Collage Hbla

13 AUSTRIAN COLLEGES FOR AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY… and more

October 16, 2018
By: Elisabeth Hönigsberger

text by Thomas Ochsenhofer

Austria has 13 Colleges for Agriculture and Forestry widespread all over Austria. Students receive both a general and a technical-practical oriented education. 11 sites are directly funded by the Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism.

HBLA-Pitzelstaetten_practical training_labor_Fotocredit-Tinefoto
HBLA Sitzenberg_excellent facilities for practical experience_Fotorcredit-Egon Fischer
From harvest and quality control to quality assurance
HBLA-Wein-Obst-Klosterneuburg_Fotocredit-Gregor-Schweinester

After five years at the college (or three years of advanced training course) students graduate usually at the age of 19 with the national school-leaving exam entitling to university studies called “Matura”.

Nine different vocational specialisations

  • Agriculture and nutrition economy (4 sites)
  • Agriculture (4 sites)
  • Agricultural engineering (1 site)
  • Food and biotechnology (1 site)
  • Forestry (1 site)
  • Viniculture and orcharding (1 site)
  • Horticulture (1 site)
  • Garden- and landscape management (1 site)
  • Environment- and natural resources management (2 sites)

 

After graduating, students can also finish their vocational education and obtain the qualification “Master Craftsmen”. In order to do so, they have to proof at least three years of professional experience in their jobs. With the possibility of two degrees (Matura and Master Craftsman) alumni of Colleges for Agriculture and Forestry have excellent job perspectives. A recent study found out that almost 100 per cent of the students find a job after graduation.

Also forestry students have to sit down and study now and then!
HBLA-Bruck_Fotocredit-Florian-Rogner

A combination of teaching and research

Another interesting fact is that in five sites both teaching and scientific research are combined. This ensures that the taught contents remain up to date at all times. Students benefit from the latest scientific discoveries while they are still in school. As part of their final diploma thesis, students are given an opportunity to work together with the research centre or with partner companies.

The smell – one important parameter! HLBLA-Florian_Fotocredit-Daniela Koeppl

 

International relations

The colleges are constantly in touch with other countries of Europe and beyond. Through student exchange programmes and stays abroad students learn about other countries and develop an understanding for foreign cultures. Thus, Austria´s Colleges for Agriculture and Forestry guarantee the continued technical qualifications and professionalism of their graduates in the future.

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