Revolution in the education system: Digital student ID is coming in 2026!

Revolution in the education system: Digital student ID is coming in 2026!

On June 16, 2025, the National Council passed a significant amendment to the University and Educational Documentation Act with the votes of the ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS and the Greens. This reform includes important measures to strengthen academic freedom and the digitalization of universities in Austria. Science and Research Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner highlighted the importance of these changes and emphasized the message “Choose Europe for Science” as part of the amendment. However, the FPÖ expressed concerns about the effectiveness and safety for scientists coming to Austria.

The central points of the amendment include temporary relief for the recruitment of scientists from the USA, which applies from July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. During this period, universities will be allowed to waive calls for proposals if the relevant researchers or artists have worked in the USA in the last two years. The aim is to promote scientific exchange and international cooperation, particularly with regard to the challenges that have arisen from interference with freedom of research in the USA.

Digitization of universities

Another notable element of the amendment is the introduction of a digital student ID card, which will be available from the summer semester of 2026. This ID card is accessed on smartphones via ID-Austria and the “ePassports” app and is valid for all study programs at public universities, technical colleges and universities of teacher education in Austria. The online application and admission procedures will be facilitated by gradually implemented digital onboarding from autumn 2025. Applicants can then provide their data in machine-readable form, which significantly reduces bureaucratic effort.

The amendment aims to reduce bureaucracy and strengthen scientific freedom. This is in line with the federal government's comprehensive efforts to advance digitalization and promote the performance of universities. Universities have a central role in the digital transformation, which has been characterized since the 1990s by the connection to the Internet and the introduction of e-learning formats. This current reform shows that digital progress in higher education remains a key focus of university and college governance.

Reactions and outlook

The reaction to the amendment was mostly positive, particularly from the government parties and the Greens, who also pointed out the need for better student involvement. The FPÖ called for a closer examination of the researchers coming to Austria in order to minimize possible risks. At the same time, the proportion of professorships that can be awarded through opportunity hiring will be doubled from 5 to 10 percent, which creates additional scope for universities.

Overall, the amendment is an important step for the future of science and higher education in Austria, which not only responds to the current challenges, but also lays the foundations for a contemporary and digitalized educational landscape. The digital student ID card and the improved employment procedures for researchers from the USA are concrete measures that support the goal of modernizing and internationalizing universities.