30 years of FH Salzburg: Competent, relevant and sustainably successful

The Salzburg University of Applied Sciences looks back on three decades of practical higher education, innovative research and quality in practice. Today, it is not only a well-established institution in Austria’s educational landscape, but also a driving force for shaping the future. On 8 May 2025, numerous guests of honour celebrated the university’s 30th anniversary at the Urstein campus - and the dawn of a new era of learning, research and design.

Since its foundation in 1995, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences has developed into one of Austria’s leading universities, combining practical training with interdisciplinary research. With around 3,400 students on 34 degree programmes, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences today offers a wide range of educational opportunities in the fields of IT, technology, business, tourism, design, sustainability, media, health and social affairs. The university is constantly setting new standards, particularly in the future-oriented fields of digitalisation, sustainability and research.

’Education of the future - the future of education’

"We stand for practical, research-led education at the highest level - underpinned by our consistent quality awareness. Regional roots, an international focus and professional expertise are the key to our sustainable success," emphasises Rector Dominik Engel, opening the ceremony. "This anniversary is not only a milestone for our institution, but above all’a tribute to all the people who have shaped the FH Salzburg: Students, staff, cooperation partners and graduates. Their commitment and our interdisciplinary strength make us one of the strongest research universities of applied sciences in Austria today. It is an opportunity to celebrate our successes and look to the future at the same time."

Setting the course for the future

With a clear focus on practice-orientated education and forward-looking research, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences is ideally prepared for the challenges ahead. Dominik Engel: "We are focussing on greater differentiation. Last autumn, we introduced four new Master’s degree programmes. The new Master’s in Retail and Technology will start in the coming academic year. We are also currently developing the Bachelor’s degree programme in Green Engineering at the Department of Design & Green Engineering in Kuchl. We are also looking into introducing an interdisciplinary degree programme in Health Sciences and Artificial Intelligence."

Focus on digitalisation, AI and internationalisation

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing teaching and learning - topics that FH Salzburg is actively addressing. Globalisation, individualisation and educational equality are also key challenges for the coming years. ’Our goal remains to offer students the best conditions for starting their careers and at the same time to enable them to make a positive contribution to society,’ explains Engel.

A particular focus is on internationalisation: "We have significantly expanded our range of English-language courses. From the coming winter semester, all Master’s programmes at the Department of Creative Technologies will be taught in English. Many courses in the Department of Information Technologies and Digitalisation will also be taught in English. Our International Office ensures that international students are well received and receive comprehensive support," concludes Engel.

To mark the 30th anniversary of Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, a survey was conducted among former students. The results paint a clear picture: the vast majority look back positively on their time at university, praising the practical relevance, familiar environment and good support.

In retrospect, over 90 per cent rate their choice of degree programme positively and would choose to study again. 92 per cent of those surveyed would also recommend the FH Salzburg to their friends and acquaintances. Career entry is also no obstacle for graduates of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. Over 86 per cent had a job immediately or within a short time after graduating.

In February 2025, FH Salzburg invited students, alumni and staff to a future workshop to jointly develop perspectives for the coming decades. The participants drew up a vision for the FH Salzburg in 2050, envisaging a modern, networked and innovative university of applied sciences that actively involves students in the learning process, intelligently links digital and physical spaces and acts as a driver of social innovation. "Vision 2050 confirms that our strategic direction is the right one. The topics are clear - the decisive factor will be how we organise self-determined, digital and practical learning in the future," says Engel.

Special edition of the FH magazine and digital journey through time

The success story of FH Salzburg comes to life in the special edition of the epaper ’warum!’. FH Rector Dominik Engel, alumni, students and partners look ahead together - into the future of the FH Salzburg.

All interested visitors can currently take a look back in the ’Digital Time Travel’ exhibition. The central element of the exhibition are stories and anecdotes from students, graduates, employees and companions, who bring personal highlights from three decades of FH Salzburg to life in short videos. Visitors also have the opportunity to record their own memories in a video contribution. The exhibition is open to the public until 4 July from Monday to Friday (10 am to 5 pm) at the Urstein campus.

The anniversary summer semester will conclude with a celebration for employees in July.

Pictures of the anniversary celebration on 8 May 2025 at the Urstein Campus.

epaper "warum!" - current issue

In the special edition to mark the 30th anniversary of the magazine ’warum!’, we bring the success story of the FH Salzburg to life and look to the future and further years of practical higher education and applied research together!

A Journey Through Time

The history of FH Salzburg - told digitally. In the ’Digital Time Travel’ exhibition at the Urstein Campus, the history of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences comes to life through exciting stories from students, graduates, employees and companions. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.

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