Action field Student Life Cycle
Based on the Development Plan 2022-2027 (German version only)

The University of Innsbruck offers a wide range of programmes for all age groups and social groups in the period leading up to a possible entry into higher education. The offer is generally broader the more distant the entry into studies is (e.g.: Long Night of Research, Young University) and is becoming increasingly focused and personal (e.g.: MINT Summer Technology School, Talentescout). In addition to information on the entire range of subjects and topics, particular attention is paid to the social dimension. The diverse formats developed in close coordination and cooperation with other departments (e.g.: BfÖ) and in compliance with the diversity strategy are continuously evaluated and expanded and are thus intended, among other things, to lay the foundation for retaining the target groups at the university.

The University of Innsbruck offers the broadest range of subjects in Austria. This is reflected in the more than 120 curricula at all levels (Bachelor, Master, Diploma, Doctorate, PhD, extension programmes). A special curricular feature of the University of Innsbruck is the ‘Window of Opportunity’, which has already been largely implemented and offers students the opportunity to freely design their education to the extent of 30 ECTS credits (= one semester). This Window of Opportunity is an important instrument in the implementation of the internationalisation strategy, which promotes international teaching and learning experiences (incoming and outgoing). The focus on digitalisation with its specific offering enables students to acquire digital skills and also supports various student groups, e.g. in terms of virtual mobility. In addition to specialisations that reflect the research strengths, the Minors also offer a wide range of subjects from our 16 faculties. In addition, the cross-cutting topic of sustainability is reflected in various courses, as it is made visible by the assignment to the SDGs and the orientation of individual parts of study programmes. Studyability in terms of the curricular structure is a priority for the responsible committees (Curriculum Commission, Senate) in collaboration with the Rectorate. Closer dialogue between teaching staff and students will be promoted in the coming years with the establishment and expansion of a ‘Buddy & Mentoring System’. With this format, the University of Innsbruck is not only taking on the challenge of increasing examination activity and retention rates - while reducing the drop-out rate. Rather, the ‘Buddy & Mentoring System’ format, which also covers aspects of the diversity strategy, will give the University of Innsbruck a pioneering role in (at least) Austria.

After successfully completing a degree programme, students move on to another level of study and/or enter the world of work. Continuing education at the university is an important part of career development. In this context, the latter refers to development opportunities and career paths within and outside the university sector, which also include corresponding entrepreneurship activities. In addition to purely technical skills, graduates also bring cross-disciplinary skills (sustainability, diversity, digitalisation, internationalisation) with them into their career entries or can expand these in continuing education courses. In addition to people with a tertiary educational qualification, university continuing education also addresses people who have a career-related background or are interested in education. The(continuing) education programmes are research-based, permeable and coordinated with the target groups in terms of scope (micro credentials). They are bound to the university and fulfil an educational mission, focusing on society as a whole.