Supporting Ukrainian Scientists in Austria: A First Educational Program

Last week, the European Centre for Freedom and Independence (EUCFI), together with the Center of Ukrainian Researches in Austria (CURA) and with the support of WienXtra, successfully implemented the first educational program in Austria for a group of Ukrainian education professionals and researchers.

The program lasted four days and included 10 structured meetings with leading Austrian institutions in Vienna and Korneuburg. It provided participants with direct access to Austria’s institutional landscape and a practical overview of education governance, integration approaches, and professional standards across key sectors.

Study visits and institutional dialogue

During the program, the group had the opportunity to visit and engage with:

• the Austrian Parliament and parliamentary representatives

• the City of Vienna, including a meeting with the Deputy Mayor’s office

• the Austrian Federal Chancellery

• the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

• the Federal Commercial Academy (BHAK) in Korneuburg

• WienXtra and Jugend am Werk, recognised actors in youth work and educational support

Topics and focus areas

The program explored key aspects of the Austrian education system, with a strong focus on areas particularly relevant for Ukraine, where Austria demonstrates strong expertise and practical achievements.

Discussions covered:

• current challenges of secondary and higher education in Austria

• dual education and the structure of educational tracks

• integration programs for non-Austrian pupils and students

• migration-related challenges and inclusion mechanisms in schools

• institutional approaches to children and youth support in Vienna

• challenges faced by Ukrainian schoolchildren in Ukraine and abroad, along with possible response solutions

• future recovery needs of Ukraine and the importance of preparing long-term, evidence-based decisions

Beyond knowledge exchange, the programme created space for direct dialogue, mutual learning, and strengthened professional connections between Ukrainian education stakeholders and Austrian institutions.