From FH Kufstein Tirol TO HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol
For almost three decades, we have offered hands-on higher education in the heart of Tyrol. Now we are opening a new chapter: FH Kufstein Tirol is becoming HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. It is a name that captures who we are today – open, international, and ready for what comes next.
Why HOK — and why now?
After nearly 30 years, it is time for our identity to reflect how far we have come. Higher education has changed – and so have we. HOK makes visible what has been true for some time: we are internationally connected, strong in applied research, and firmly focused on the future.
What does the new name achieve?
- Recognition: In German, the new designation Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften strengthens the standing of our degrees, academic titles, and applied research – in the German-speaking world and beyond. Internationally, University of Applied Sciences remains the clear and established term for what defines us: academic excellence with direct relevance to practice.
- International reach: HOK is short, distinctive, and easy to pronounce across languages. Three letters that work worldwide – in Europe and internationally.
- Visibility: HOK gives us a name that is easy to remember and hard to confuse. It strengthens our profile and helps us stand out in an increasingly international higher education landscape.
The rebrand brings clarity, carries our values forward, and gives us a strong platform for continued international growth. HOK is not a compromise – it is the natural next step in our development.
Our Brand
Open-minded and proud of diversity
HOK stands for openness, diversity, and tolerance. Our campus is informal, welcoming, and collaborative – a place where people learn with and from one another.
We encourage curiosity, inquiry, and the courage to try something new. Mistakes are part of learning – because progress happens when people are willing to take a step into the unknown.
Our Values
A logo that stands for diversity
The HOK logo is more than a visual identity. It is a graphic expression of our values:
- The letters h-o-k:
The letters are stacked vertically, each on its own level – much like people who bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and strengths, yet come together to form one coherent whole. - The three ovals:
The three ovals are similar in shape but different in color. They stand for individuality within a shared community: each one has its own color; together, they create a strong collective identity. - The message:
Diversity is not a compromise – it is our strength. The logo makes that promise visible: there is room for difference here. You are welcome here as you are.
The Meaning of Our Colors
Bachelor's
green
Green represents our bachelor’s degree programs – the beginning of the academic journey at HOK. This is where students build their foundation: practically focused, personally supported, and with room to grow.
master's
Cyan
Cyan represents our master’s degree programs – the next level of depth and specialization. Here, graduates build on their expertise and sharpen their professional profile for the next stage of their careers.
Continuing Education
Dark Blue
Dark blue represents our continuing education programs and university courses – for lifelong learning, professional development while working, and the direct application of knowledge in practice.
Our Foundation
Our name and logo are new. Everything that matters remains:
- Excellent degree programs with a strong practical focus
- Dedicated lecturers from academia and industry
- Our campus in Kufstein with state-of-the-art infrastructure
- Strong partnerships with leading companies
- Personal support in small groups
- The values that define us: openness, diversity, and responsibility
Our History
1997: The Beginnings
The start of a vision
What began with conversations in 1992 became reality in 1997: Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol opened its doors. Two degree programs, 97 students, and one ambitious idea – to bring practice-oriented higher education to the heart of Tyrol. Initiator Prof. KommR Walter J. Mayr, MBA, brought visionaries, companies, and municipalities together. They laid the foundation for everything that followed.
1999-2002: Growth
A new home takes shape
In 1999, Tyrol’s first student residence outside Innsbruck opened on the Innpromenade in Kufstein. It was expanded just one year later. At the same time, internationalization began to gather momentum: 26 partner universities made integrated semesters abroad possible. In 2000, the first part-time degree program was launched.
2001 was a milestone year. The university moved into its new building, Building B, in Kufstein’s city park. It was also where the first graduates celebrated their degrees – a defining moment for the young institution.
2005–2008: Bologna & Expansion
Bachelor’s, master’s, and international growth
The Bologna Process reshaped higher education across Europe – and we were part of that transformation. In 2005, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs were introduced, replacing the previous Magister and engineering programs.
Growth called for more space: Building C opened in 2005. One year later, the institution was officially designated Austria’s 10th university of applied sciences, with its own Faculty Council. We also added our 100th partner university – a clear sign of our expanding international network.
In 2008, a new structure helped secure the institution’s long-term future: the founding of a private foundation, with the founding association and the City of Kufstein as donors.
2012–2017: Recognition & Research
Permanent accreditation and international reputation
In 2012, we received permanent accreditation – a quality mark that creates trust. Building D followed in 2013, providing additional space for our growing community.
Our international focus continued to deliver results: in 2015, we received our first international award for student mobility. At the same time, research became more structured and more visible, with seven thematic clusters established in fields from digitalization to sustainability.
2017: The 20th anniversary
2,000 students, 22 degree programs, and 14 postgraduate programs. The original vision had grown into an established university of applied sciences.
2020–2025: Digitalization & Future Topics
Creating value for the region, innovation for the world
In 2020, the campus was completed with the opening of Building A. The new Science Labs brought state-of-the-art infrastructure for practice-oriented teaching and learning.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed major challenges for universities worldwide. Thanks to the advanced digitalization of our processes, the transition to online teaching was seamless. Academic operations continued without interruption — a clear sign of our digital maturity.
Regional economic impact
A 2023 study showed that the university generates 47.8 million euros in regional added value each year. University operations and student spending support 422 jobs. Education pays off — for everyone.
Research at the highest level
In 2023, the first Josef Ressel Center opened — a milestone in applied research. In 2024, the AI Competence Center was established to embed artificial intelligence in teaching and research.
AI in academic programs
In 2025, we became one of the first universities in the German-speaking world to systematically integrate artificial intelligence into academic programs. Students learn to use AI responsibly — a key skill for the workplace of tomorrow.
More and more degree programs are being offered in English, reflecting our international outlook. Research is gaining importance, and collaboration with business and industry is becoming even stronger.
What began as a regional institution has become an internationally recognized player.
The figures speak for themselves:
- 250 partner universities worldwide
- 2,400 students in 28 degree programs, including 9 taught in English
- 10,600 graduates since the university was founded
2026–2027: The Rebranding
From Fachhochschule to HOK
A change in federal law in 2024 made it possible: Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol is becoming HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol.
The new name reflects what has long been true: we are international, strong in applied research, and future-oriented. The new logo reinforces this development and strengthens our visibility worldwide.
In fall 2026, another student residence will open, creating space for the next generation.
2027: 30 Years of Kufstein University
Three decades of innovation, growth, and community. Ready for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the university's official name changing?
Yes. Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol becomes HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. The new name and our new visual identity mark the next step in our journey — international, digital, and forward-looking.
Is HOK still the same university?
Absolutely. All that changes is our name and how we present ourselves to the world — our campus, programs, faculty, and partnerships remain exactly what you know and value. You'll find all the details in the "Our Foundation" section above.
Why is HOK changing its name?
We are growing internationally, digitally, and in terms of content. HOK reflects where we are today – and where we are going: globally networked, future-oriented, and stronger than ever.