Higher education

18 Nov 2010

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Short description of the higher education system

Higher education in Germany is based on a binary system, in which a distinction is made between academic education and higher professional education. The former East German states (reunification took place on 3 October 1990) have mostly adopted the West German education system. For information regarding programmes completed mostly or entirely prior to reunification, please contact Nuffic.

In principle, the language of education is German. However, the influence of the Bologna Process has led to an increase in the number of higher education programmes offered in English: in 2008 there were nearly 500, the majority of which were master’s programmes. There is also an increasing number of private education institutions, totalling 72 in 2008. Education is compulsory between the ages of six and fifteen (sixteen for Berlin, Brandenburg and Bremen). The academic year runs from October to September.

Germany has over 160 universities, Kunsthochschulen (art schools) and Musikhochschulen (conservatories), as well as around 180 Fachhochschulen (technical schools). At least 70 of the approximately 340 nationally recognized higher education institutions are in the private sector. Within the German binary system, higher education programmes in art and music (compare to higher professional education [HBO] in the Netherlands) form a separate category. The entrance requirements for this type of education are the same as those for admission to research-oriented education (compare to Dutch research universities [WO]) and these programmes also award academic degrees. Effectively, however, these programmes are more on a par with higher professional education in the Netherlands. Gesamthochschulen (comprehensive schools) offer a combination of academic and higher professional education.

Alongside the more traditional types of higher education programmes, Germany has also been offering bachelor’s and master’s programmes since 1998.
 

Types of degrees

Study programmes at all three types of institutions are traditionally offered as part of integrated “long” (one-tier) programmes leading to Diplom Artium or Magister Artium degrees, or concluded with a Staatsprüfung (State Examination). In 1998, a new scheme of first and second-level degree programmes (Bakkalaureus/bachelor’s and Magister/master’s) was introduced to be offered in parallel to or in lieu of the established integrated “long” programmes. (Source: www.hrk.de.)
 

Quality assurance and accreditation

To ensure the quality and equivalence of qualifications, all study programmes and general degree requirements must be structured in conformity with the principles and regulations jointly established by the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder of the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK) and the Association of German Universities and other Higher Education Institutions (HRK). In 1999, a national system of accreditation for study programmes was implemented under the Akkreditierungsrat (Accreditation Council); programmes and qualifications accredited under this scheme are designated as such in the Diploma Supplement. (Source: www.hrk.de.) 
 

Recent reforms

Legislation enacted in 1998 made it possible for higher education institutions to offer bachelor’s and master’s programmes on a voluntary basis, organized around modules and ECTS credits and accreditation by the new, independent Accreditation Council. In contrast to the situation in the Netherlands, German higher education institutions have not converted en masse to the bachelor’s-master’s structure. However, the number of bachelor’s and master’s programmes is increasing each year, and in 2008 75% of all programmes were based on the bachelor's-master’s system. Information on the current situation can be found on the official website of the Bologna Secretariat.

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