New Vetmeduni satellite campus in Upper Austria

The Province of Upper Austria and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni), together with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, are launching a joint initiative to counter the growing shortage of livestock veterinarians. By establishing a new Vetmeduni satellite campus in Upper Austria, training in ruminant, swine, and poultry medicine will be expanded while also increasing the attractiveness of large-animal practice in rural areas.

The new satellite campus is to be located in the central region of Upper Austria and will offer students practice-oriented training directly in one of Austria’s most important agricultural regions. Planned measures include clinical training modules in cooperation with regional veterinary practices, applied research, and continuing education programs. In addition, collaboration with higher agricultural schools will be intensified to spark interest in livestock medicine at an early stage.

“With the new Vetmeduni satellite campus, we are taking an important step toward the future for Upper Austria. We are investing specifically in the training of highly qualified professionals, thereby strengthening our rural areas. As Austria’s number-one agricultural state, we will continue to need reliable veterinary care. Cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna will help us inspire more young people to pursue livestock medicine and to attract them in the long term to work in Upper Austria. This strengthens our agriculture, animal welfare, and Upper Austria as a business location,” emphasizes Governor Thomas Stelzer.

Each semester, ten to twenty students, as well as academic staff, trainers, and practicing veterinarians, will be involved in the work of the satellite campus. The Province of Upper Austria will contribute to the project’s costs.

Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig views this initiative as an indispensable stimulus for rural regions: “A vibrant rural area without veterinary care is unthinkable. Safeguarding veterinary services in rural areas is essential. It protects our family farms and ensures the production of high-quality, regional foods. I am committed to supporting this endeavor and strengthening veterinary care. To counter the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas and of official veterinarians, we will also seek to contribute within the scope of our possibilities.”

Provincial Minister for Agriculture Michaela Langer-Weninger underscores the project’s importance for agriculture: “Our farmers need reliable veterinary care directly in their regions. The new satellite campus is a milestone for our domestic agriculture. It brings training, practice, and research closer together and creates attractive prospects for aspiring veterinarians. Agricultural enterprises, animal welfare, and rural areas as a whole will benefit.”

The initiative aims to attract more prospective veterinarians to work with livestock and large animals and to familiarize them with career opportunities in Upper Austria during their studies. This is intended to ensure long-term veterinary care in the regions.

“With the new satellite campus in Upper Austria, we are creating an important training location for livestock medicine while simultaneously strengthening practical relevance in the degree program. Our goal is to introduce students early on to the diverse career prospects in large-animal practice and the opportunities offered by rural areas. We look forward to close cooperation with the Province of Upper Austria, the schools, and all partners to jointly secure the veterinary care of the future,” says Vetmeduni Rector Matthias Gauly.

The cooperation was officially sealed with the signing of the Future Pact “Veterinary Care.” The project is intended to make a significant contribution to safeguarding veterinary services, strengthening domestic agriculture, and promoting the sustainable development of rural areas.

* Presseinformation/MedienInfo Oberösterreich, 24.06.2026