Academy of Fine Arts Vienna students occupy campus to protest budget cuts

Students at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna have occupied the institution's aula to protest threatened budget cuts to universities. The occupation began on the evening of October 15, 2026.

Protesters argue that reduced funding will lead to fewer courses, diminished academic offerings, and worsened study conditions. The student body is also calling for the abolition of tuition fees to prevent further social exclusion and to ensure that higher education remains accessible to children from non-privileged backgrounds.

Ertuğrul Bayraktar, chairman of the Academy of Fine Arts student union, stated that the occupation will continue until there is a change regarding the budget. He emphasized that education should be a priority and that barriers such as tuition fees should be removed rather than increased.