adult Education, Vocational Education and Training, Youth, Sport, and European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

2,610

Digital Skills Office

790

Internationalisation: higher education

9,808

Education and Society

13,997

Total number of projects by sector

Figures as of 30 April 2026

718 accreditations

149 quality labels

Accreditations for Erasmus+, 2021–2027 Erasmus accreditation enables institutions long-term and simplified participation in Erasmus+ within the framework of mobility projects.

ESC quality label in 2025 Organisations wishing to host or send young people as part of volunteer projects need the ESC quality label. This label confirms that the organisation fulfils the requirements for working with committed young people and identifies itself with the ESC’s principles.

in 2025

erasmusplus.oead.at/en/

in 2025

solidaritaetskorps.at

OeAD Annual Report 2025

13,997 1,579

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES Erasmus+ projects*

(school education, vocational education and training, adult education, higher education, youth, sport)

833

European Solidarity Corps projects*

Africa-UniNet

Aktion Austria–Czech Republic

Aktion Austria–Slovakia

Aktion Austria–Hungary

APPEAR projects

31 107

ASEA-UNINET projects Eurasia-Pacific Uninet (EPU)**

Project Funding Programme Taiwan–Austria

International School of Multimedia Journalism (ISMJ)

Cooperation Development Research

Cooperation Vienna University of Technology–Lvivska Politechnika Lviv

Educational Cooperation with Eastern and South Eastern Europe in Pre-University Education

Scientific & Technological Cooperation

295

(KOEF)

NATIONAL INITIATIVES Cultural education with schools (workshops and projects in 2025)

Children’s and youth universities (projects)

Sparkling Science 2.0 (projects)

Strong Schools, Strong Society (formerly Prevention of Extremism; workshops held in 2025)

Digital Überall (Digital Everywhere) workshops (workshops held in 2025)

projects in calendar year 2025 by project Data as of 30 April 2026

12,418 3,592 38 54 6,124 2,610

* Number of approved projects ** Projects from the 2025 call will start in 2026

i Since the OeAD Annual Report 2024, mobility programmes have been reported based on the number of participants. In our view, the previous method of counting individual mobility activities did not accurately reflect how many people actually took part in mobility measures, as one person can complete several stays abroad in the course of a year. Therefore, people with multi-year scholarships (e.g. PhD scholarships) are only counted once.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Incomings and outgoings ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA OeAD University Preparation Programmes CEEPUS Ernst Mach Programme European Higher Education Area

InTernaTionalisaTion

Scientific and Technological Cooperation (S&T Cooperation) Focus on Ukraine Focus on China Focus on UniNet Research for better living conditions Focus on Africa Positioning Austria as an international centre of higher education and research

Internationalisation

Incomings and outgoings In 2025, 2,382 incomings and 43,481 outgoings were supported financially.

2,382

43,481

Incomings

Outgoings

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

2,382

494

International programmes

European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

Erasmus+

(school education, vocational education and training, higher education, adult education)

International language assistance

International programmes

Junior lectureship (formerly Teaching German as a Foreign Language Internship)

42,276 Erasmus+ mobility activities took place in 2025. This figure includes 962 incomings in Erasmus+ International and stays in Austria with Erasmus+ Youth.

Goals +

223

Lecturers

353

42,276

= 100

SHOWCASING AND STRENGTHENING AUSTRIA’S INTERNATIONAL PROFILE AS AN ATTRACTIVE CENTRE OF EDUCATION, HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

CONTRIBUTING TO THE FURTHER ENHANCEMENT OF AUSTRIA’S ATTRACTIVENESS AS A DESTINATION FOR TALENT

PROMOTING EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS

1 Not including Erasmus+. People who took part in more than one programme are only counted once.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Incomings and outgoings from international programmes The Ernst Mach Programme is the OeAD’s most popular incoming grant programme, followed by the Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies (CEEPUS).

2,382

Incoming scholarships

TOP INCOMING SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2025 Ernst Mach grants CEEPUS Aktion Austria–Czech Republic2 Erhard Busek Grant Aktion Austria–Slovakia2 ISTA Austria: ISTernship Summer Programme APPEAR Scholarship Indonesia Postgraduate Scholarship Programme Aktion Austria–Hungary2 OSS-III/HEC Overseas Scholarships Franz Werfel Scholarship SHER Fellowships

1,024 964 66 62 58 42 38 22 21 21 17 14

OeAD Special Scholarships (9), Scholarships of the Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria (8), University of Klagenfurt Technology Grants (7), Richard Plaschka Scholarship (6), Lviv Scholarships (< 5), Cooperation TU Wien– Lvivska Politechnika Lviv (< 5), Cultural Agreement with Japan/Monbukagakusho (< 5)

TOP 5 OUTGOING SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2025

Teaching German as a Foreign Language Internship

105 90 61 29

Taiwan travel grant (language course)

Marietta Blau Grant Lectureship Programme CEEPUS

INNOVATION AND TRANSFER TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

PROMOTING GLOBAL COLLABORATION

SUPPORTING HIGH-QUALITY INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

SUPPORTING EUROPEAN AND NATIONAL STRATEGIES IN EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND SCIENCE

Note: new counting method (see p. 28)

2 Some scholarships under these programmes are implemented by the respective partner country’s coordination office and included here for completeness.

02 ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA: evaluation of foreign higher education qualifications The national office for the recognition of foreign academic qualifications in Austria is part of the international ENIC and NARIC networks to ensure a harmonised approach to recognition.

Its core tasks include evaluating foreign higher education qualifications for professional purposes and confirming general university entrance eligibility in admission and residence procedures. Close cooperation with national and international partner institutions ensures the quality of recognition practices.

The number of displaced professionals from Ukrain led to a further increase in Ukrainian applicants in 2025. The Ukraine project enabled a targeted response: additional capacity was created and integrated into existing workflows, reducing processing times.

Improving efficiency and optimising processes The strategic reorganisation of ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA | Credential Evaluation continued, with measures to improve efficiency and optimise processes being developed and implemented.

ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA

In July 2025, an important milestone was reached: responsibility for all countries and regions worldwide was formally transferred

from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) to the OeAD, where it is now fully consolidated. At the same time, the digital processing system was modernised. As part of the Digital Agenda, a new helpdesk system was introduced, sustainably improving service and processing workflows.

Over 10,000 applications processed in 18 months

8,000

Over applications were processed in 2025.

In 2025, the focus was on managing the increased volume of applications and further improving the quality of recognition practices. In the third quarter alone, 1,767 evaluations of foreign higher education qualifications for professional purposes were completed. Overall, more than 8,000 applications were processed in 2025 – a new record. This brings the total number of applications processed since July 2024 to over 10,000. In addition, ENIC NARIC AUSTRIA | Credential Evaluation engaged in professional exchange at both national and international levels. Active participa-

tion in ENIC-NARIC network initiatives and workshops ensured continuous engagement with current developments. At national level, this included participation in the Austrian Integration Fund’s (ÖIF) working group on the recognition of foreign qualifications and active involvement in professional events, such as those organised by the Austrian Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (FHK) and the Higher Education Conference 2025 in Kufstein. In addition, further country-specific recommendations on access to higher education were developed to improve transparency and traceability.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

OeAD University Preparation Programmes in Vienna and Graz The University Preparation Programmes in Vienna and Graz prepare international students admitted to degree programmes at Austrian universities for supplementary examinations. The OeAD runs these two programmes in cooperation with the universities in Vienna and Graz, with support from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB). The growing number of students highlights the increasing interest in University Preparation Programmes, but is also creating capacity constraints. In 2025, the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU) introduced improvements in examinations and instruction, including updated course descriptions. Preparations to introduce a listening comprehension component to the supplementary examination in 2026 have been completed. AI tools are now being used in the development of examinations.

University Preparation Programmes

The C1 level in English required by the universities in Graz necessitated a redesign of the course level content for the University Preparation Programme for Graz Universities (VGUH). Italian was established as a permanent course offering. With regard to examinations, placement tests were developed and the oral supplementary examination in German was reworked. The examination regulations were revised to reflect new requirements and will apply from the 2026 summer semester.

VIENNA (VWU) Summer semester 2025

1,220 students 3,583 incl. cooperation partners Winter semester 2025/26

1,195 students 4,085 incl. cooperation partners

GRAZ (VGUH) Summer semester 2025

884 students Winter semester 2025/26

955 students

TRENDS IN STUDENT NUMBERS for both University Preparation Programmes

4,085 4,000

2,000

1,721

897

2,005

2,051

1,096

1,024

2,728

2,816

1,066

1,139

758

782

WS 2023/24

SS 2024

3,576

3,583

1,272

1,220

1,195

879

884

955

WS 2024/25

SS 2025

WS 2025/26

1,560 805

431

424

WS 2021/22

SS 2022

565

588

WS 2022/23

SS 2023

University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU)

WS = Winter semester

VWU including cooperation partners

University Preparation Programme for Graz Universities (VGUH)

SS = Summer semester 33

02 CEEPUS Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies This multilateral exchange programme with Central and Eastern Europe supports academic mobility and transnational cooperation within the region’s higher education area. Funding is provided for study visits, student internships, intensive courses, student excursions and the mobility of teaching staff.

In 2025, 1,045 incoming scholarships were awarded to 964 individuals under the CEEPUS programme. CEEPUS scholarship holders from higher education institutions in 16 countries came to Austria. A total of 89 outgoing scholarships were granted to 60 individuals from Austria, covering stays in 14 countries.

oead.at/ceepus

OeAD Annual Report 2025

90 7 Poland

129 12 Czech Republic

3 Ukraine

76 6 Slovakia

1 1 Republic

102 12 Hungary

Slovenia 81 9

Croatia 76 | 13

161 2 Serbia

Bosnia and Herzegovina 38 1

Montenegro 8 1

75 6 Romania

32 4 Kosovo

of Moldova

25 4 Bulgaria

53 North Macedonia

Albania14 1

964

CEEPUS incomings, by country of origin of the scholarship holders

= 10

CEEPUS outgoings CEEPUS scholarship holders went to 14 countries.

Note: new counting method (see p. 28) 35

02 Ernst Mach Programme for students and university lecturers from all disciplines who wish to undertake a study or research stay in Austria.

In calendar year 2025, funding was provided to 1,024 incoming grant recipients under the Ernst Mach Programmes. The Ernst Mach Grant – UKRAINE continued to account for the largest share (587), followed by the Ernst Mach Grant for Studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences (181) and the Ernst Mach Grant – worldwide (160).

Canada 6

In addition, funding was provided to individuals under the Ernst Mach Grant ASEA-UNINET and the Follow-Up Grant (Development Cooperation). Grant recipients from higher education institutions in 60 different countries came to Austria.

Mexico 7

2 Dominican Republic

Colombia 1

Brazil 7

Peru 13

oead.at/ernstmach

Bolivien 1

Chile 7

ERNST MACH PROGRAMME IN EUROPE Calendar year 2025 by institution of origin

2 Finland

20 Argentina

2 Estonia

1 Lithuania United Kingdom 5

11 Germany

Netherlands 1

401

4 Czech Republic

Belgium 3

France 1

Switzerland 4

Slovenia 1

Italy 13

2 Spain

2 Poland

Ukraine *

2 Slovakia 10 Hungary 2 Serbia

1 Croatia 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 Bulgaria Turkey 3

* 401 Ukrainians named a Ukrainian higher education institution as their institution of origin.

Note: new counting method (see p. 28)

OeAD Annual Report 2025

1,024 incoming grant recipients in Ernst Mach Programmes

2 Russian Federation 7 Kazakhstan 3 Mongolia

Usbekistan 1

Georgia 2

Republic of Korea 12

Pakistan 65 Iran 10

5 Algeria

1 Nigeria

18 China

13 Egypt Saudi Arabia 1

2 Ethiopia

17 Japan

7 Taiwan India 12

21 Vietnam 5 Philippines

Thailand 39 Malaysia 6

7 Singapure

Indonesia 28

South Africa 1

4 Australia

2 Lesotho

New Zealand 1

Velky Ahumada, Ernst Mach Grant worldwide recipient (summer semester 2018) and Ernst Mach Follow-Up Grant recipient (2024); both stays at Paris Lodron University Salzburg; lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cartagena in Colombia

Malik Mubeen ALI, recipient of the Ernst Mach Grant for Studying at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences; studied environmental, process and energy engineering at MCI Management Center Innsbruck in the 2023/24 winter semester. After his stay in Austria, he was awarded a scholarship for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development from the 2025/26 winter semester, which he attributes to his successful stay in Austria.

ne of the most significant benefits of an international workplace is the diversity of thought it fosters, resulting in innovative perspectives. This is a game changer that allowed me to grow as an independent researcher.

y semester in Austria left a deep and lasting impact – both personally and professionally. I gained a strong academic foundation. Studying in this country was more than an academic experience; it was a cultural transformation.

02 European Higher Education Area In 2025, the OeAD’s events supporting the implementation of the European Higher Education Area and the National Higher Education Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy (HMIS2030) reached almost 350 participants from Austria and abroad.

Perspectives from Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany were also incorporated at Bologna Day 2025, held under the title “The essential difference: promoting internation-

alisation and permeability through recognition”. Along with aspects of recognition in the context of mobility, the event addressed the recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Advice and support for higher education institutions Through its activities related to the European Higher Education Area, the OeAD supports the internationalisation of higher education institutions and fosters a comprehensive understanding of the Bologna Process. This includes topics such as innovation in

teaching, curriculum development and the social situation of students. In addition, the OeAD supports the implementation of specific national strategic objectives, for example in the area of mobility for STEM students.

Internationalisation Award

hmis2030.at/en

On 27 November 2025, the Internationali sation Award was presented for the first time at the OeAD Higher Education Conference at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner (Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research, BMFWF) and the OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice presented certificates and trophies to the award winners in four categories at a ceremonial event. In total, 103 examples of good practice from 38 higher education institutions in all sectors were submitted for the Internationalisation Award 2025. All submissions are published at hmis2030.at, the platform for the National Higher Education Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy (HMIS2030).

Federal Minister Holzleitner spoke at the first award ceremony.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

European Universities Since 2019, the European Universities Alliances (EUI) have been a key pillar of the European higher education landscape and, by extension, of Erasmus+. It is also important to disseminate the results beyond the alliances. In 2025, the OeAD conducted a study entitled “European Universities Alliances as Role Models” together with the national agencies from Germany, Norway and Hungary. Higher education institutions across Europe that are not part of an alliance were surveyed for this purpose: • Ninety-four per cent are interested in finding out more about experiences with

•

the EUI. Key topics included the develop ment of joint degrees, credentials and diploma supplements (49 per cent); pedagogical innovation (43 per cent); and joint activities, such as a shared campus (37 per cent). Higher education institutions are interested in participating in alliances for the following reasons: they wish to develop strategic partnerships with other universities in Europe (91 per cent), deepen internationalisation (84 per cent), improve the quality of teaching and learning (72 per cent) and promote mobility (65 per cent).

European Universities Alliances (EUI)

Read the study: European Universities Alliances as Role Models

E Leopold Kögler-Vencour, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten / E³UDRES² (E+)

uropean Universities Alliances such as E³UDRES² are elevating cooperation between higher education institutions in the European Higher Education Area to a new level in both teaching and research. Implementing joint projects at various levels promotes the Bologna Process and enhances the quality of teaching and research. Increased mobility strengthens European values.

OeAD Higher Education Conference In 2025, more than 200 representatives from higher education institutions and stakeholders from the public sector and industry discussed the topic “Higher Education and the

More than 200 higher education representatives attended the OeAD Higher Education Conference.

World of Work – Global Perspectives” at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. The focus was on current developments, challenges and opportunities at the intersection of higher education and the global world of work. Keynotes, panel discussions and interactive small-group formats provided input for a future-oriented, internationally connected higher education landscape and strengthened dialogue between academia and practice. In addition, two current topics – the concept of responsible internationalisation and the European Commission’s Global Gateway Initiative – complemented the diverse programme of the OeAD Higher Education Conference.

OeAD magazine Global Connections In 2025, the OeAD magazine focused on “Higher Education and the World of Work”, highlighting the importance of international mobility and partnerships for a successful transition into employment in a globalised world of work.

02 Scientific and Technological Cooperation (S&T Cooperation) Based on intergovernmental agreements and memoranda of understanding, S&T Cooperation supports bilateral projects for short-term research stays across all disciplines. The aim is to establish new international cooperation and build sustainable partnerships.

300

Around bilateral projects were carried out with 18 countries within the framework of S&T Cooperation in 2025.

The funding volume in 2025 amounted to around

1.1 million euros

In addition, the programme aims to increase the number of international co-publications in the fields of research, technology and innovation (RTI) with Austrian participation. Another objective is to support young researchers. Funding primarily supports bilateral projects. S&T Cooperation projects run for two years. Funding for Austrian researchers covers travel and accommodation, as well as project-related costs. Funded stays may last up to three months. In 2025, around 300 bilateral projects with 18 countries were funded under S&T Cooperation. The total funding volume amounted to roughly 1.1 million euros.

Scientific & Technological Cooperation

Active bilateral agreements are currently in place with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, France, India, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, South Korea and Ukraine. A multilateral call for proposals for countries in the Danube region is issued every two years. Austria’s current partner countries in this multilateral group include Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Focus on Ukraine Ernst Mach Grant – UKRAINE In 2025, a Ukraine meetup, a language café and an OeAD Career Day were held to provide grant recipients under the Ernst Mach Grant – UKRAINE with networking opportunities and a platform for exchanging experiences. Particular emphasis was placed on entry into the Austrian labour market.

Successful Ukrainians were invited to a panel discussion. Workshops providing practical information on job applications, self-employment and labour law were offered with the involvement of organisations such as the Austrian Business Agency, Vienna Business Agency and the Vienna Chamber of Labour.

Since April 2022, around 1,300 people have received funding through the Ernst Mach Grant – UKRAINE.

Institutional support in higher education In 2025, the OeAD continued its active support for Ukrainian higher education institutions. A dedicated quota of places was reserved for Ukrainian higher education institutions at the Erasmus+ conference Promoting Mobilities in STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in Higher Education, held in Vienna in May 2025. Representatives from 11 Ukrainian higher education institutions used this opportunity to initiate cooperation with universities across Europe in STEM fields.

In addition, a webinar entitled Building Bridges in Challenging Times with Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships was held as part of the OeAD Higher Education Conference 2025, where the project FreeAc – Promoting Academic Freedom in Ukraine was presented. The focus was on how Ukrainian higher education institutions can be strengthened in times of war, for example through measures to counter talent loss and brain drain and through short- and long-term strategies to safeguard teaching and research.

Conference in May 2025 Further information on the conference can be found on p. 64.

Erasmus+ school education: eTwinning job shadowing Ukraine–Austria A multi-day job shadowing activity in Vienna helped to further strengthen exchanges between Ukraine and Austria. Under the motto “eTwinning Ukraine meets eTwinning Austria”, Ukrainian colleagues gained insights into good practices and the OeAD’s work in international educational cooperation. Highlights included participation in the

national eTwinning award ceremony at Vienna City Hall and a visit to an eTwinning school, providing an opportunity to see project implementation in practice. The exchange led to the establishment of lasting contacts and further strengthened cooperation within the European Education Area.

OeAD cooperation offices: crisis response measures Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in spring 2022, the OeAD’s cooperation office in Chişinău (Moldova) has been providing psychosocial support to refugee children and helping them integrate into school life in Moldova. In 2025, the OeAD’s cooperation office in Odesa (operating from Uzhhorod) supported around 2,230 teachers and school

psychologists through 79 events on “Crisis Intervention and Psychological First Aid”. In addition, the OeAD’s cooperation office organised 56 professional development events for more than 500 teachers on designing online instruction in STEM subjects, Ukrainian and English.

have never received such up-to-date and practical information on how to find a job. This event was very helpful for my future career.

Feedback from a Ukrainian participant in a questionnaire

02 Focus on China Over the years, the OeAD’s cooperation office at the Austrian Consulate General in Shanghai has steadily expanded its local network and its expertise on China. In this way, comprehensive support is provided to Austrian higher education institutions and a wellinformed and balanced basis for cooperation with China is established.

Exchanges at the intercultural event at the Austria Centre in Shanghai

Through its cooperation office, the OeAD is active in academic exchange. It advises Austrian academic admissions offices and supports cooperation with academic examination bodies in China. It also contributes to the further development of China expertise in Austria through information events. Locally, the OeAD represents Austrian educational institutions at trade fairs and works to strengthen Austria’s position in the field of German as a foreign language. In addition, the OeAD’s cooperation office plays an important role in maintaining Austria’s relations with its Chinese alumni. Through networking events, it strengthens

ongoing dialogue and fosters a lasting connection between Chinese graduates of higher education institutions and Austria. Furthermore, the OeAD’s cooperation office coordinates delegation visits and organises study visits to China funded by Austrian higher education institutions. This provides Austrian students with the opportunity to expand their subject-specific knowledge and diversity competencies in China.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Focus on UniNet ASEA-UNINET This multilateral network was founded in 1994 with the aim of bringing together Austrian and Southeast Asian universities in a shared framework for cooperation. As of December 2025, ASEA-UNINET comprised 96 institutions in 14 countries in Europe and Southeast Asia and enables a wide range of cooperation in research and teaching. Around 100 bilateral and multilateral research and teaching projects between Austrian universities and member universities in Southeast Asia and Pakistan receive funding

annually from the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF). Around 30 incoming study periods (Ernst Mach grants) are also funded, most of which cover entire doctoral programmes. In addition to academic cooperation, cultural and personal relationships are established and maintained, for example during the 20th plenary meeting held at the University of Brescia (UNIBS) in Italy from 8 to 12 September 2025. This makes ASEA-UNINET a unique platform for cooperation between Austria and Southeast Asia.

ASEA-UNINET

96 member universities

in 2025, including 21 in Austria

107 approved projects calls 2024 and 2025

1.5

Around million euros funding volume 2025 calls 2024 and 2025

ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, East Timor, Vietnam

Internationally (East Asia, Central Asia – Caucasus and South Asia – Pacific): Armenia, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

partner countries ASEA-UNINET

Other member countries: Austria, Italy, Pakistan, Romania, the Czech Republic in 2025

in 2025

Eurasia-Pacific Uninet (EPU) Since 2000, the EPU academic network has connected universities, researchers and teaching staff from East Asia, Central and South Asia and the Pacific with partners at Austrian higher education institutions. It promotes research and educational cooperation, international exchange and interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with 29 Austrian partner institutions and numerous higher education institutions across the Eurasian and Pacific regions.

EPU partner countries

Europe: only Austria

EPU covers a wide range of academic disciplines, from engineering and environmental sciences to business, social sciences and the arts. This diversity reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the network. It lays the groundwork for forward-looking research initiatives carried out in bilateral or multilateral partnerships with at least one international EPU member institution.

member universities in 2025, including 29 in Austria

approved projects in 2025

258,650

Around euros funding volume 2025

Eurasia-Pacific Uninet

02 Research for better living conditions APPEAR – Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development

APPEAR

APPEAR is the higher education cooperation programme implemented by the OeAD within Austrian development cooperation as part of International Partnerships Austria.

support the education of qualified specialists, promote institutional cooperation and contribute to building long-term, sustainable networks.

In 2025, 30 academic partnerships were carried out between Austrian higher education institutions and institutions in 13 partner countries: Albania, Armenia, Ethiopia, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Georgia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan and Uganda. The partnerships strengthen structures in teaching, research and higher education management over the long term and contribute to improving living conditions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Another focus in 2025 was the organisation of the meeting of the Cooperation for Sustainable Development in Higher Education Group (S-DHG). Representatives of European education and development agencies, as well as international organisations, discussed how the social and socio-economic value added of higher education cooperation with the Global South can be communicated in an evidence-based and compelling manner, under the title “Challenging Times: Communicating the Value of Higher Education Cooperation with the Global South to Decision Makers and Stakeholders”.

Thirty-eight students from partner countries received a scholarship for a master’s or PhD programme in Austria. The scholarships

KoEF – Cooperation Development Research

Cooperation Development Research

Research collaborations under the OeAD’s KoEF programme address both local and global challenges. They enable joint research for people-centred development, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme’s unique diversity is reflected in its broad thematic scope – from malaria research to urban agriculture and from

social work to applied arts. Mutal learning and academic exchange are at its core. Currently, more than 290 researchers worldwide are collaborating in 33 partnerships between Austrian research institutions and institutions in 25 different countries – from Papua New Guinea to Zimbabwe.

Welt im Ohr – the OeAD radio programme and podcast

Welt im Ohr podcasts

In 2025, nine OeAD contributions were produced for ORF Ö1 Campus Radio. They explore project content and current develop ment policy issues and are also available as podcasts. The programme provides a

platform for researchers from countries of the Global South as well as for academics and experts from Austria and gives voice to diverse perspectives. The OeAD podcast is funded by International Partnerships Austria.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Focus on Africa Africa-UniNet – Austrian–African Research Network Africa-UniNet connects higher education and research institutions in Africa and Austria to build and deepen lasting, equitable scientific cooperation. The network promotes joint research projects and thereby creates opportunities for academic exchange, networking and trust-building collaboration. All research activities share a common alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the approval of 20 research collaborations in 2025, the total number of Africa-UniNet projects has reached 100. They include partnerships with institutions in

17 African countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

Cooperation between Austria and Gabon

Africa-UniNet

Erasmus+ as a driver of cooperation with Africa In the current programme period, Erasmus+ has placed a strong focus on the African continent in its higher education policy and has thus become a driving force for academic cooperation. •

•

In 2025, Sub-Saharan Africa had the largest Erasmus+ regional budget for both international higher education mobility and Capacity Building in Higher Education. Higher education institutions in African countries are also among the degreeawarding universities in Erasmus Mundus.

Austrian higher education institutions cooperated with institutions in 27 African countries under Erasmus+ in 2025.

Sub-Saharan Africa as a funding priority in Erasmus+

Austria

Tunisia Morocco

Egypt

Mali

Senegal

Sudan

Nigeria

Sierra Leone Liberia Burkina Faso Ivory Coast

Niger

Ghana Cameroon

DR Congo

Tanzania

Gabon

In spring 2025, the OeAD held an Erasmus+ cooperation seminar in Morocco together with the national agencies of Hungary and the Czech Republic, which contributed to further strengthening academic cooperation between Austria and Morocco.

Djibouti Ethiopia South Sudan Uganda Kenya Rwanda

Malawi Namibia

Mozambique

Botswana

Zimbabwe South Africa

AFRICAN COUNTRIES that were members of Africa-UniNet in 2025 and/or were involved in ongoing Erasmus+ projects

Mauritius

Lesotho

Countries that are members of Africa-UniNet Countries with Erasmus+ higher education cooperation Countries with both types of cooperation 45

02 Positioning Austria as an international centre of higher education and research The OeAD contributes to enhancing the international attractiveness and visibility of Austrian higher education institutions through a wide range of measures and activities.

Study in Austria

y research experience in Austria fostered warm, respectful professional relationships that continue through collaboration with BOKU. It emphasised punctuality, efficiency and professionalism while offering opportunities for skill development and personal growth that shaped my career. Vivekanand Vivekanand, Assistant Professor MNIT, Jaipur, India | OeAD alumnus

A variety of offerings facilitates access to higher education and research in Austria for students, researchers and teaching staff from around the world and promotes an inclusive education landscape. A strong international profile is crucial for Austria to

counteract the demographically induced shortage of skilled labour, enhance the competitiveness of Austrian higher education institutions, initiate high-quality cooperation and attract international talent.

Communication and marketing

Advice and support for higher education institutions

Under the “Highlight your future. Study in Austria” brand, the OeAD represents all Austrian higher education institutions worldwide, including public universities, universities of applied sciences, private higher education institutions and universities and university colleges of teacher education.

Support for scholarship holders In 2025, 2,379 scholarship holders from 80 countries received support and assistance at the OeAD Regional Offices.

Answering roughly

7,200 enquiries,

of which 2,561 pertained to immigration law

Participation in 3 specialist fairs and higher education fairs together with over 120 representatives of Austrian higher education institutions

The OeAD promotes the study, scholarship and cooperation programmes offered by all Austrian higher education institutions and provides comprehensive information and advice on studying and conducting research, as well as living and working in Austria, including visa and residence matters. It works closely with Austrian higher education institutions, OeAD lecturers and Austrian diplomatic representations abroad. The OeAD also provides online and print media and uses electronic tools for advisory services.

Participation in 25 fairs that are open to the public and in 10 webinars

2,379

Support for scholarship holders from 80 countries

Organisation of a cooperation seminar for Austrian and Indian higher education institutions

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Bilateral cooperation forum 2025, New Delhi

Participation in and organisation of events: focus on India Together with more than 120 representatives of Austrian higher education institutions, the OeAD participated in three international specialist fairs and higher education fairs, as well as in 35 webinars and public fairs worldwide in 2025, in cooperation with Study in Europe and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. With the aim of initiating new cooperation and deepening existing partnerships, the OeAD organised a bilateral higher education forum in New Delhi in March 2025 to strengthen academic relations between Austria and India. More than 70 participants used the forum for exchange, knowledge transfer and a matchmaking session to initiate targeted projects. The event was held in cooperation with Study in India (EdCil) and at the invitation of the Austrian Cultural Forum New Delhi. An evening reception at the Austrian ambassador’s residence, attended by around 20 OeAD alumni, provided additional opportunities for networking and informal exchange. In addition, the webinar Spotlight on Austrian Higher Education Institutions: Study, Research and Scholarship Opportunities, with a focus on STEM, was offered in cooperation with nine Austrian higher education institutions.

Research in Austria: Focus USA Together with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the OeAD set up the Research in Austria: Focus USA portal on Euraxess Austria in spring 2025. The platform is part of a package of measures to support researchers who wish to move from the United States to Austria. All relevant information on science and research is presented there, including job opportunities in Austria, as well as cooperation and mobility opportunities and other funding opportunities offered by Austrian higher education institutions, research institutions and funding agencies.

Welcome and integration services The OeAD aims to provide international students, researchers and teaching staff with optimal starting conditions in Austria. As part of the EU project ERA Talent, the OeAD organised a total of seven networking events for researchers over a period of three years. The events addressed a range of topics, including working in Austria and intercultural communication and aimed to strengthen the socio-cultural and academic integration of international researchers over the long term.

n discussions with Malaysian universities and other stakeholders, your consolidated overview of potential funding programmes for Austria has generated considerable interest.

Ambassador Gerhard Eisl, Austrian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur

t the Austrian reception at EAIE 2025, we connected with two new higher education institutions (from the Philippines and South Africa) and welcomed them to our campus last week. Iris Waringer, IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Projects, mobility, financial flows Total figures DiscoverEU and Youthpass Erasmus+ Higher Education International

erasmus+ and ESC

Let’s talk Europe Erasmus+ special programmes Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC): experiencing and shaping Europe Our services: guidance and support

Erasmus+ and ESC

Erasmus+ and ESC in Austria Projects, mobility, financial flows in 2025

833

42,276

approved projects in Erasmus+

88,042,503

Approved mobility activities in Erasmus+*

in approved funds in Erasmus+ (in euros)

718

accreditations for Erasmus+ Accredited institutions benefit from simplified participation in Erasmus+.

Vorarlberg

Salzburg

130,349 5,187,551

33 1 1,561 10 2,891,282 118,579

3 54 30 2,554

Tyrol 51 7 3,035 81 6,848,505 372,976

approved projects in the ESC

494

approved mobility activities in the ESC

2,314,156 in approved funds in the ESC (in euros)

149

ESC quality labels awarded All organisations wishing to participate in volunteering activities under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) must first be accredited. They are then awarded a quality label.

* 42,276 Erasmus+ mobility activities took place in 2025. This figure includes 962 incomings in Erasmus+ International and stays in Austria with Erasmus+ Youth.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Lower Austria 4 85 33 4,499 263,803 9,771,545

Vienna

247

216 13,774

693,257 31,105,754

120 6 5,943 56 9,762,393 344,559 Upper Austria

Styria

8 166 57 8,094

21 651 1,318,440 Burgenland

340,546 16,402,995

Carinthia 56 2 2,165 11

4,754,039 50,087

Erasmus+ is the EU programme supporting education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) offers young people aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to engage in community projects in their home country or abroad. The OeAD is the national agency for the implementation of the two EU programmes in Austria. 51

03 Total figures broken down by school education, vocational education and training, adult education and higher education

School education

14,446,629 in approved funds

14,576,253

In 2025, 361 Erasmus+ school projects were carried out. 11,251* pupils and teachers took part in mobility activities.

in EU funds

Including:

8,345

pupils

716 professional development activities 849 job shadowing activities

361

11,251

projects

mobility activities

Vocational education and training

66 invited

experts

teaching assignments abroad

21,892,934 in approved funds

21,408,314

In 2025, 9,597* apprentices, pupils and trainers worked and learned abroad with Erasmus+. 169 Erasmus+ projects were carried out in vocational education and training in 2025.

Including:

5,961 pupils

169 projects

9,597 mobility activities*

* Including preparatory visits and accompanying persons

1,715

apprentices

1,070 trainers

in EU funds

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Higher education In 2025, 116 Erasmus+ projects were carried out in higher education. 13,155 students, lecturers and other higher education staff were granted educational stays abroad or (within the framework of international higher education mobility) in Austria.

39,063,211 in approved funds

36,195,372

in EU funds

7,660

study visits

2,615

student internships

116 projects

Adult education In 2025, 50 Erasmus+ projects and 1,296* stays abroad were funded in adult education.

13,155 mobility activities

1,676

teaching assignments

1,204

staff training courses

4,425,534 in approved funds

5,342,067

in EU funds

Including:

189 training courses 283 job shadowing activities

11 teaching assignments

50 projects

1,296 mobility activities*

abroad

60 invited

experts

619 adult learners

* Including preparatory visits and accompanying persons

03 Total figures Youth, sport and European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

7,960,492 in approved funds

Youth

8,031,225

In 2025, 121 Erasmus+ projects and 6,7901 stays abroad were funded in the youth programme.

in EU funds

Including:

1,532 skilled labour

121

6,790

projects

mobility activities

5,034

youth meetings/ exchanges

253,704 in approved funds

Sport

262,023

Erasmus+ funded 16 projects in the sport sector. 1871 mobility activities were carried out.

187

projects

mobility activities1

in EU funds

Including:

142

skilled labour mobility activities

2,314,156 in approved funds

ESC

2,330,403

In 2025, 55 ESC projects were carried out. 4942 people took part in mobility activities.

in EU funds

Including:

304

494

projects

mobility activities2

Including preparatory visits and accompanying persons

Including preparatory visits

volunteers

190

participants in solidarity projects

OeAD Annual Report 2025

DiscoverEU and Youthpass DiscoverEU – discover Europe DiscoverEU offers 18-year-old Europeans the opportunity to travel around Europe by train for up to one month, either individually or in groups. This enables young people across Europe to connect with a shared

European identity. The trips are intended to strengthen their awareness of the fundamental values of the European Union. Since 2018, the European Commission has issued 431,931 travel passes.

DiscoverEU

75,777

403,298

received a travel pass, including Austrians, who will travel all over Europe with DiscoverEU.

1,513

young people from all over Europe applied for a travel pass.

2025

11,631

including applicants from Austria

The 75,777 young people selected between April and November 2025 will travel between July 2025 and May 2027.

Youthpass – informal and non-formal learning in youth projects Youthpass is a European tool and certificate for recognising, documenting and reflecting on non-formal and informal learning experiences in the Erasmus+ Youth and

2,125,826

certificates issued in Europe so far

ESC programmes. It supports young people in shaping their learning experiences and articulating them. Youthpass

234,594

certificates issued in Europe in 2025

2,426

including Youthpasses for Austrians (2025)

03 Erasmus+ Higher Education International The global positioning of Austrian higher education institutions is one of the five key objectives of the Austrian Higher Education Mobility and Internationalisation Strategy (HMIS2030). The international dimension of Erasmus+ makes a significant contribution in this regard. As in previous years, global and regional crises affected the international activities of Erasmus+. However, in close cooperation with the European Commission and higher

education institutions, it was possible to maintain strong demand for Erasmus+ international opportunities and to adapt them flexibly to current challenges.

International higher education mobility 2025 In 2025, around 5.7 million euros (EU and national co-funding) were available to Austria for international higher education mobility. By contrast, demand of just under 17.5 million

AVAILABLE FUNDS AND FUNDS APPLIED FOR per region in euros

* Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

Region

euros once again significantly exceeded the available funds. This reflects the strong commitment of Austrian higher education institutions to international cooperation.

Funds applied for

Available funds

Western Balkans

1,118,303

874,480

Eastern neighbouring countries*

2,961,662

1,073,866

Southern Mediterranean

1,917,063

675,623

Asia

3,315,945

697,562

Central Asia

750,700

167,504

Middle East

419,886

87,861

Pacific

425,892

89,585

Sub-Saharan Africa

2,971,648

1,067,056

Latin America

1,624,824

341,380

227,614

50,745

USA and Canada

1,702,388

403,799

In 2025, 34 new international mobility projects were approved in Austria. Austrian higher education institutions had more than 300 ongoing cooperation agreements with partner institutions worldwide. In addition to the specially supported cooperation

with countries in the Western Balkans, particularly sought-after partner countries include Ukraine, the USA, Georgia, Israel and South Africa. The ratio of staff to student mobility is relatively balanced.

Caribbean

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Top five fields of study

International mobility spans a wide range of fields of study. The top five fields of study in projects with Austrian higher education institutions in 2025 are: (in per cent)

14.7

9.5

7.9

4.9

4.2

Business and administration

Education

Political science and civics

Travel, tourism and leisure

Medicine

(not further specified)

Top 10 countries

Erasmus+ international higher education mobility with partner countries in 2025

Outgoing mobility

Incoming mobility

•1

Israel

•1

Ukraine

182

•2

Bosnia and Herzegovina

•2

Israel

•3

Georgia

•3

Georgia

•4

South Africa

•4

South Africa

•5

United States of America

•5

Bosnia and Herzegovina

•6

Montenegro

•6

Kosovo

•7

Taiwan

•7

Montenegro

•8

Canada

•8

United States of America

•9

Chile

•9

Namibia

• 10 Kosovo

• 10 Egypt

The strong interest in global mobility is clearly reflected in reports by students and teaching staff. Almost all participants describe the many ways in which they benefited from their stay. The stay of teaching staff from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna at the University of the Witwatersrand in

FACTS In addition to international mobility, Erasmus+ activities in higher education also include other globally oriented actions, such as Capacity Building in Higher Education, Erasmus Mundus and Jean Monnet.

Johannesburg, South Africa, illustrates how international mobility can have an impact far beyond academic exchange: the project combined artistic teaching with community outreach and intercultural dialogue. It clearly shows how musical expression, as a universal language, can bring people together and create spaces for dialogue and exchange.

+ Capacity Building in Higher Education is directly aligned with the needs of partner countries. In 2025, cooperation projects involving Austrian higher education institutions and partners in Albania, Argentina, Ethiopia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Ghana, Israel, Colombia, Kosovo, Mexico and Ukraine were approved.

Project – music building bridges

+ In 2025, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master was approved in which the double/joint degree is awarded not only by the Austrian higher education institution and its EU partners, but also by one university each in Morocco and Ukraine.

03 Let’s talk Europe Each year, the OeAD honours EU programme ambassadors. Through their active engagement, they inspire enthusiasm for the European programmes Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps and share their experiences with others.

Beatrice Maierhofer

HLW FSB Weiz/Fürstenfeld, 2025 Erasmus+ Ambassador for Vocational Education and Training

Wilfried Swoboda

Schulzentrum Holzhausergasse, 2025 Erasmus+ Ambassador for School Education

rasmus+ is, for me, about creating opportunities in which extraordinary children and young people can become active shapers of a shared future.

rasmus+ is more than a programme for me – it’s a mindset defined by engaging with Europe and helping to shape it. It fosters skills, conveys values and connects people across borders.

Birgit Wurzer

Katholisches Bildungswerk Kärnten, 2025 Erasmus+ Ambassador for Adult Education

E Tanya Singh

ubicube geospatial solutions, 2025 Erasmus+ Ambassador for Higher Education

rasmus Mundus was a life-changing experience that shaped both my academic and professional journey. It empowered me to grow and now it inspires me to empower others and build a strong, connected community. Building bridges between alumni, students and institutions strengthens the Erasmus+ community.

Aims of Erasmus+

STRENGTHENING EUROPE

rasmus+ stands for inspiring encounters, connecting with like-minded people, and putting European values into practice. The programme strengthens personal competences and enables cross-border and cross-cultural learning – learning together and from one another.

USING EDUCATION AS A DRIVING FORCE FOR THE FUTURE

PROVIDING INPUT TO AUSTRIAN EDUCATION POLICY

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Veronika Drexel

aha Vorarlberg, 2025 Erasmus+ Ambassador for Youth

rasmus+ Youth offers a wonderful opportunity to broaden one’s horizons across borders and to discover – often subconsciously, almost playfully and sometimes unexpectedly – the enrichment that comes from encountering and engaging with different ways of life. In our work at regional information and advisory centres in the federal provinces – for example, in my case at aha Jugendinfo Vorarlberg – we seek to spark interest among young people and those who work with them in the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and to reduce barriers to engaging with EU programmes.

Rene Hacker

SPIELERPASS – Daheim im Verein, 2025 Erasmus+ Ambassador for Sport

rasmus+ Sport has shown us how valuable international encounters in sport are – not only in terms of sport, but above all on a human level. We have seen that sport brings people together all over the world. International exchange has shown that inclusion and performance are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary, they reinforce one another.

Makbule Temel

Self-employed, 2025 ESC Ambassador

or me, the ESC (European Solidarity Corps) is a space in which young people can grow, overcome boundaries and experience themselves as agents of change. It has shaped my life and shown me how much change is possible when solidarity is put into practice.

SUPPORTING EU INSTRUMENTS THAT PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY AND RECOGNITION OF COMPETENCES, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

PROMOTING MOBILITY

03 Erasmus+ special programmes in 2025

EITA European Innovative Teaching Award

Highlighting innovative practices by teachers and kindergarten staff: each year, the European Commission recognises outstanding teaching approaches in Erasmus+ projects.

This award is presented annually in four categories: + pre-school education + primary schools, compulsory secondary schools, academic secondary schools + schools of vocational education and training + adult education (since 2025)

EPALE Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

173,987

2,027

281

EPALE users across Europe (as of 31 December 2025)

users from Austria (as of 31 December 2025)

contributions from Austria to the EPALE platform in 2025

epale.ec.europa.eu

Erasmus+ VET Team Austria Information and advice on European VET instruments and principles

69 participants

online lectures and workshops in a new format: Erasmus+ VET Brunch, covering topics such as group mobility for pupils at schools for intermediate vocational education; Vocational Excellence – inspiration and resources for schools of vocational education and training; Erasmus+ placements in the USA; implementation of the Council Recommendation on micro-credentials; the role of NGOs in education and training

An international online conference: Erasmus+ VET Worldwide Mobility – Comparable NQF Level 5 Qualifications in Selected Countries

Overview:

21 countries +

A project contributing to the implementation of the National Implementation Plan (NIP), coordinated with the Federal Ministry of Education (BMB): Survey and Analysis of Qualifications at NQF Level 5 in Third Countries, aimed at identifying potential areas of cooperation for colleges for higher vocational education in third countries, producing eight country profiles and providing a general overview of 21 countries

OeAD Annual Report 2025

eTwinning Virtual school partnerships in Europe etwinning.at

180

430

886

eTwinning projects with Austrian schools, university colleges of teacher edu cation and kindergartens

newly registered teachers, school leaders, other education staff, student teachers and kindergarten staff

Austrian teachers participated in national and international eTwinning professional development courses in 2025

Euroguidance Europe-wide networking of educational and career counsellors

6,297

51,288

languages The chart of the Austrian education system is available in 24 languages.

learning programmes from Austria are available in the Europass portal

visits to bildungssystem.at in 2025

euroguidance.at

European Language Label (ELL) Award for innovative, high-quality language projects oead.at/ spracheninitiativen

Since

1998

the European Language Label has been awarded every two years. It promotes understanding and appreciation of linguistic diversity in Europe.

It promotes understanding and appreciation of linguistic diversity in Europe.

Since

2025

it has been part of the European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) erasmusplus.oead.at/de/ schulbildung/european-innovativeteaching-award

Europass Workplace Europe europass.at/en/

317,238

1,772

38,399

visitors to the European Europass Portal europass.at from Austria in 2025

people were provided with information at events, presentations and education fairs.

views on YouTube at youtube.com/ EuropassAustria in 2025

03 Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC): experiencing and shaping Europe Two programmes making an exceptional impact More and more people are benefiting from Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. In 2025, just under 43,000 participants were approved in Austria. The number of applicants and organisations implementing projects also rose in 2025. Through its comprehensive advisory and support services, the OeAD brings the two EU programmes to all regions of Austria. The wide range of high-quality projects makes Europe tangible

and accessible for a broad audience, from schoolchildren to adult learners. Through their four priorities – inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environment and the fight against climate change and democratic participation – the programmes address key societal challenges and provide important impetus for innovation and further development in Austria and Europe.

Projects promoting civic education On 21 October 2025, the OeAD honoured outstanding Erasmus+ projects that addressed the topic of civic education. Austrian Federal Minister Christoph Wiederkehr presented three prestigious awards: the European Innovative Teaching Award, the national eTwinning Awards and the European

Language Label. A total of 18 initiatives in the fields of school education, vocational education and training, adult education, higher education and youth work were recognised, all of which bring democratic values, social participation and European cooperation to life.

Federal Minister Wiederkehr presented awards to 18 initiatives across all education sectors

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Students from Mittelschule Singrienergasse in Vienna opened the ErasmusDays in Austria, joined by Patrick Lobis (Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria), OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice and Ursula Panuschka (Head of Erasmus+ School Education at the OeAD).

A week dedicated to Erasmus+ From 13 to 18 October 2025, the #ErasmusDays took place across Europe. More than 200 institutions, organisations and associations all over Austria took part, showcasing in a variety of ways what can be achieved through Erasmus+.

During the action week, the winners of the My Story competition were also presented. Participants in the competition had previously shared their programme experiences with the public through creative blog posts.

#ErasmusDays

Share your story and win

Pilot phase: European Partnerships for School Development For the first time, Erasmus+ offers a programme specifically for school authorities that supports the systemic development of the education landscape. Representatives of education authorities and agencies from

eight countries laid the foundation for this new form of European cooperation in Vienna in autumn 2025. Austria is one of the countries actively promoting such partnership projects between school authorities.

New record in Erasmus+ apprentice mobility In 2025, the OeAD approved more than 1,700 mobility placements abroad for apprentices – more than ever before. In addition to partnerships with EU countries, exchange with third countries is being strengthened. The social media campaign Apprenticeships without Borders, aimed specifically at apprentices, was continued.

An information brochure for training companies was published that highlights the benefits of Erasmus+ apprentice mobility. In autumn 2025, a press briefing was held with Federal Minister Wiederkehr and Jakob Calice. Numerous television and radio features support the goal of sending 2,000 apprentices abroad each year.

Financial and statistical overview: Erasmus+ and ESC

Erasmus+ conference Promoting Mobilities in STEM Fields in Higher Education Austrian Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner addressed around 140 representatives from higher education institutions.

Promoting Erasmus+ mobility in STEM fields

TEM students should be encouraged to participate in mobility programmes, as they make a valuable contribution to their future careers and help them navigate international working environments, such as those commonly found in engineering services. Philip Karl Zipse, TU Wien student, Erasmus+ mobility stay in Budapest

How can students in STEM fields be further encouraged to participate in international mobility? What barriers are there and how can they be overcome? These questions were at the centre of the international Erasmus+ conference Promoting Mobilities in STEM Fields in Higher Education, organised by the OeAD in cooperation with the national Erasmus+ agencies in Germany,

Portugal and Estonia and held in Vienna in May 2025. Around 130 staff members from higher education institutions in more than 20 European countries exchanged experiences and established contacts for mobility cooperation. Mobility can be significantly increased through more flexible curricula, a wider range of offerings in English, targeted incentives and improved information and support.

25 years of adult education within Erasmus+ In 2025, the adult education sector celebrated its anniversary within the EU programme. The high demand for funding demonstrates this sector’s strong interest in European exchange. Erasmus+ projects promote innovation, quality enhancement and new teaching methods. In this way, they make a significant contribution to the strategic development of

the adult education sector in Austria and Europe. At the same time, the programme supports the professional development of adult educators and fosters European networking. One of the key achievements of recent years is the mobility of adult learners, benefiting many people in Austria.

Active across Austria: Erasmus+ Sport Thanks to intensive outreach and targeted promotion, Erasmus+ Sport in Austria is experiencing strong growth and ranks among the European leaders in demand for funding. Austrian applications have also been successful in the European

Commission’s central calls. At the Austrian Day of Sport, the OeAD showcased the opportunities Erasmus+ offers in the field of sport to an enthusiastic audience.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Committed to youth The OeAD supports the further development of the youth sector through Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). It is a member of the expert group led by the Youth Competence Centre at the Federal Chancellery, which contributes to the development of the national youth strategy. In October 2025, the OeAD brought together key stakeholders from the youth sector in Austria, along with representatives from South Tyrol, for the second time. During the event, participants discussed current developments, challenges and best practices in youth participation. The meeting provided new impetus for the further development of national and regional youth strategies.

Examples include effective youth participation, dedicated budgets for youth policy, committed and experienced networkers in youth policy and strong cooperation with the health and school education sectors. The OeAD also provides a key resource for the design and implementation of this funding programme throughout Europe through the SALTO European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre. In 2025, the SALTO Resource Centre initiated 56 events for more than 2,300 participants and implemented them in cooperation with partners from all over Europe.

Impressive impact of Erasmus+ and ESC The impact of EU programmes and their influence on the development of the education, youth and sport sectors in Austria was highlighted at the Erasmus+ and ESC Impact Award 2025, with seven mobility initiatives from the fields of education, youth, sport and the European Solidarity Corps recognised. They clearly demonstrate how the programmes have an impact at the local and regional levels and what further developments and innovations they make possible. The projects make Europe and its values tangible for the public and encourage positive engagement with diversity and democratic values. The Erasmus+ and ESC programme ambassadors were also introduced at the awards ceremony. Through their exceptional commitment, they make a significant contribution to the success of EU programmes in Austria.

Award winners

03 Our services: guidance and support Through its services, the OeAD successfully connects the education, youth and sport sectors in Austria with Europe.

Service survey:

very positive feedback for the OeAD The number of applicants and organisations implementing projects continued to increase in 2025. Effective advisory and support services are key to ensuring the appropriate use and impact of EU funding. In November 2025, the OeAD conducted two customer surveys to evaluate its advisory and support services as the national agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. The results show a very high level of satisfaction with the OeAD’s advisory services before submitting an application (98.2 per cent) and with the

support provided by the OeAD staff during project implementation (96.7 per cent). Strengths of the advisory and support services include the staff’s professional expertise, friendliness and accessibility. Personalised advice is in high demand and plays a key role in the submission of project applications. The usefulness of the OeAD webinars, Q&A sessions and final checks was also highlighted. These measures support the implementation of the programme in Austria and thus contribute to its effectiveness.

Green Erasmus:

conference as a platform for networking More than 180 project stakeholders from across Austria came together at the Erasmus+ and ESC conference in Vienna on 13 May. The event provided a cross-sectoral platform for exchange and networking focused on the programme priority environment and fight against climate change. In

ESC participants returning from voluntary service

addition to a keynote by climate researcher Helga Kromp-Kolb, the programme included workshops, panel discussions and a project fair. Participants gained ideas and inspiration for further engagement with the topic and made new contacts.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Erasmus+ apprentices discussed the challenges and opportunities of apprentice mobility with Federal Minister Wiederkehr and OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice

Peer-to-peer:

inspiring enthusiasm Young people who have already gained experience with EU programmes are active in the EuroApprentices and EuroPeers networks. For example, they act as multipliers at information events or organise their own events. In 2025, EuroPeers were active at the BeSt

fair in Vienna, gave presentations at schools and organised a spring hike. EuroApprentices promoted Erasmus+ placements for apprentices at vocational schools and in training companies and shared their experiences on social media.

Building competences:

Union of Skills The European Union of Skills initiative was launched in spring 2025. Key priorities include promoting basic skills and improving competences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The OeAD supports the implementation of this initiative through targeted funding of relevant projects under Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, as well as through training, information and networking events.

All together for Erasmus+

Union of Skills

OeAD Annual Report 2025

MulTilingualism

“Kultur und Sprache” (Culture and Language) Teaching Abroad: lectureships and junior lectureships Language Assistance

Multilingualism

Multilingualism as a key skill in a globalised world +

TEACHING GERMAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE ABROAD

CONVEYING A MODERN IMAGE OF AUSTRIA

PROMOTING THE ACQUISITION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS AT AUSTRIAN SCHOOLS

Promoting German as a foreign language: “Kultur und Sprache” programme

Kultur und Sprache

> 100 participants < 100 participants < 50 participants < 20 participants < 10 participants

In 2025, the OeAD organised 33 professional development courses as part of the “Kultur und Sprache” (Culture and Language) programme on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB). A total of 1,978 German teachers participated worldwide. The topics covered in these professional development courses ranged from pluricentricity and grammar to remembrance culture and the role of AI in foreign language teaching. Around 100 contributions are available on the

1,978

Open Educational Resource (OER) platform as free teaching materials. The Kultur und Sprache professional development courses have a significant multiplier effect. In addition, they offer contemporary perspectives on Austria and put the principles of intercultural learning and the DACH approach (recognising the diversity of the German language in Germany, Austria and Switzerland) into practice.

people took part in online and in-person “Kultur und Sprache” events. Teachers from Russia also took part in the free webinars.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Teaching Abroad – higher education: lectureships and junior lectureships

In 2025, 90 Austrian lecturers were placed at 74 host institutions in 26 countries. They gained teaching experience in German as a foreign language, as well as in Austrian literature and regional studies. An agreement with the partner institutions usually forms the framework for such cooperation. Depending on their location, lecturers also cooperate with Austrian embassies, cultural forums and Austrian libraries.

The junior lectureship is a project of the University of Vienna, implemented on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF). In this context, 45 Austrian students were placed at 39 host institutions in 32 countries in 2025, where they gained initial teaching experience at higher education institutions in a non-German-speaking environment.

Lectureships

Junior lectureships

Language Assistance: in Austria and abroad In 2025, 624 foreign language assistants from 12 different countries taught pupils at around 600 Austrian federal schools their respective languages and the culture of their home countries. At the same time, 223 language assistants from Austria gained

Aims OF THE LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES +

ACQUIRING PERSONAL SKILLS FOR LIFE IN A GLOBALISED WORLD

insights into different school systems across Europe, where they also acquired valuable teaching experience in German as a foreign language and enriched lessons with authentic Austria-related content.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH INSTITUTIONS PROVIDING INITIAL AND CONTINUING TRAINING FOR GERMAN TEACHERS ARE BEING EXPANDED TO STRENGTHEN GERMAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE.

Language Assistance

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS FOR FUTURE ROLES IN AUSTRIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

OeAD Annual Report 2025

OeAD cooperaTion offices

Educational Cooperation with Eastern and South Eastern Europe in pre-university education Scientific cooperation in university education

OeAD cooperation offices

OeAD cooperation offices abroad

Lviv Chişinău Odesa/Uzhhorod

Sarajevo Tirana

Shanghai

The OeAD maintains a network of international cooperation offices in priority regions for Austrian educational and scientific cooperation. These offices are located in the EU’s eastern neighbouring countries (Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova), the Western Balkans and China.

Offices abroad focusing on educational cooperation These projects are implemented through the OeAD cooperation offices in Chişinău, Odesa/Uzhhorod, Sarajevo (responsible for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia) and Tirana (responsible for Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia). The offices are headed by Austrian educational coordinators who are directly seconded by the Ministry of Education.

Educational cooperation

Educational Cooperation with Eastern and South Eastern Europe in pre-university education International exchange, looking beyond one’s own horizons and developing new perspectives on one’s work through exchange with others provide important impetus for education reform processes at home. In 2025, 17 projects supporting lasting education reforms in our eight partner countries strengthened the innovation capacity of more than 1,600 educational institutions – such as schools, (vocational) education agencies, local education authorities and institutions for continuous professional development of

teachers – through around 360 events spanning a wide range of reform areas. A total of 4,800 people were reached. The OeAD promotes innovative forms of mutual learning within and across education systems to support targeted change management. National education systems differ from one another. In a globalised world, however, they face similar challenges.

EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION WITH MONTENEGRO

Tatjana Ćalasan, State Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, Montenegro

re-university educational cooperation with Austria has been part of my professional journey for many years now and has helped open up new opportunities for young people in Montenegro. In the context of the EU accession process and the EU Growth Plan in particular, it is essential to develop innovative models through joint projects such as Get Ready 4 VET through Career Guidance. The delegation visit to Graz and Vienna in December 2025 provided us with valuable input – not least for the further development of our career guidance system, which is now a high priority in Montenegro. The fact that we were also able to celebrate 20 years of educational cooperation in 2025 underlines the enduring nature of our partnership and the strong ties between us.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Aims OF EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION + Effective quality development + Introducing innovative teaching and learning approaches + Developing practice-oriented, labour marketrelevant vocational education and training + Promoting equal opportunity in education systems + Developing and supporting education networks + Enhancing Austria’s international visibility in the education sector

Visit by Montenegrin Minister of Education Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović (third from left) to the University College of Teacher Education Styria as part of an OeAD study visit.

+ Networking with relevant local stakeholders

EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION WITH MOLDOVA AND UKRAINE Close cooperation between vocational education and training and the business sector is becoming increasingly important. This enables the latest developments from different sectors of the economy to be rapidly integrated into education, helping to prepare young people for the labour market in line with demand. As part of the move towards the European Education Area, the VET-CONNECT project supports the education systems of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in strengthening long-term cooperation between schools and the business sector by introducing the role of a business liaison officer in vocational

schools. This teacher is primarily responsible for coordinating the learning venues of school and workplace to ensure the coherent delivery of theoretical and practical subject-specific knowledge, supporting students during their workplace training and ensuring high-quality evaluation. To achieve these objectives, a profile for the business liaison function and a corresponding training programme are being developed and educational institutions in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are being identified where this training can be established on a long-term basis.

Project VET-CONNECT: Introducing Business Coordinators for VET Schools in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

Scientific Cooperation in university education The two OeAD cooperation offices in Lviv and Shanghai focus on supporting mobility, networking and cooperation in higher education. In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Lviv office also implements international cultural relations projects. The aim is to strengthen strategic networking in the respective partner countries to support strategic partnerships with Austria and Austrian institutions.

To this end, Austrian stakeholders in higher education are specifically informed about opportunities for cooperation with various higher education institutions in Ukraine and China. As part of responsible inter nationalisation, information is also provided to strengthen expertise on China.

Science cooperation offices

OeAD Annual Report 2025

EducaTion and SocieTy

Education and Society

Cultural education with schools in Austria The OeAD works on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education at the interface between schools, art and culture. Its programmes are aimed at teachers and schools, as well as artists, cultural educators and cultural institutions, who work together to develop and implement participatory school projects in cultural education. This direct cooperation enables pupils across Austria to experience art and culture first-hand, strengthen their participation in cultural life and develop their individual skills. To this end, the OeAD provides advice, networking opportunities, organisational support and financial assistance.

CULTURAL EDUCATION + Active engagement with contemporary forms of art and culture + Broad participation in art and culture + Strengthening civic and media education + Acquisition of (digital) media skills + Constructive engagement with diversity and difference + Supporting collaborative and individual teaching and learning processes + Learning culture in schools

Cultural education

More than 3,500 art and cultural projects with schools The Kultur:Bildung (Cultural Education) initiative is the most comprehensive programme for cultural education with schools in Austria. Pupils collaborate with artists from all artistic disciplines on project-based activities as part of their lessons. The funding programme “culture connected” supports schools and cultural institutions in carrying out joint projects.

The K3 Projects provide impetus for cultural education, with a particular focus on apprentices, part-time vocational schools and companies. Additional offerings include the “projekteuropa” and “u19 – create your world” creativity and media competitions, as well as the “RaumGestalten” project series on architectural education.

take HEART! Civic education, sustainability, and cultural education The OeAD continued the thematic focus “take HEART!” in the 2024/25 school year. In collaboration with artists and cultural institutions, pupils engaged with issues relating to

democracy, society and the environment. In this way, the OeAD demonstrated the potential of cultural education to strengthen civic and media education.

take HEART!

Spotlight on cultural education

Kunst ist Klasse!

In May 2025, the OeAD showcased opportunities in cultural education in Austria at the conference on “Eighty Years On: Addressing the National Socialist Past in Artistic Practice and Education Today”, held at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Numerous final presentations were held at schools, cultural institutions and in public spaces as part

of the 63 projects funded under the Kunst ist Klasse! (“Art at School Is Great!”) programme. The OeAD implemented Kunst ist Klasse! on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB) and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS).

OeAD Annual Report 2025

ne of my aims is to enable student teachers to feel confident leading cooperative projects in cultural education, as these provide an excellent opportunity to learn from and with one another in inclusive settings. Working on a shared subject comes naturally in projects with artists.

y sincere thanks go to the OeAD and the BMB for creating spaces where children and young people can enjoy being creative and learn independently. Here, knowledge emerges through art that touches both heart and mind, makes humanity tangible and fosters a spirit of care and connection.

Markus Jastraunig, Mittelschule Obervellach, Carinthia

CULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN 2025 culture connected 2024/25

Kultur:Bildung 2025 | including Tyrolean Cultural Service and Double Check

K3 PROJECTS projekteuropa

SCHOOLS

PUPILS

198

202

9,346

3,139

1,631

143,804

147

2024/25

RaumGestalten

113

2024/25

TOTAL

PROJECTS

2025

3,592

1,994

1,504 4,681 344

159,679

Aims OF CULTURAL EDUCATION WITH SCHOOLS +

ENCOURAGING AS MANY PUPILS AS POSSIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ART AND CULTURE

Susanne Windischbauer, University of Education Upper Austria

INCREASING AWARENESS, DIALOGUE, NETWORKING AND THE QUALITY OF CULTURAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

KULTUR:BILDUNG 2025 BY ART FORM in per cent | excluding TKS (Tyrolean Cultural Service) and Double Check. As of January 2026

Architecture

1.90

Visual arts

18.06

Design

1.51

Film/Video

2.81

Photography

1.40

Literature

17.81

Media art

0.70

Music

23.65

Radio

0.56

Interdisciplinary

3.23

Dance

7.77

Theatre

20.31

ENHANCING THE POTENTIAL, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

06 Public Science Enabling participation and working together to build trust in science and democracy

Goals + Strengthening trust in science and democracy + Enabling participation in research processes for children, young people and adults + Promoting dialogue between research institutions, schools and society

In recent years, trust in science in Austria has become an increasingly prominent topic in public debate. Recent developments indicate that public trust is gradually increasing again. At the same time, there is clearly still a need for action, especially on controversial issues. The future holds major challenges – from climate change and emerging pathogens to innovative technologies – that researchers are working to address. This makes it all the more important for people to understand how science works

and to experience it first-hand. This is where the OeAD’s public science initiatives, which are carried out on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMFWF), come in. They foster exchange between research and society; actively engage children, young people and adults in research processes; and strengthen collaboration between research institutions, schools and citizen scientists over the long term.

Citizen Science Award 2025 From 1 April to 31 July 2025, people across Austria were once again able to take part in research as part of seven citizen science projects, where citizen scientists collected data on soil health, invasive mosquito species and endangered amphibians and helped highlight multilingualism in public spaces. Young Science

At the Young Science Congress, held on 23 October 2025 in Linz in cooperation with Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) and the Ars Electronica Center, awards were presented to 21 school classes, two families and five individuals from all nine federal provinces. The BMFWF and the OeAD jointly awarded up to 1,000 euros in prize money per school class.

Science ambassadors

380 visits

to schools and kindergartens

As volunteer science ambassadors, researchers visit schools across Austria and provide fascinating insights into their fields of research. In 2025, the programme was expanded to include kindergartens, meaning that young children are now also introduced to research topics in a playful, age-appropriate way. In addition to 380 visits to schools and kindergartens, more than 80 further visits took place in 2025 during Quantum@ School Week, held to mark the UN-declared Year of Quantum Science, with the OeAD participating as a cooperation partner.

Science ambassador Juliane Stark (BOKU University) during a visit to a kindergarten at Obere Augartenstraße 1

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Impressions from the Young Science Congress

Young Science Days at Schools In the 2024/25 school year, the OeAD launched a new research competition, Young Science Days at Schools, encouraging teachers to organise a Young Science Day at their school. Pupils explored topics such as the SDGs, investigated water from an

interdisciplinary perspective and experienced the natural sciences first-hand at experiment stations. At the Young Science Congress, the BMFWF and the OeAD awarded the winning schools prize money for their class funds.

HORIZON project: RIECS-Concept: Towards a Pan-European Research Infrastructure for Excellent Citizen Science In January 2025, the Horizon Europe-funded project RIECS-Concept was launched. Together with 12 other partner organisations from eight countries, the OeAD is developing a future European citizen science infrastructure. The focus is on participatory processes

across all project countries and among diverse stakeholder groups. To identify the specific needs of the target groups, the OeAD organised workshops with Austrian citizen scientists, pupils, researchers and international education experts.

Children’s and youth universities To enable children and young people to explore the world of science through lectures, workshops, excursions and more, the OeAD funded 24 children’s and youth universities in the 2025 call on behalf of the BMFWF, 12 of which included the expansion module Holiday Childcare with a Scientific Focus, with a total budget of over 1.5 million euros.

In 2025, children’s and youth universities took place in eight federal provinces. In addition to the larger university cities, numerous activities were offered in rural areas, for example in the Almtal (Upper Austria), Dölsach (Tyrol), Kapfenberg (Styria), Raabs an der Thaya (Lower Austria) and the Klostertal (Vorarlberg).

romoting an understanding of science is very important to us because we know that our pupils are the next generation of researchers. With the passing of role models such as Jane Goodall, there is an even more urgent need for people who develop solutions to protect our planet and environment through their research.

Miriam Platzer, Donau-City primary school

06 ERINNERN:AT ERINNERN:AT is a programme implemented by the OeAD that focuses on teaching and learning about National Socialism and the Holocaust, as well as on preventing antisemitism.

ERINNERN:AT

Teachers can find a wide range of training courses and learning materials for use in the classroom at the OeAD web site www.erinnern.at. The OeAD implements the ERINNERN:AT programme on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

The DERLA Digital Memorial Map currently documents over 4,000 places and symbols commemorating victims and sites of Nazi crimes. DERLA is a joint project of the Center for Jewish Studies, the Department of Digital Humanities (both at the University of Graz) and the OeAD.

DERLA

Annual focus for 2025: 80th anniversary of the end of the war

weitererzählen

Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, the ERINNERN:AT programme focused on the theme “Kriegsende. Befreiung. Neuanfang?” (End of the War. Liberation. New Beginning?) and its treatment in schools. Throughout the year, ERINNERN:AT organised events and developed educational activities related to the annual focus, culminating in the central seminar held from 13 to 15 November 2025 at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp memorial.

More than 120 teachers and other education stakeholders took part. ERINNERN:AT also developed several teaching resources for the online archive www.weitererzaehlen.at. Pupils engaged with filmed eyewitness interviews and explored various aspects of the end of the war and liberation.

Summer School “Persecution. Deportation. Forced Labour. Tracing the Paths of Hungarian Jews between Budapest and Vienna”

he Summer School was “of a quality I have never experienced before, with every single lecturer.” Participating teacher, Summer School evaluation

The Summer School took 25 participants to Budapest, Burgenland and Vienna from 25 to 29 August 2025. The training for teachers, conducted in cooperation with Yad Vashem (Jerusalem), focused on the history of the final months of the war and the Nazi regime, as well as on end-phase crimes and the deportation and forced labour of Hungarian Jews. At the former ghetto wall during a tour of the Jewish Quarter in Budapest

Participants at the central seminar explored the history of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp and the themes of the end of the war and liberation in a range of formats.

14,000

More than people from the education sector took part in a total of 260 ERINNERN:AT events across Austria.

Teaching and learning resources developed by the OeAD programme ERINNERN:AT are available to teachers at www.erinnern.at.

ERINNERN:AT

2025

65 professional development

courses at university colleges of teacher education and universities, ERINNERN:AT reached 1,175 teachers.

8,000

More than pupils spoke with survivors of Nazi persecution in a total of 118 eyewitness discussions facilitated by ERINNERN:AT.

Descendants of Victims of Nazi Persecution Tell Their Stories The two-year pilot project Descendants of Victims of Nazi Persecution Tell Their Stories was completed at the end of 2025. ERINNERN:AT cooperated with the University College of Teacher Education Tyrol, the University of Klagenfurt and the Doku Lebensgeschichten association at the University of Vienna. The pilot project was the first to systematically examine how biographical narratives by the children and grandchildren of Jewish victims of Nazi persecution can be integrated into schools and to develop recommendations for the future design of the long-standing eyewitness programme.

Life-Story Narratives and Learning with Descendants of Victims of Nazi Persecution, Klagenfurt, September 2024

06 Strengthening schoolf for a strong society Since April 2022, workshops have raised awareness among pupils of all school levels and types about the dangers of ideologies of inequality and strengthened their resilience to radicalisation.

FACTS + 501 different offerings + Scope of the workshops: 3–4 class periods + Activities reviewed by experts from the Austrian Institute for International Affairs and the University for Continuing Education Krems + Free of charge for educational institutions

Since autumn 2024, the programme has also been open to participants in training and qualification programmes run by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), with funding from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK).

Workshops for pupils The workshops available on the online platform have been reviewed by a jury and are tailored to different age groups. As of April 2026, 501 different workshops are available, ranging from activities for children aged 6 and above to formats for young people up to 25. The free workshops cover a wide range of socially relevant topics, including conflict resolution, human rights, participation,

processes of radicalisation, media literacy and disinformation, stress and performance pressure, values and civic courage. Most workshops are booked by teachers for classes in academic and compulsory secondary schools. Primary schools as well as colleges for higher vocational education have also responded very positively to the initiative.

OVERVIEW FOR 2025

PARTICIPANTS BY TYPE OF EDUCATION IN 2025

6,124

132,879

workshops held funding budget:

3,434,400 euros (BMB)

240,000 euros (BMASGPK)

participants in total

6,734 AMS educational institutions 731 other schools (schools with their own statutes)

18,975 schools for intermediate

primary schools

2,202 part-time vocational

schools

pre-vocational schools

Strong Schools, Strong Society

31,970

vocational education/colleges for higher vocational education

1,791 special needs schools 6,435

Since October 2025, the focus on mental health has complemented the programme’s offerings and directly addresses current societal concerns. The programme is implemented by the OeAD on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB) and the BMASGPK.

33,798 academic secondary schools

30,243

compulsory secondary schools

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Mobility allowance for visits to concentration camp memorials Mauthausen, Gusen and the Ebensee and Melk subcamp memorials

Schools in Salzburg fully funded

The Ministry of Education provides a mobility allowance for visits to the Mauthausen and Gusen concentration camp memorials and the Ebensee and Melk subcamp memorials. The nationwide funding measures complement existing funding instruments in the federal provinces. This gives pupils in the 8th grade – and, in the 2025/26 school year, also those in the 11th grade – the opportunity to engage with the history of the former concentration camps and today’s memorial sites. The allowance amounts to 250 or 500 euros per class, depending on the distance. Applications are submitted via the OeAD: oead.at/en/education-school/memorial-visit

School classes in Salzburg can visit the listed concentration camp memorial sites free of charge. The full allowance is available for the 8th grade. The process is straightforward: applications are submitted via the OeAD, allowing all necessary steps to be completed centrally in one place. In 2025, 150 classes in the 8th grade from Salzburg schools took part in the initiative. Around 3,000 young people were reached through this initiative as part of an active culture of remembrance.

USE OF THE ALLOWANCE by federal province Number of classes (8th and 11th grade)

Vorarlberg

Memorial site visits

302 Vienna

332

325

Upper Austria

Lower Austria

249

154

Styria

Salzburg

Tyrol

115

Burgenland

Carinthia

PARTICIPANTS BY SCHOOL TYPE IN 2025

OVERVIEW FOR 2025

727 22,787 compulsory

processed applications

secondary schools

33,313

participating pupils

1,621

9,539 academic

secondary schools

classes

987 special needs schools, other schools and schools with their own statutes

601,204

funding budget in euros

06 Digital Learning device initiative: digital education has reached almost all schools in Austria The Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB) has commissioned the OeAD to manage the Digital Learning devices initiative. The initiative is already in its fifth year in the 2025/26 school year. In the current school year, 1,576 schools are taking part in the initiative, representing around 98 per cent of eligible schools. Roughly 90,000 devices are issued each year.

Overall, around 500,000 tablets and laptops have been distributed to pupils in recent years. The pupils get to keep the devices.

250 Vienna

285

Of all eligible schools

Upper Austria

1,576 schools = 98%

Lower Austria

Vorarlberg

take part in the device initiative.

362

142

213

107

Styria

Salzburg

Tyrol

Source: BMB pupil device management system, data retrieved in August 2025

Burgenland

Carinthia

Service, support and organisation The OeAD carries out key tasks, including communications, managing the website digitaleslernen.oead.at and providing comprehensive support services. In this role, the OeAD acts as the central point of contact for questions relating to the device initiative – for both schools and other stakeholders involved. In 2025, around 8,500 written enquiries were processed.

Digital Learning

In addition, the OeAD organises the delivery, collection and redistribution of devices procured by the BMB. It also monitors

selected processes of the devices initiative and contributes to the further development of the database. Once again in 2025, the OeAD held webinars and produced video recordings, which are available at digitaleslernen.oead.at. The focus was on webinars for teachers, particularly practical examples for digital teaching and the safe use of digital media.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

The MLA – Media Literacy Award The MLA competition is aimed at schools and non-formal educational institutions. In 2025, it was implemented by the BMB, the OeAD and Ars Electronica. The MLA aims to showcase innovative and creative media

The DIGI-Profis group at MS Schärding won the Digitales Lernen special prize as part of the MLA for their project Digital Support for the School Community. In the 2024/25 school year, the DIGI-Profis in class 4a proved themselves to be true technology experts.

projects and to promote media literacy in a targeted way. Particular emphasis is placed on examples of good practice in digital learning. In 2025, the OeAD awarded the special prize Digital Learning.

Media Literacy Award

igitisation is more than just technology – it thrives on responsibility and solidarity.

As part of the device initiative, the DIGI-Profis group supported the distribution of iPads to first-year classes, explained key functions through peer learning and helped ensure a smooth and secure start. They also support the entire school community with digital matters in day-to-day school life. Reflection and feedback ensure continuous development.

Daniel Pretzl, Mittelschule Schärding

MLA winner 2025

OeAD Annual Report 2025

QualiTy and Transparency

RQE – Quality sets an example at schools 2.0 Quality label for learning apps | Learning Apps Marketplace OeAD International Testing Services The NQF and Europe Ö-Cert and Level Up OeAD Digital Skills Office

Quality and Transparency

Quality and Transparency in education RQE – Quality sets an example at schools 2.0 Around 5,700 schools in Austria have been working with QMS, the quality management system for schools, since the 2021/22 school year and in 2024/25 they completed the three-year planning phase of their first school development plans (SEPs) for the first time. With the new planning period starting in 2025/26, QMS 2.0 was launched: schools are now expected to establish, further develop and continuously improve their quality work.

QUALITY FRAMEWORK

QUALITY FRAMEWORK for schools FOR SCHOOLS

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

LEADING & GUIDING QU

IT Y FR

LT U

A M E WO R K

RESULTS & IMPACTS

LEARNING & TEACHING

SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

QMS

O HO

RQE, the OeAD’s Reference Point for Quality Assurance in General and Vocational Education and Training, supports schools in this area together with the Austrian

Federal Ministry of Education (BMB). It provides frameworks, information, tools and materials that are continuously improved. The results are available at qms.at and iqesonline.at. What remains unchanged with QMS 2.0 is its underlying foundation – the quality framework for schools. New: Quality framework for the pedagogical service of the Boards of Education In line with this quality framework, RQE was closely involved in developing a new quality framework for the next level – the educational service of the Boards of Education. A dedicated quality management system is currently being developed for this group – one that does not yet exist anywhere else in Europe and is due to be completed in 2027. Peer reviews As the national reference point in the EU EQAVET network, the OeAD regularly takes part in system peer reviews with other EU countries through RQE. In the current work programme, Austria took part in system peer reviews with peers from Germany, Finland, Italy, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Austria’s own peer review took place in the first quarter of 2026.

Quality label for learning apps | Learning Apps Marketplace

Quality label for learning apps

On 2 June 2025, the BMB and the OeAD awarded the quality label for learning apps for the fourth and, for the time being, final time at the EdTech Austria Summit at Salzburg Congress. Forty-two new learning apps received the quality label.

To this end, 135 teachers from across Austria carried out a total of 177 evaluations. A total of 3,853 responses from pupils provided a comprehensive and nuanced picture.

The quality label for learning apps was integrated into the new Learning Apps Marketplace.

In addition, 33 learning apps were recertified in the 2024/25 certification round. This brought the total number of certified learning apps to 141, which are available at guetesiegel-lernapps.at, along with extensive additional information, as guidance for learners, teachers and parents. New: Learning Apps Marketplace In the second half of 2025, the certification procedure for the quality label was further

developed, both in content and in process terms, into a quality assurance process for the Learning Apps Marketplace. The established quality assurance approach was incorporated into the framework of the marketplace and the review procedures were adapted accordingly. The Learning Apps Marketplace was launched with a pilot phase in the 2026 summer semester. Learning Apps Marketplace

OeAD International Testing Services OeAD International Testing Services is the OeAD’s certified test centre. The range of examinations includes internationally recognised certification and admissions tests for higher education and for leading organisations across numerous industries. All tests are conducted online. The OeAD test centre is committed to international security standards and uses state-of-the-art biometric procedures to ensure the reliability of test results. Mystery shoppers as well as unannounced online and on-site audits are used to ensure that global standards are adhered to and that all requirements are implemented correctly. This ensures that the tests are of consistently high quality and are conducted in a fair way.

OeAD employees ensure that all participants are given a fair chance and that examinations are conducted professionally and transparently. This helps ensure the market value and international recognition of the certificates.

he personnel at the test center was very helpful, nice and answered all my questions. This was the best testing situation in which I have ever been. Very quiet room, perfect air conditioning, clean facilities and responsive test administrators!

ery empathetic/respectful and yet strict testing team at the OeAD Vienna.

In 2025,

2,323

people took part in tests.

OeAD International Testing Services

07 The NQF and Europe The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) improves the transparency and comparability of qualifications and promotes mobility. In 2025, the number of qualifications listed in the Austrian NQF register rose to 154. For the first time, a qualification was assigned to the higher vocational education and training sector in 2025. This milestone marks a key step in further strengthening practice-oriented vocational education and training. Austria is among the leading countries in creating the framework conditions to make non-formal learning visible in the NQF. In 2025, there was a significant increase in NQF classifications in the non-formal sector. The ongoing expansion of the NQF register

Qualifications register

and the growing number of certificates indicating an NQF level are increasing awareness of the NQF. Online databases such as the AMS Education Compass show the respective NQF level of training programmes and link directly to the NQF register. All qualifications assigned to the NQF in Austria, including their learning outcomes, are also directly accessible via the Europass portal, ensuring their visibility across Europe. These developments reflect growing confidence in the NQF as a European-aligned transparency instrument showcasing the diversity of Austria’s education landscape.

National Qualifications Framework Austria

NQR-Re

rn Le

o ati

me srah

rg l e i c h b a r ke i t

a re n

er Q

ual

ifik

| D ati

na tio

Na VI

III

n t ione

ät

VII

hlä

lit

VIII

ka lifi

u rc

ss | ges on ig teig sr a er t h m e

sse

e re V

Eu ro p ä i s c h

Trans p

fik ali

| a

sse

giste

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i ebn

c h t N i ve a u s

III

VII

VIII

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Ö-Cert and Level Up Ö-Cert is an Austrian quality award for adult education providers, awarded by the Austrian Federal Government and the provincial governments. The legal basis is an agreement pursuant to Article 15a of the Federal Constitutional Act (Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz, Federal Law Gazette 269/2012). The introduction of Ö-Cert in 2012 made it possible

132

newly registered educational institutions in 2025

Level Up – Adult Education is a joint federal and provincial initiative established in 2012 to promote basic educational qualifications, based on an agreement pursuant to Article 15a of the Federal Constitutional Act. Young people and adults living in Austria can acquire basic skills and educational qualifications free of charge. Regardless of their background, first language and

~ 10,000

courses since 2012

to establish uniform quality standards for education providers throughout Austria and to ensure a high-quality provider structure. Demand for Ö-Cert remained high in 2025, with 132 educational institutions registering for the first time. At the end of 2025, 1,352 adult education providers (including branch locations) were certified with Ö-Cert.

1,352

adult education To date: providers (including branch locations) hold Ö-Cert

any school-leaving qualifications they may already hold, individuals can catch up on compulsory education or attend basic education courses with accredited providers. Since 2012, more than 10,000 courses with around 65,000 participants have been delivered by over 60 education providers throughout Austria.

~ 65,000

with participants from > 60 education providers across Austria since 2012

As of 1 January 2026, Ö-Cert and Level Up were integrated into the Federal Institute for Adult Education (bifeb).

07 OeAD Digital Skills Office

Digital Überall workshops 2,610

workshops in 2025

~25,000

participants in 2025

Digital Überall, free workshops

Strengthening basic digital skills is a key component of the Digital Skills Initiative, which is primarily implemented by the OeAD through its Digital Skills Office. The Digital Überall (Digital Everywhere) initiative is a nationwide education programme that has provided broad access to digital knowledge since 2024. In cooperation with adult education providers all over Austria, the programme includes free workshops that were further expanded in 2025. Accessible, easy-to-understand learning formats help people

of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience use digital technologies safely and independently. Topics covered range from everyday digital applications and dealings with public authorities to online security and artificial intelligence. Programmes for older people are a particular focus. In 2025, around 25,000 participants were reached through more than 2,610 workshops across Austria.

Digital Überall PLUS

Digital Überall PLUS, free workshop series

1,225 DISKIT

participants in 2025

DISKIT – free train-thetrainer programme

The OeAD launched Digital Überall PLUS in 2025. The initiative expands the existing programme and specifically targets disadvantaged groups. New workshop series, innovative teaching methods and a new train-the-trainer course are intended to further broaden digital participation and strengthen its long-term impact. Workshop series such as Leben mit zunehmender Digitalisierung & KI (Life with Increasing Digitisation & AI) focus

specifically on interactive learning methods and practical applications. In 2025, around 4,100 people took part in more than 450 workshop series throughout Austria.

450

workshop series in 2025

~4,100 participants in

workshop series in 2025

DISKIT – Digital Skills Trainer: professional digital skills training The DISKIT (Digital Skills Trainer) train-thetrainer online learning programme is a key component of the Digital Skills Initiative. It supports trainers and adult educators in delivering high-quality, practice-oriented digital skills training. The office is responsible for

the programme’s initial design, coordination and quality management. DISKIT was launched in September 2025 as a free, modular self-study programme and is complemented by monthly webinars.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

DISKIT project participants

Since its launch, the programme has recorded around 1,200 registrations, highlighting the strong demand for training in digital skills delivery. Topics covered include media literacy, online and in-person teaching, didactic methods and learner support and reflection. In addition, DISKIT Pro was

developed as a certified training programme and also launched in September with 25 participants. Together, DISKIT and DISKIT Pro offer two coordinated programmes that help people teach digital skills in a clear and professional manner.

Quality guidelines for digital education programmes The Quality Guidelines for Educational Programmes on Basic Digital Skills, published in autumn 2025, provide a central instrument for ensuring and further developing high-quality offerings. They support education providers in designing effective, target-group-appropriate and inclusive learning formats. Covering 39 quality criteria across seven domains, the guidelines address key areas such as design, didactics, organisation and quality assurance.

They also incorporate the National Reference Framework for Digital Competences (DigComp 2.3 AT). The quality guidelines are available free of charge and are aimed at education providers, trainers and programme managers who wish to deliver digital education programmes in an effective and lasting way.

Quality Guidelines for Educational Programmes on Basic Digital Skills

Quality criteria checklist for educational programmes on basic digital skills

National Reference Framework for Digital Competences – a guide to classifying educational programmes The National Reference Framework for Digital Competences (NRDK) enhances the visibility and comparability of digital skills in Austria. A key step is the systematic classification of educational programmes. The new brochure “Bildungsangebote und ihre Zuordnung – Ein Wegweiser” (“Educational Programmes and Their Classification –

A Guide”) provides a concise introduction to the NRDK framework and illustrates, with practical examples, how educational programmes can be classified. A new NRDK website is also available. Two new online self-study courses on the NRDK and learning outcomes are available free of charge on the Digital Austria learning platform.

Download the brochure

NRDK

OeAD Annual Report 2025

OeAD subsidiaries

OeAD student housing AEMS and GBS summer universities

OeAD Subsidiaries

OeAD student housing International, sustainable and community living

The OeAD’s subsidiary offers accommodation for international and domestic students at seven locations in Austria. It is recognised worldwide as a pioneer in the construction of student residences built to the passive house standard.

By providing accommodation for students in passive houses, OeAD-Wohnraumverwaltungs GmbH – or OeAD student housing for short – helps raise awareness of sustainability.

Occupancy rate in 2025

9,879

(as of 31 March 2026)

employees across Austria

people

6 women in management positions Proportion of women: 72 per cent

4,162

people in passive houses

Staff come from 16 countries and speak 19 languages.

Opening of the OeAD GreenINN guesthouse OeAD student housing has opened a guesthouse in Innsbruck. Since September 2025, GreenINN has offered modern, eco-friendly and affordable accommodation with 173 places for students. The OeAD guesthouse offers high-quality, innovative living options primarily for international students, creating a home that fosters

Wai Yan Min HAN, Social Media Ambassador GreenINN

was very fortunate to have stayed at GreenINN during my trimester exchange programme at MCI this past fall. It was nothing short of amazing and the memories I made there were priceless. Eva, Nicole, Sebastian and staff were amazing as well and they were very helpful and resourceful!

interaction and well-being, with generous communal areas, a climbing wall, a gym and shared kitchens. GreenINN was awarded the “klimaaktiv gold” standard in recognition of its commitment to climate protection.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

AEMS and GBS summer universities To increase occupancy during the summer months, OeAD student housing supports two short academic programmes held each year under the leadership of BOKU University and

TU Wien. Overall, more than 120 internatio nal partner universities and institutions are involved in the programmes.

103

AEMS and GBS participants at BOKU University und TU Wien

GBS participants

AEMS participants Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems Summer School (AEMS): • 43 participants from 28 countries – the alumni network now comprises over 500 members from 85 countries • Topics: interrelationships between the economy, the financial system and climate (change); alternatives and proposals for reform • 15 days of lectures, with workshops, discussions and excursions • 31 lecturers • 4 modules • 1 self-selected “changemaker” group project

Green.Building.Solutions. Summer University (GBS)

resulting in 951 additional overnight stays by AEMS participants and 1,349 additional overnight stays by GBS participants

• 60 participants from 31 countries – the alumni network currently comprises 615 participants from 93 countries • 20 days of lectures, with presentations, excursions and tours • Over 30 experts from various disciplines • 15 events and activities • 1 group project with 8 excellent design outcomes: “West Slice Stories – eco-social, CO2-neutral and climateadaptive solutions for the area between Felberstraße and Westbahnhof”

T Joan Yieke, AEMS participant, Kenya

he AEMS programme actually exceeded my expectations. I came here to gain knowledge to meet people and learn from their expertise, but I feel like I got more than that. I made friends, I made professional connections and I got ideas for my master’s thesis project that I am really excited about.

attended GBS because I wanted to complement the knowledge that I gained during my previous studies. […] This course isn’t just for students, it’s for professionals too – and I’ve really enjoyed getting to understand a variety of different perspectives.

Christian Medina, GBS participant, Mexico

100

OeAD Annual Report 2025

Financial sTaTemenTs

09 101

09 OeAD financial statements 1. The OeAD’s total budget (year-on-year) The presentation of the OeAD’s finances takes into account its status as a “central research funding organisation” as defined in the Austrian Research Financing Act (Forschungsfinanzierungsgesetz). It is therefore divided into the respective budgets for funding programmes, the administrative costs required for their implementation and additional accompanying measures. • The administrative costs and accompanying

measures are presented in the the OeAD’s annual financial statements in the income statement. • Funding granted to third parties under the funding programmes is presented on the liabilities side of the balance sheet under the separate item B Grant funding.

The amounts shown in the following table include • Funding • Administrative costs for funding programmes and • Costs for accompanying measures

Total funding, administrative costs, and accompanying measures (in millions of euros) Year

2025

2024

2023

166.60

150.52

139.26

Funding received by funding source (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

2023

Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research

22,791

23,002

24,942

Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

Federal Province of Lower Austria

5,483

3,491

6,329

270

1,048

European Commission

82,058

68,487

66,495

Austrian Development Agency

2,595

2,506

2,110

667

2,268

1,770

114,042

101,019

101,671

Millions of euros

2. Development of funding, 2023–2025 2.1 Funding received

Austrian Federal Ministry of Education Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport Federal Province of Salzburg

Other funding sources Total

102

OeAD Annual Report 2025

2.2 Funding disbursements Funding disbursements by the OeAD to beneficiaries, by funding source and programme (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

2023

Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research

22,539

22,075

22,315

University networks (ASEA-UNINET, EPU, Africa-UniNet)

1,957

950

690

Ernst Mach Grant Programme

2,867

2,388

2,341

259

229

101

Ernst Mach Grant – UKRAINE

3,022

4,979

6,770

CEEPUS

1,759

1,544

1,288

International research cooperation

thereof for

Franz Werfel Scholarship, Richard Plaschka Scholarship

1,441

1,219

1,002

Aktion Austria–Hungary, Aktion Austria–Czech Republic, Aktion Austria–Slovakia

681

747

532

Lectureship Programme

2,171

2,211

2,138

Marietta Blau Grant and outgoing scholarships

1,073

1,053

890

Sparkling Science 2.0

4,994

3,663

3,841

Children’s and youth universities

1,590

1,455

1,186

725

1,637

1,538

Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

Federal Province of Lower Austria

5,577

3,524

2,426

376

301

358

1,229

1,111

1,183

876

601

429

3,372

1,683

Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection

248

Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport

535

457

Other

Austrian Federal Ministry of Education thereof for

culture connected, projekteuropa Kultur:Bildung School fund/school cancellation fund Memorial site visits Strong Schools, Strong Society (formerly Prevention of Extremism)

103

09 Funding disbursements by the OeAD to beneficiaries, by funding source and programme (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

2023

90,632

81,506

75,258

thereof forSchool education

14,579

12,838

12,268

Higher education

37,579

37,539

35,634

Vocational education and training

21,715

15,916

14,040

Adult education

4,009

4,162

3,693

646

449

455

Youth

9,278

7,783

7,012

ESC

2,651

2,631

2,097

Sport

176

187

3,788

2,248

2,487

3,716

2,240

2,394

1,579

3,065

3,515

928

1,303

882

Third countries

537

577

558

Scholarship Foundation

Foundation for Innovation in Education projects

1,163

2,013

125,072

113,087

106,028

Federal Province of Salzburg Erasmus+ and ESC

Erasmus+ education TCA

Austrian Development Agency thereof forAPPEAR Kosovo project

OeAD programmes thereof forThird party-funded scholarships at Austrian institutions

Total As funding balances from previous years may be available, the funding disbursed in a given calendar year may exceed the funding received from funding sources in that year.

104

OeAD Annual Report 2025

3. Development of the OeAD’s revenue, personnel expenses and operating expenses 3.1 Revenue and funding sources for personnel and operating expenses The term “revenue” refers to the income (payments to the OeAD) received annually by the OeAD for the implementation of accompanying measures (its own

projects), the administration of funding programmes and its operational activities.

Development of revenue (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

2023

Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research

9,208

7,791

6,727

Austrian Federal Ministry of Education

12,179

12,019

11,479

Other federal ministries

6,042

4,050

2,294

5,738

3,787

2,097

Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport

150

163

110

Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism

155

100

413

411

405

European Commission

6,379

6,413

6,123

Other

2,584

2,836

2,826

1,092

1,054

944

Other project participations

615

820

682

Reimbursements from University Preparation Programmes, housing management and Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)

561

564

704

Other

316

398

496

Total revenue

36,805

33,519

29,853

thereof

Federal Chancellery (Erasmus+ Youth, ESC, Digital Skills Office, College of Europe)

Austrian Development Agency

thereof

Foundation for Innovation in Education

105

09 3.2 Allocation of funds for personnel and operating expenses Key items related to personnel and operating expenses (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

2023

Personnel expenses

25,107

23,059

20,228

410

379

Project-related operating expenses* (implementation of projects by the OeAD)

6,910

5,303

5,820

Operating expenses: OeAD administration**

5,840

5,665

4,801

Depreciation and amortisation

* Project-related operating expenses: This item was introduced to improve transparency and to distinguish costs incurred under the OeAD’s statutory mandate for project implementation and accompanying measures. It mainly includes travel expenses for external event participants and speakers, the organisation of information events, participation in trade fairs, expert fees for project evaluations and the implementation of projects under ERINNERN:AT, as well as workshop funding under the Digital Skills Initiative, Teaching Worldwide and Education Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe.

106

** Other operating expenses: This item covers the typical operating expenses of an organisation, such as rent, utilities, maintenance, IT, travel expenses, training, public relations and legal and consultancy costs.

OeAD Annual Report 2025

4. Balance sheet for 2025 BALANCE SHEET Assets (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

I. Intangible assets

384

471

II. Property, plant and equipment

735

694

III. Financial assets

423

1,542

1,587

B. Current assets

II. Cash and cash equivalents

Prepayments and accrued C. income

2025

2024

I. Called-up share capital

II. Capital reserves

441

III. Revenue reserves

1,411

IV. Retained earnings

619

462

2,506

2,349

6,698

7,101

778

1,689

III. Erasmus+ and ESC (EU funding)

16,201

24,619

IV. Austrian Development Agency

1,292

2,486

25,037

35,962

C. Investment grants

1,448

1,494

D. Provisions

5,325

5,895

E. Liabilities

3,178

2,559

F. Prepayments and accrued income

3,857

7,819

Total equity and liabilities

41,351

56,078

(in thousands of euros)

A. Equity

A. Non-current assets

I. Receivables and other current assets

Equity and liabilities

B. Grant funding 855

1,197

37,708

52,119

38,563

53,316

1,246

1,174

I. Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research + Austrian Federal Ministry of Education II. OeAD scholarship programmes and projects

V. Support programmes

Total assets

41,351

56,078

107

09 5. Income statement for 2025 Income statement (in thousands of euros)

2025

2024

36,805

33,519

2. Investment grants

338

311

3. Other operating income

966

736

24,911

23,059

410

379

12,694

10,972

1. Revenue

4. Personnel expenses 5. Depreciation and amortisation 6. Other operating expenses a. Taxes

108

b. Project-related operating expenses

6,910

5,303

c. Other

5,780

5,665

Operating result

156

Other interest and similar income

221

668

Interest and similar expenses

159

526

Financial result

142

Net income

157

298

Profit carried forward

462

165

Retained earnings

619

462

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Editor & publisher: OeAD-GmbH | Ebendorferstraße 7 | 1010 Vienna | Headquarters: Vienna | FN 320219 k Commercial Court Vienna | ATU 64808925 | Managing Director: Jakob Calice, PhD | Editors: Ursula Hilmar, Julia Meixner, Barbara Sutrich, T +43 1 53408-0, kommunikation@oead.at | Figures in sections 2 and 3: Allegra Hoheisel, Viktoria Wagner, Matthias Weißgram | Graphic design: Alexandra Reidinger, reidinger-grafik.at | Photos: iStock.com/Lightcome (p. 2), Austrian Federal Chancellery (BKA)/Andy Wenzel (p. 3), iStock.com/blackCAT (p. 5), OeAD/Harald Klemm (p. 6), Shutterstock/Ollyy (pp. 7, 11), OeAD/ Anton Edl (p. 13), Angelika Gärner (pp. 14, 81, both top), OeAD (pp. 16, 42, 46, 67 bottom, 75, 91, 95), DSGA (p. 17 top), APA Photo Service/Greindl (p. 17 bottom), APA Photo Service/Hörmandinger (pp. 18, 19, 62, 63), OeAD/Gianmaria Gava (pp. 21, 93), Shutterstock/ Rawpixel (p. 34), Malik Mubeen (p. 37), APA Photo Service/Hetfleisch (pp. 38, 39), Leopold Kögler-Vencour (p. 39 top), APA Photo Service/Rastegar (pp. 41, 64, 67 top), Gabriela Eder (p. 45), OeAD/Biswajit Pramanik (p. 47 top), Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMIA)/Michael Gruber (p. 47 bottom), University College of Teacher Education Vienna (p. 58 top left), Fototeam Puntigam (p. 58 top right), Tanya Singh (p. 58 bottom left), Lukas Wolbank (p. 58 bottom right), Lukas Bildstein-Oberhuber (p. 59 top), Martin Kremser/Spielerpass (p. 59 centre), Makbule Temel (p. 59 bottom), APA Photo Service/Juhasz (p. 65), Fabio Peissl (p. 66), Fotolia/ra2studio (p. 71), MPNI (p. 74), Sebastian Schlager (p. 78), Annete Friedel (p. 79 top), Michael Sauter (p. 79), Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF, p. 80), SiMshot/Simone and Melanie Riepl (p. 81), Axel Schacht (p. 82), OeAD/Mauthausen Memorial/Hechenberger (p. 83 top), OeAD/Pelko (p. 83 bottom), BKA Design & Grafik (p. 86), Amir Abou-Roumié (p. 87 top), Daniel Pretzl (p. 87), OeAD/Reidinger (pp. 90, 92), Wai Yan Min HAN (p. 98 left), Christian Flatscher (p. 98 right), Shepherd PR (p. 99 both) | Translation: LanguageLink Sprachdienste GmbH | Print: Print Alliance HAV Produktions GmbH, Bad Vöslau Vienna, June 2026 Data as of April 2026 (unless otherwise specified) OeAD is an agency of the Republic of Austria.

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