USTP with New Study Programme in Early Childhood Education
Launch of Bachelor Degree Programme Elementary Pedagogy* in Autumn 2026
Copyright: USTP
Adopting targeted approaches to early childhood education processes, providing professional guidance to children, and shaping robust relationships: USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten will expand its range of study programmes from autumn 2026 by introducing the new bachelor degree programme Elementary Pedagogy*. The full-time study programme combines well-founded theory and scientific reflection with intensive practical experience. The application is already open.
Professionally supporting and nurturing children in their first years of life and learning is a task with great importance for society.
“Our study programme Elementary Pedagogy prepares the students for exactly this task: They learn to encourage children to be curious and creative by actively shaping educational processes and collaborating with families, the children’s environment, and other professionals. At the same time, they acquire research skills, reflect upon their own professional development and attitude, and work towards strengthening the quality of early childhood education in a sustainable way”, explain Christine Schmid, Head of the Development Team, and Katharina Auer-Voigtländer, Head of the Department of Social Sciences.
Customisable Programme Tailored to Working Professionals
The new bachelor degree programme Elementary Pedagogy at USTP systematically prepares future professionals for challenging activities in institutions of early childhood education. The six-semester study programme is based on the curriculum of Hochschule Campus Wien (HCW) which was implemented in 2025. Partnering with HCW and FH Salzburg, where the study programme Elementary Pedagogy is designed to start in autumn, USTP will assume a pioneering role in Austria.
Next to tried-and-tested contents, the students can select a number of specialisations and deepen their skills in interprofessional collaboration with select health professions and in the field of multilingual and translingual lifeworlds of children.
The study programme is designed to allow students to combine studying and working. Students are required to attend classes on three full days per week. Starting from the winter semester 2026/27, a total of 25 study places will be available. Prospective students may apply at bewerbung.ustp.at.
In the picture: Katharina Auer-Voigtländer, Head of the Department of Social Sciences, and Christine Schmid, Head of the Development Team
Copyright: Thomas Immervoll
USTP Shapes the Future of Elementary Pedagogy
USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, together with FH Salzburg and Hochschule Campus Wien, is one of three universities of applied sciences in Austria offering the bachelor degree programme Elementary Pedagogy from the autumn of 2026. By doing so, USTP makes a contribution to the further development of the profession and to securing the future of the professional field.
“Elementary Pedagogy is so much more than simply looking after children – it is a person’s first educational space. These early years are crucial for children to develop curiosity, self-confidence, social skills, and a love of learning. Thanks to the ‘NÖ Betreuungsoffensive’, the province of Lower Austria and the municipalities are working intensively on the best future for our children”, says Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, Provincial Secretary for Family Matters.
“With the newly awarded study places in Elementary Pedagogy, USTP consistently continues its successful development in its 30th anniversary year and expands its profile of study programmes in the long term. The establishment of this new bachelor degree programme is not only the right answer to the acute need for expert personnel in this field, but also a clear sign of commitment to high-quality and practice-oriented education at the highest level for future elementary pedagogues. Our town will benefit from this investment as a central venue of education in elementary pedagogy – but it is the children who will benefit most of all”, says Mayor Matthias Stadler.
“With this new study programme, we at USTP can create important impulses for the further development of elementary pedagogy education in Austria and in the region. The study places we have been allocated attest to the confidence in our institution and allow us to offer a practically relevant and forward-looking study offer for a profession with tremendous importance for society”, emphasises Christine Haselbacher, Head of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.
Facts on the Bachelor Degree Programme Elementary Pedagogy*
- Duration: 6 semesters
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BA)
- Organisational form: full-time
- Language of instruction: German
- Study places: 25 study places per academic year
- Link to application
- More information on the study programme
or in person at the open.day at USTP on 20 March from 13:00 to 18:00
*Subject to accreditation by AQ Austria
