The Academic Council of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria is responsible for scientific pedagogy and didactics generally, as well as the strategic development of research focus areas in the University’s four Schools.

The Academic Council regulates, among other things, admissions and exams accreditation, decides on the nature and scope of teaching by university professors, and is the final court of appeal against decisions made by heads of studies on teaching issues.

Another key area of competence of the Academic Council is overseeing the introduction and validation of, and the accreditation protocols for, new study programmes and the discontinuation of existing studies in concert with the University's governing body, who then consult the autonomous accrediting body, the Fachhochschulrat (FHR).

The Academic Council is also responsible for awarding academic degrees not within the remit of the FHR. The Council also confers the title “FH-Professor” (Professor of the University of Applied Sciences) and awards honorary degrees.

The Academic Council is constituted by the Deans of the four Schools of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Hagenberg, Linz, Steyr and Wels. Chairmanship of the Academic Council changes by rota each semester.