The Student Social Survey is a survey of students in Austria that has been conducted at regular intervals since the 1970s. Similar surveys are also carried out at regular intervals in other countries in Europe. The international comparison data are used in the Bologna Process and by international organisations like the EU and the OECD.

Since most of the information collected through the Social Survey is not otherwise available, the report is an important information basis for higher education policy. The objective of the survey is to be able to provide an overview of the study situation and living conditions of different groups of students, e.g. working students, students with children, older students, students with health impairments or foreign students. The results will be published in the main report on the Social Situation of Students and additional reports.

The core topics covered in the survey 2023 are as follows:

  • Study situation and higher education access
  • Study conditions and satisfaction
  • Internship
  • Employment
  • Time budget
  • Living and housing situation
  • Financial resources and expenses
  • Student grants and financial aids
  • Financial difficulties
  • International mobility
  • General health condition
  • Students with health impairments

Additionally, the survey 2023, includes three modules (analogous to round 8 of EUROSTUDENT) with questions on the following topics:

  • Digitalisation
  • Mental health and well-being
  • Discrimination experiences