The system on higher education in Austria distinguishes between federal universities (Universitäten), private universities (Privatuniversitäten), universities of applied science (Fachhochschulen) and University College of Teacher Education. The four types are based on different laws. One of the main differences—but not the only one—is funding. Two institutions in Lower Austria have a special legal status. Since 2012, the Agentur für Qualitätssicherung und Akkreditierung Austria is responsible for the educational accreditation of universities.