Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

What Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences does

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV) is an Austrian Fachhochschule established in 1994 as one of the country's first universities of applied sciences, headquartered at Campus V, Hochschulstraße 1, 6850 Dornbirn, Vorarlberg. It operates across four faculties — Engineering & Technology, Business & Economics, Design, and Social Work & Health — delivering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in both full-time (VZ) and part-time/dual (BB) formats, with degree offerings spanning Computer Science, Mechatronics, International Business, InterMedia, Nursing, and Social Work. The institution is legally constituted as University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg GmbH, a private limited liability company that operates as a public-sector educational entity under Austrian higher education law.

The core technical platform combines modern IT, design, and technical laboratories (Network, Database, Software Engineering, Embedded Systems, Virtual Reality) available 24/7, with four research centers and three research groups employing over 100 researchers across Business Informatics, Digital Business Transformation, Empirical Social Sciences, Energy, Human-Centred Technologies, Microtechnology, and Smart Engineering Technologies. FHV is a founding member of RUN-EU, an alliance of ten European universities, and maintains formal partnerships with more than 114 universities in 24 European countries plus international partners in North/Central/South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Double degree programs are live with HAMK (Finland), KdG (Belgium), IPL and IPCA (Portugal), and UiA (Norway), and the institution operates adjacent platforms including the FHV TELL-Center (language learning), Startup Vorarlberg @FHV (entrepreneurship), and Kontextstudium (interdisciplinary learning).

FHV's revenue model rests on three pillars: per-semester tuition fees plus the ÖH (Austrian Students' Union) contribution as a public-sector educational institution, research funding from EU programs (Interreg Alpine Space, Erasmus+) and Austrian national grants alongside industry partnerships, and continuing education programs for working professionals. Distribution is hybrid: on-campus instruction at the single Dornbirn campus, self-serve online applications via bewerbung.fhv.at, and channel partnerships through the RUN-EU alliance and 100+ international university agreements. As of November 2025, FHV employed 379 staff (279 FTE, 55% women) and is led by Managing Director Stefan Fitz-Rankl.

Name

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg GmbH

Website

https://fhv.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV) is an Austrian Fachhochschule headquartered in Dornbirn that delivers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across Engineering & Technology, Business & Economics, Design, and Social Work & Health to domestic and international students, and conducts applied research through four research centers and a 100+ university partnership network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Dornbirn

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees and ÖH Contribution: Students pay tuition fees and the ÖH (Austrian Students' Union) contribution. Fees are charged per semester with specific amounts for EU/EWR vs. third-country nationals. The university is a public institution receiving government funding.
2. Research Funding and Grants: FHV generates revenue through research projects funded by EU programs (Interreg Alpine Space, Erasmus+), Austrian national research grants, and industry partnerships. Research funding supports faculty research activities and student involvement in applied research.
3. Continuing Education Programs: The FHV offers continuing education programs and short courses for professionals, generating additional revenue streams beyond regular degree programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FHV is a university of applied sciences that delivers practice-oriented Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral degree programmes across four faculties (Engineering & Technology, Business & Economics, Design, and Social Work & Health), offered in full-time, part-time, and dual study formats. It also provides applied research services, Double Degree programmes with five European partner universities, the RUN-EU international mobility network, the FHV TELL-Center for language training, and continuing education courses for working professionals.

Product overview

FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of study programmes across four faculties: Technology (engineering, computer science, mechatronics, energy systems), Business (international business, management, economics), Design (InterMedia, creative leadership), and Social Work & Health (nursing, social work). The institution provides bachelor's and master's degree programmes in both full-time and part-time formats, enabling dual/career-integrated study. Beyond degree programmes, FHV operates the RUN-EU European University network platform enabling international mobility and collaboration across 10 European institutions. The institution also offers Double Degree programmes with partner universities, the FHV TELL-Center for language training, Startup Vorarlberg for entrepreneurship support, contextual studies, and doctoral programmes. The university emphasizes practice-oriented education with strong industry connections and international partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor Mechatronik (VZ) Full-time Bachelor programme in mechatronics combining mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science; targeted at school-leavers and prospective engineering students seeking practice-oriented mechatronics education.
• Bachelor Informatik - Software and Information Engineering (VZ) Full-time Bachelor programme in computer science focused on software development and information systems engineering for prospective IT students.
• Bachelor Informatik - Digital Innovation (BB) Part-time Bachelor programme in computer science with focus on digital innovation and transformation, designed for working professionals.
• Bachelor Elektronik und Informationstechnologie Dual Dual Bachelor programme combining electronics and information technology education with practical industry experience in parallel.
• Bachelor Mechatronik (BB) Part-time Bachelor programme in mechatronics for working professionals combining mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering subjects with employment.
• Bachelor Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen (BB) Part-time Bachelor programme in industrial engineering and management for working professionals blending engineering and business skills.
• Master Informatik (VZ) Full-time Master programme in computer science for graduates seeking advanced IT specialisation.
• Master Mechatronics (VZ) Full-time Master programme in mechatronics for advanced engineering professionals.
• Master Nachhaltige Energiesysteme (BB) Part-time Master programme in sustainable energy systems for working professionals focusing on renewable and sustainable energy engineering.
• Master Wirtschaftsinformatik - Digital Transformation (BB) Part-time Master programme in business informatics with emphasis on digital transformation for working IT/business professionals.
• Bachelor Internationale Betriebswirtschaft (VZ) Full-time Bachelor programme in international business administration for prospective students seeking business and management education.
• Bachelor Internationale Betriebswirtschaft (BB) Part-time Bachelor programme in international business administration for working professionals.
• Master Internationale Betriebswirtschaft | Accounting, Controlling & Finance (BB) Part-time Master programme in international business with specialisation in accounting, controlling, and finance for working professionals.
• Master Internationale Betriebswirtschaft | Marketing, Sales & Innovation (BB) Part-time Master programme in international business with specialisation in marketing, sales, and innovation for working professionals.
• Master Internationale Betriebswirtschaft | People, Organisation & Transformation (BB) Part-time Master programme in international business with specialisation in people, organisation, and transformation (HR) for working professionals.
• Master International Management & Leadership (BB) Part-time Master programme in international management and leadership for working professionals pursuing senior leadership roles.
• Bachelor InterMedia (VZ) Full-time Bachelor programme in InterMedia (media design and digital communication) for prospective design and media students.
• Master Design und Creative Leadership (BB) Part-time Master programme in Design and Creative Leadership for working professionals in design and creative industries.
• Bachelor Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege (VZ) Full-time Bachelor programme in health care and nursing for prospective nursing students.
• Bachelor Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege Upgrade Upgrade Bachelor programme for practising nursing professionals to obtain a bachelor-level qualification in health care and nursing.
• Bachelor Soziale Arbeit (VZ) Full-time Bachelor programme in Social Work for prospective social-work students.
• Bachelor Soziale Arbeit (VBB) Part-time Bachelor programme in Social Work for working professionals in social-work-adjacent roles.
• Master Soziale Arbeit (BB) Part-time Master programme in Social Work for graduates seeking advanced qualifications in the field.
• Doktoratsprogramm Doctoral programme providing advanced research training and academic qualification across FHV's research domains.
• RUN-EU Network European University network alliance connecting 10 higher-education institutions across Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain), enabling student and staff mobility, joint short learning opportunities, collaborative research, and European University development for enrolled students.
• Double Degree Programme International dual-degree programmes allowing students to earn two internationally recognised degrees through study at FHV and partner institutions (HAMK, KdG, IPL, UiA, IPCA), with tracks in International Business, Mechatronics, InterMedia, and Computer Science.
• FHV TELL-Center Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) centre offering foreign-language courses, communication-skills training, and academic offerings for FHV students and external learners.
• Startup Vorarlberg @FHV Startup support programme fostering entrepreneurship among FHV students and the broader regional community, providing incubation and innovation services.
• Continuing Education Programmes Continuing-education programmes and short-format professional development courses offered to working professionals beyond FHV's regular degree programmes.
• Kontextstudium Interdisciplinary contextual studies programme providing complementary, cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for enrolled students at FHV.

Quantifiable outcome

• 48% of full-time students participated in international mobility programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RUN-EU (Regional University Network - European University)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020FHV is a founding member of RUN-EU, an alliance of 10 European universities from Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Spain, Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria. The partnership enables student and staff mobility, joint short learning opportunities, collaborative research, and the development of a European University. FHV CEO Stefan Fitz-Rankl serves on the network's governance bodies.
• Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), FinlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree partnerships in International Business (started 2022) and InterMedia (started 2023). HAMK is a key partner within the RUN-EU alliance, enabling integrated curricula where students earn degrees from both institutions.
• Karel de Grote Hogeschool (KdG), BelgiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing double degree partnership in Business started in 2014, one of FHV's earliest double degree programs. Allows students to study at both institutions and earn two bachelor's degrees.
• Polytechnico de Leiria (IPL), PortugalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree partnerships in Mechatronics (Bachelor, started 2022) and Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Master, started 2022). Students complete portions of their degree at both institutions.
• University of Agder (UiA), NorwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree partnership in Mechatronics (Master) started in 2013, one of FHV's longest-running double degree programs. Students spend semesters at both institutions and complete joint thesis projects.
• Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (IPCA), PortugalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble degree partnerships in Mechatronics (Master, started 2022) and Computer Science (Master, started 2023). Partnership enables joint thesis supervision and international degree completion.
• Getzner TextilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional industry partner collaborating with FHV's Design department on the Future Explorations Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme. Getzner provided real-world challenges for student projects on smart textiles and sustainable design.
• illwerke vkwminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional energy company and sponsor of FHV. The sponsorship relationship supports the university's operations and regional engagement.
• Ländle Gastronomie GmbHminorOthersExternal catering partner operating the Mensa and Café Campus on FHV campus. Provides food services to students, staff, and visitors.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems: Austrian Fachhochschule offering applied undergraduate and graduate programs in business, life sciences, and technology. Comparable Austrian private-GmbH-structured UAS peer with similar applied-research orientation.
• Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK): Finnish University of Applied Sciences and RUN-EU alliance partner, collaborating with FHV on Double Degree programs in International Business and InterMedia. Directly comparable UAS with similar practice-oriented mission.
• FH Joanneum: Austrian University of Applied Sciences with a similarly broad applied-sciences portfolio across technology, business, design, and health. Directly comparable as a fellow Fachhochschule in the Austrian UAS system with similar faculty structure and program mix.
• University of Agder (UiA): Norwegian public university running the longest-running Mechatronics Double Degree with FHV. Comparable European higher-education institution with applied engineering focus and international mobility emphasis.
• FH Kärnten (Carinthia University of Applied Sciences): Austrian Fachhochschule operating across multiple campuses with applied programs in technology, management, and health/social work. Comparable as a multi-faculty Austrian UAS with similar government funding model.
• Polytechnic of Leiria (IPL): Portuguese Polytechnic Institute and RUN-EU partner running Double Degree programs with FHV in Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering. Comparable European UAS with applied technology focus.
• FH St. Pölten: Austrian Fachhochschule specializing in applied computer science, digital media, health, and social work with a strong applied-research focus. Comparable in size, mission, and research-intensity profile to FHV.
• FH Salzburg (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences): Austrian Fachhochschule offering practice-oriented programs in engineering, business, social sciences, design, and health. Closely comparable in scale, structure, and target student segments to FHV.
• Karel de Grote Hogeschool (KdG): Belgian University of Applied Sciences running the longest-running Double Degree program with FHV (Business, since 2014). Comparable European UAS with applied business and technology programs.

Regional players

• Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM): Largest German University of Applied Sciences with a broad engineering, business, design, and social work portfolio. Comparable as a DACH-region UAS, but operates in a different national regulatory and funding regime.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/fhvorarlberg
• Facebookfacebook.com/fhvorarlberg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/fachhochschule-vorarlberg
• Instagraminstagram.com/fhvorarlberg/?hl=de
• TikToktiktok.com/@fhvorarlberg
• Xx.com/fhvorarlberg

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences