Start for New Kindergarten Bachelor's Program, Five More Degree Programs to Follow in 2026

On October 1st, around 90 students at the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna embarked on Austria's first undergraduate bachelor's programs for elementary education. By 2026, five more programs in this field are to start - however, not at a university of applied sciences, but at pedagogical universities (PH), according to Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) at a press conference on Friday.

Elementary Education with a University Degree

Kindergarten teachers have been urgently sought for years. The shortage of skilled workers is exacerbated by the ongoing expansion of kindergarten places. In addition to the classic training at educational institutions for elementary education (BAfEP), various new training paths for the profession have therefore been created. At the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna, there is now a bachelor's degree program (for high school graduates) and a Bachelor Professional program (for people with professional qualifications or experience, such as kindergarten assistants and leisure educators).

Dual-Form Studies

Both training tracks are conducted in dual form: From Monday to Wednesday, students work in kindergartens of various sponsoring organizations such as KIWI, the St. Nikolaus Foundation, the Kinderfreunde, or the City of Vienna, and the remaining two days at the university of applied sciences.

The reason for the establishment at the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna lies in the institution's experience: It has previously offered a program for elementary education - but not as an undergraduate program, rather as an advanced training for higher functions. These study places have now been converted, according to Managing Director Wilhelm Behensky. The places are financed by the Ministry of Education and Science (Bachelor) or sponsors (Bachelor Professional).

Apprenticeship Only for Assistant Area

The new bachelor's programs are intended only as a supplement to the current training, Wiederkehr emphasized. However, it is also a societal and political signal that personnel is now being recruited through an academic education. Wiederkehr had mixed feelings about the proposal by the President of the Association of Municipalities, Johannes Pressl (ÖVP), to introduce an apprenticeship for elementary education: He is open to a kindergarten apprenticeship. However, this could only apply to the assistant area - for kindergarten teachers, it would mean a reduction in their qualification.

In the next four years, according to the government plan, 4,000 new training places for elementary education will be created through various channels. "Nevertheless, the personnel shortage will continue to concern us beyond this legislative period," said Wiederkehr. In addition to creating additional places, efforts are also being made to improve the care ratio.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.