Directly from http://www.fh-vorarlberg.ac.at: General Information: A Fachhochschule in Germany and Austria is something like a technical college. See for example the following description of one such Fachhochschulen in Austria:
With its focus on applied research, innovative and integrated curricula, creative teaching methods, and international study courses, the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg prepares students for professional careers in the global work world of tomorrow. As an important partner in the economic and social development of the state of Vorarlberg, it also serves as a platform for discussions about the interplay of future technologies, the economy, and the environment, transferring new developments and ideas to business and industry in the state. The Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is the leading university in the state of Vorarlberg and offers full-time and part-time degree programs, professional programs, and diplomas in the areas of business, engineering, and design.
Some 562 students are presently enrolled, of whom 27 are exchange students. Total enrollment at the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is expected to increase to 1,200 by 2004. The Fachhochschule Vorarlberg currently has 110 full-time employees and about 50 freelancers.
The Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is a nonprofit institution with the federal state of Vorarlberg as associate and has a yearly budget of about 131,000,000 Austrian schillings (8,710,415 US dollars). Management Departments Services History
1989: Foundation of the Technikum Vorarlberg 1992: Pilot Degree Program "Automation Engineering" in cooperation with the Technical University Graz, Austria 1994: Introduction of the "Automation Engineering" Degree Program 1995: Introduction of the "Business Process and Project Management" Degree Program (BPPM) 1996: 1996 Introduction of the “InterMedia” Degree Program (IM) 1997: 1997 Foundation of the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg GmbH 1999: The Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is awarded full university status 1999: Introduction of the "Technical Production Management" Degree Program (TeProM) and the gradual phasing out of the "Automation Engineering" Degree Program 2000 Introduction of the "iTec - Information and Communication Engineering" Degree Program 2001 Introduction of the “iUF – International Management” Degree Program
