Education, science and research are some of the most important fields of investment for the future. With education – the promotion of individual skills, creativity, creative drive and critical thinking – we pave the way not only for each individual but also for society as a whole to achieve economic independence and a self-determined life. Not only the economy but our entire society thrive on strong science, research and innovation. As a small, western-oriented and thus socially open country Austria relies on excellent research as well as critical reflection and an evidence-based culture of debate. Internationality is a central social cornerstone of this, and therefore must be promoted in particular in education, science and research.

As Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation owned by the Republic of Austria the OeAD derives its strategic objectives from those of the Republic of Austria.

The OeAD is therefore committed to the United Nations’ “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which was adopted in 2015, and in particular to Goal 4 for high-quality education. The European Union’s strategic orientation for the development of a European research, higher education and education area is equally important. At the national level not only the government programme of the Austrian federal government but also the strategic documents of each department guide our actions. These include, in particular, the federal government’s RTI strategy and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research’s higher education mobility and internationalisation strategy.

• Internationalisation in school, vocational, higher and adult education
• Innovation and transfer to the education system
• Digitisation
• Developing an understanding of science and democracy
• Sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda
• Diversity and equal opportunities
• Self-perception as European citizens
• Promoting a modern image of Austria
• Global cooperation

• Holocaust education

  Special geographical priorities include: 

• EU and neighbouring countries / Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova
• South Caucasus – part of the EU’s Partnership with the East
• Africa – EU focus
• China and Southeast Asia

We promote curiosity and a willingness to innovate.

A thirst for knowledge is the breeding ground for innovation, experimentation and progress. Our events, calls for proposals and thought-provoking impulses awaken curiosity and a willingness to be surprised and to develop further. The OeAD is always working to embrace new ideas and to position itself more strongly as a relevant partner and moderator in an educational landscape designed for innovation.

We stand for reliability and quality.

The OeAD provides a reliable and high-quality framework that enables innovation. Our work is characterised by experience, transparency, reliability and customer orientation. We implement our activities with a high standard of quality, responsibility, teamwork and personal commitment. Based on a practised feedback culture and quality management, processes are developed continuously, which distinguishes us as a learning organisation.

We practise diversity and equal opportunities.

The OeAD practises diversity and equal opportunities as an organisation. The OeAD’s funding, education and exchange programmes contribute to a positive experience of diversity in a globalised world. Our work promotes equal opportunities because we act inclusively as an agency and support life-long learning. Our employees are characterised by a wide range of lifestyles, cultural backgrounds, language skills and educational backgrounds.