In most cases, computer classes are still taught separately in middle schools and higher education. There has, however, been an increased effort in inspiring students to use computers. The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Austrian Computer Society, started computer-related competitions. The students voluntarily participate nationwide by handing a computer-related project. There has also been an effort to better integrate the computer in the classroom and to educate teachers to facilitate the process.
All technical universities offer sophisticated computer science education and conduct research.
The IT security field consists of fast crypto chips, co-processors for smart cards, and activities in the WWW security. With the entry into the EU, Austria has also adopted two-year curricula. One that is especially related to telecommunications is the Fachhochschule fuer Telekommunikationstechnik und -systeme . Their field of research is Information management and organization. There are many other opportunities for students to go into the field of Computer Sciences, such as the Institute of Applied Computer Science and Information Systems and the Institute for Software Technology and Parallel Systems at the University of Vienna.