Uni 55-Plus: “The best thing is that they exist”
The Uni 55-Plus in Salzburg is unique in Austria. It enables people over the age of 55 to enjoy university-level education.
SALZBURG. The Uni 55-Plus in Salzburg offers people over the age of 55 the opportunity to continue their education. And that across all fields of study. This semester 517 participants are enrolled, there is still room for improvement. There are many reasons why the seniors are drawn back to the lecture halls after their professional career, or even for the first time. “Most of them want to keep mentally fit and use their time sensibly,” explains Bernd Hörtnagl from the Uni 55-Plus participant council. Some experience their own student days in a new way, without having to take exams, others are happy that they still made it to university when they were old. “Not everyone was able to study after school, many had to go to work. In old age, they can now fulfill this dream and enjoy an education at university level,” says Hörtnagl. The social contacts with like-minded people and the fruitful cooperation with the young regular students are also appreciated.
Without high school diploma
At the Uni 55-Plus there are no access restrictions due to the Matura, anyone over 55 can enroll. Students can attend over 400 lectures together with the “regular” students. In addition, there are 30 courses that are specially designed for 55-plus. “We’re not taking any places away from the youngsters,” explains Hörtnagl. The offer is varied. It ranges from philosophy, history and political science through architecture and psychology to natural sciences such as geology or chemistry. And you can take courses across all subjects according to your personal interests.
Unique in Austria
In addition to a smaller version in Klagenfurt, the Salzburg facility is unique in Austria. That’s why the participants come from all parts of the country. With the tuition fee of 250 euros per semester, any number of courses can be taken. Online classes are also available for those who don’t want to travel far.
student life “light”
The seniors don’t even have to do without communicative student parties. “However, we only have one festival per year, it starts early and doesn’t last all night,” Hörtnagl smiles, remembering the contrast to his active student days in Innsbruck 50 years ago.
information event
An information event for the coming semester will take place on February 1 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Unipark Nonntal. Registration at www.plus.ac.at/uni-55plus.
Would you still go to university when you were old?
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