For studying at Fachhochschulen and universities the graduates of schools and colleges for engineering, arts and crafts can be awarded credits individually for subject-specific competences. This can lead to a reduction of the time they need to study.

At EU level, the HTL`s high educational level is taken account of, as already in the previous mutual recognition directives, now also in Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, which entered into force on 20 October 2005. 

 (Download: Directive 2005/36/EC)