Austrian Student Union Calls for Immediate Action Against Rising Costs

As the winter semester commences, the Austrian Student Union (ÖH) has urgently requested immediate measures to combat rising living costs affecting students. Current statistics reveal that approximately 60% of students are at risk of poverty, with the recent surge in prices disproportionately impacting this demographic. The union's chairperson emphasized the need for swift governmental intervention to prevent further financial barriers to education.

The ÖH has called for significant reforms, particularly highlighting that the current student financial aid is insufficient. They advocate for an increase in the number of students eligible for aid, as only 12% currently qualify. Furthermore, adjustments to transportation subsidies are necessary to reflect the increased costs of public transport.

In addition to financial aid, the ÖH urges that public transport tickets for students be made free, given their reliance on these services for daily commuting to educational institutions. They propose maintaining the discounted semester ticket in Vienna while advocating for similar initiatives across the country.

Housing also remains a critical concern, with the ÖH demanding the reinstatement of government support for student housing as outlined in the coalition government's program. They stress the need for more accommodation options and a standardized housing allowance, alongside a rent cap applicable to all housing types.

The union believes that state intervention is essential, particularly regarding food prices, proposing a cap on student cafeteria meal prices to three euros as a targeted support measure for the 370,000 students in Austria.

Beyond direct support for students, the ÖH is advocating for increased funding for higher education institutions. They recommend that funding be raised to 2.5% of the country's GDP to ensure quality in teaching and research while reducing dependency on external funding. The current financial situation of universities is described as chronically underfunded, which hinders long-term development and leads to students being used as leverage in financial negotiations.

To facilitate these financial demands, the ÖH suggests implementing a fair taxation system, including wealth and inheritance taxes. They argue that enhancing access to education is vital for safeguarding democracy, especially in an era marked by rising skepticism towards scientific institutions.