Master's less in demand

Bachelor’s graduates often go straight into jobs

More and more graduates are entering the job market directly after completing a Bachelor's degree. Whether someone enrols for a Master's degree depends, among other things, on the type of university and the field of study.

According to Statistics Austria, 63 percent of graduates recently enrolled on a Master's degree course within two years. In 2007/08, the figure was 81 percent. For study author Sarah Klem, this decline is a sign that the job market is reacting to the study reform. Students are also reacting to the requirements in the opposite direction. The system was changed from diploma and doctorate to Bachelor, Master and PhD as early as 1999.

Some diploma courses still exist
To this day, there are still a few diploma courses - in law, medicine, theology and the arts. Whether a Master's degree is enrolled after the Bachelor's degree depends on the type of university, the field of study and gender. At teacher training colleges, for example, a Master's degree is a prerequisite for teachers to obtain a permanent position. At private universities and universities of applied sciences, significantly fewer people decide to continue their studies within two years.

In terms of subjects, the transfer rates are particularly high in male-dominated fields such as mining studies, technology, natural sciences and soil culture. The rates are significantly lower in the humanities, social and economic sciences, health sciences and artistic subjects. In addition, it is mainly men who opt for a subsequent Master's degree. According to Statistics Austria, parental education no longer plays a major role.