The different legally possible procedures
Legally possible appointment procedures
From a legal point of view, the appointment procedures are fundamentally regulated in Section 98, opens an external URL in a new window of the Universities Act 2002 (appointment procedure for university professors) and Section 99 , opens an external URL in a new windowand Section 99a, opens an external URL in a new window (abbreviated appointment procedures for university professors).
Here is a table listing and a description of the legally possible appointment procedures (AP):
| Type of AP | temporary/permanent position | Announcement | Selection committee | Brief description | Mentioned in the development plan |
| § 98 | permanent (temporary only in exceptional cases) | national/ international | Appointment committee (appointed by senate) | classic professorship, primarily for external recruitment | Yes, by name (except for a limitation < 3 Jahre) |
| § 99(1) | temporary (max. 5 years), can only be terminated through a § 98 procedure | national/ international | no appointment committee (different panel) | for short-term recruitment externally and internally | no |
| § 99(4) | permanent | national | appointment committee (appointed by senate) | Career opportunity for in-house candidates (Associate Prof. oder a.o. Prof.) | not by name, only number |
| § 99a | temporary (max. 5 years), termination possible (QV) | no | no appointment committee (different panel) | for recruitment of outstanding personalities | not by name, only number |
| § 99 (5–7) | Associate Prof, before Assistant Prof. (temporary - QV) | - | Advisory Board | Career opportunity for young excellent scientists: Tenure-Track | not by name, only number |
§ 98, § 99(4) and § 99a professorships are formulated in the university-specific part of the statute "Appointment Procedures (pdf), opens in new window" or explained in more detail in its "Explanations to Appointment Procedures (pdf), opens in new window". § 99(1) procedures are explained in more detail in an information sheet (pdf), opens in new window [only in German].
§ 98 Professorship:
(see also §98 and § 99(4) appointment procedures, opens in new window)
§ 98 Professorships are the classic professorships and are usually announced for an permanent period. Once the appointment procedure has been initiated by the Rectorate, the Senate appoints an appointment committee which, after the end of the application period - the call for applications takes place both nationally and internationally - has the task of drawing up a list of the (usually three) most suitable candidates with the help of external reports, among other things. The rector chooses from this list and thus starts the appointment negotiations. The procedure is explained in the Articles of incorporation Appointment Procedures (pdf), opens in new window.
Permanent professorships or those limited to more than 3 years are defined or “dedicated” in a university’s development plan. The TU Wien is currently subject to the EP2030 development plan of the TU Wien, which sets out the planned § 98 professorships for the periods 2025–2027 and 2028–2030.
§ 99(1) Professorship:
Section 99 (1) UG Professorships are accepted for a limited period of up to five years using an abbreviated procedure. An extension of the appointment is only possible after a procedure according to § 98 has been carried out. § 99(1) Professorships represent a way of filling fixed-term positions relatively quickly (there is no provision here for appointing an appointments committee); only the university professors of the subject area have to be heard here. The call for applications takes place nationally (University Bulletin) and internationally.
The selection procedure is explained in more detail in an information sheet (pdf), opens in new window [only in German].
These professorships are not listed in the development plan.
§ 99(4) Professuren:
(see also §98 and § 99(4) appointment procedures, opens in new window)
The appointment procedure according to § 99 paragraph 4 UG is aimed at university lecturers and associated professors at your own university and thus represent an in-house career path. They are permanent positions. The announcement is only made nationally through the university bulletin. The Senate appoints an appointment committee for the procedure itself.
The selection procedure is explained in the Articles of Appointment Procedures (pdf), opens in new window.
Only the number of positions to be released is specified in the development plan.
§ 99a Professorships:
Professorships according to § 99a UG are also shortened appointment procedures "for the purpose of proactively recruiting scientifically or artistically outstanding personalities". In contrast to § 99(1) professorships, a § 99a professorship is limited to 5 years in advance, but can be extended after successful completion of a qualification examination.
The selection procedure is explained in the Articles of Appointment Procedures (pdf), opens in new window.
A technical dedication in the development plan is not planned.
§ 99 (5–7) Tenure-Track:
A tenure-track position in accordance with § 99 para. 5–7 UG enables doctoral graduates to pursue an academic career at a university. First, after the creation of a qualification agreement, there is the position of assistant professor. If the qualification agreement is fulfilled successfully, a permanent position as an associated university professor is offered.
The selection procedure and the entire qualification process is explained in the Tenure Track Directive (pdf), opens in new window.
Only the number of positions to be released for this is specified in the development plan.
Further Information:
Professorships in Austria
The § 98 and § 99(4) appointment procedure