Funding for the preparatory course for the professional qualification examination

In Upper Austria, the state government promotes a one-year preparatory course for the professional qualification examination at agricultural vocational and technical schools within the framework of guideline BGD-120442/28-2015. The offer is aimed at graduates of these educational institutions who wish to obtain their university entrance qualification by successfully completing the examination, enabling access to universities, universities of applied sciences, teacher training colleges, and academies. With a duration of ten months and compact full-time instruction from Monday to Friday, the course provides intensive preparation for the partial exams in German, Mathematics, English, as well as in the agricultural and forestry subject area. The funding is provided as a grant and requires a primary residence in Upper Austria as well as at least marginal employment during the course. Participants benefit from an optimal learning environment, in some cases even with boarding options at the Waizenkirchen technical school.

For application, a written project application must be submitted to the Directorate of Culture and Society – Department of Society of the Office of the Upper Austrian State Government within six months after passing the last examination. A fully completed application form constitutes the central basis for the funding. The continuously available funds are intended to create an incentive to complete the professional qualification examination and thereby open up new professional perspectives. Through financial support, costs for the preparatory course are alleviated, motivating graduates of agricultural schools to take the next academic and professional step.