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Germany

Structure of Educational System
Pre-higher Education System
Higher Education System
Administrative structure of higher education
Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Universität (University)

Technische Universität/ Technische Hochschule (Technical University)

Pädagogische Hochschule (Teacher Training College)

Kunsthochschule/Musikhochschule (College of Art/College of Music)

Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences)

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Fachgebundene Hochschulreife

Fachhochschulreife

Hochschulreife/Abitur

Nichtschülerprüfung

Begabtenprüfung

Diplom-Vorprüfung

Zertifikat

Zwischenprüfung

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Diplom

Diplom (B.A.)

Diplom (FH)

Lehramt

Combined Diploma

Fakultätsexamen

Kirchliche Abschlussprüfung

Konzertexamen

Künstlerische Abschlussprüfung

Staatsprüfung

Lizentiat

Magister Artium

Master/Magister

Promotion

Doktorgrad

Dr.habil.

Habilitation

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:

Primary

Type of school providing this education: Grundschule (4 years, 6 years in 2 Länder)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 6 to: 10

Lower Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Hauptschule (5 or 6 years in most Länder)

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 10 to: 15

Certificate/diploma awarded: Hauptschulabschluss

Lower Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gesamtschule

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 10 to: 15

Certificate/diploma awarded: Mittlerer Schulabschluss/Hauptschulabschluss, Ubergangsberechtigung in die Gymnasiale Oberstufe

Lower Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Realschule (in most Länder)

Length of program in years: 6

Age level from: 10 to: 16

Certificate/diploma awarded: Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Realschulabschluss)

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gymnasium (8 or 9 years)

Length of program in years: 9

Age level from: 10 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Allgemeine Hochschulreife/Fachgebundene Hochschulreife

Integrated Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gesamtschule (4 to 6 years in most Länder)

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 10 to: 15

Certificate/diploma awarded: Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Realschulabschluss)/Hauptschulabschluss/Übergangsberechtigung in die Gymnasiale Oberstufe

Higher Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Berufliches Gymnasium/Fachgymnasium (in some Länder)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 16 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Allgemeine Hochschulreife

Higher Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gymnasiale Oberstufe (Since 1972) (2 or 3 years depending on the land)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 16 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Allgemeine Hochschulreife

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Berufsschule (part-time)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Hauptschulabschluss, Mittlerer Schulabschluss, Vocational school-leaving certificate and professional certificate (Facharbeiterbrief/Kaufmannsgehilfenbrief/Gesellenbrief depending on professional sector)

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Fachoberschule (full-time)

Length of program in years: 2

Age level from: 16 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachhochschulreife

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Berufsfachschule (full-time)

Length of program in years: 2

Age level from: 16 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachhochschulreife and vocational leaving certificate

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Berufschule (in some Länder)

Length of program in years: 2

Age level from: 18 to: 20

Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachgebundene Hochschulreife/Allgemeine Hochschulreife (with 2nd foreign language)

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Fachschule (1 to 3 years programmes of continuing education)

Length of program in years: 2

Certificate/diploma awarded: Professional title and possibility to obtain also the Fachhochschulreife after 2-3 year programmes

School education:

Primary education (Grundschule) lasts for four years in most Länder except Berlin and Brandenburg where it lasts for six years. The secondary school system (grades 5/7 to 12/13) in the Länder is divided in educational paths (depending on the Land) with the respective leaving certificates and qualifications for which different school types and/or school careers are responsible. All types of vocational schools (grade 10/11 onwards) offer the opportunity to acquire general education certificates. There are general secondary education schools, special schools for the physically or mentally handicapped within the system of general and vocational education, and full- or part-time vocational schools (10th/11th grade on). Four main types of general secondary schools covering compulsory schooling exist: Haupschule, Realschule, Gymnasium and Gesamtschule. Types and names of schools offering several courses of education at lower secondary level differ according to Länder. Secondary education is compulsory and tuition is free. Textbooks and other school material are either free or lent out. From grade 10, pupils may obtain grants if no other financial sources exist.

Higher education:

There are public and private state-recognized institutions of higher education categorized as: 1. universities (Universitäten) and equivalent higher education institutions (Technische Hochschulen/Technische Universitäten, Pädagogische Hochschulen); 2. Colleges of art and music (Kunsthochschulen and Musikhochschulen); 3. Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Verwaltungsfachhochschulen. Since the early 1990s, the structure of higher education study courses and the internal organization have been the subject of reform. This has involved a review of the standard periods of study and examination requirements and improvements in teaching and a separation of study aimed at preparing students for the practice of a profession and the qualification of a new generation of academics and scientists. One priority is to expand Fachhochschulen and consolidate applied research and technology transfer. With the amendments of the Framework Act for Higher Education of the Federal Government of 1998 and 2002, the Länder dispose of greater scope for their own decisions and already carried out reforms accordingly by amending their laws in higher education. The institutions of higher education are to be made more efficient by according them further autonomy, allowing them to build an individual profile in a particular area and encouraging more competition. Further reforms concerning the staff structure and recruitment requirements for professors were introduced through the Act's amendment in 2002. An alternative to institutions of higher education is provided by Berufsakademien. These professional academies have taken the principle of the dual system of vocational education and training and applied it to the tertiary sector. The qualifications they award are recognized as tertiary sector qualifications that fall under the EU directive on higher education degrees by a resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder of 29 September 1995, provided that they satisfy certain criteria (entrance requirements qualifications of the teaching staff, institutional requirements).

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Higher Education Acts of the 16 Länder

Concerns: Higher education institutions of each Land, taking into account the rather general regulations of the Hochschulrahmengesetz

Decree: Hochschulrahmengesetz (Framework Act for Higher Education) (last amended 2002) Year: 1976

Concerns: Higher education institutions in general.

Academic year:

Classes from: Oct to: Aug

Long vacation from: Aug to: Sep

Languages of instruction: German

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Non-university tertiary education is provided by the Fachschulen. These institutions offer continuing vocational training to enable those with prior vocational training and related work experience of at least one year to take on management functions. Courses last mostly two years. Successful completion of the courses leads to the award of a professional title in the student's specialization. Berufsakademien are established in 8 Länder. The Allgemeine Hochschulsreife, Fachgebundene Hochschulreife or Fachhochschulreife is required for admission, together with a training contract with a company. Students are registered to study by the company responsible for their training. The courses alternate periods of study with periods of on-the-job training. The first two years consist of basic studies followed by one year of advanced study. At the end of the course, students are awarded a qualification for entry to a profession, e.g. Diplom-Ingenieur in Engineering, Diplom-Betriebswirt in Business Management. The word Berufsakademie or the initials BA are added to this title to distinguish it from other forms of higher education diploma.

University level studies:

University level first stage:

FACHHOCHSCHULEN (Universities of applied sciences): offer application-oriented study courses mainly in Engineering, Economics, Social Work, Public and Legal Administration and Health and Therapy. A Diplomgrad (Diplom degree) is awarded after the Diplomprüfung (Diploma examination), e.g. Diplom-Ingenieur (FH). The initials "FH" are added to the Diplom degrees of the Fachhochschulen. According to the Regelstudienzeit (standard period defined for each period of study), a degree programme at Fachhochschulen should be completed in 8 semesters (2 semesters = 1 academic year), including one or two practical semesters. Success in the final academic examination usually qualifies the candidate for a particular profession. Some Fachhochschulen have adopted a similar approach to the Berufsakademien, particularly in Engineering and Business Management and have introduced courses that combine academic studies with on-the-job training, along the lines of a dual system. These courses are called dual courses of study (duale Studiengänge). The students have training or employment contracts. Fachhochschulen also confer Bachelor's and Master's degrees. The new graduation system introduced in 1998 supplements the traditional Diplomgrad conferred by the Fachhochschulen. For courses with a more theoretical orientation the Bachelor/Master of Arts or Bachelor/Master of Science is awarded. In the case of study courses that are more application oriented the actual degree has a subject-related supplement (e.g. Bachelor/Master of Engineering).UNIVERSITIES: Stage I, or basic studies (Grundstudium), usually lasting four semesters (2 academic years) at universities culminate in an intermediate examination (Diplom-Vorprüfung, Zwischenprüfung). This examination gives the right to continue in Stage II (Hauptstudium). A degree is not awarded. Since 1998, a basic higher education degree within the new graduation system of consecutive study courses, the Bachelor (or Baccalaureus) has also been introduced in universities requiring a minimum of three years' study (maximum four years). It normally leads to a career.

University level second stage: Hauptstudium:

Stage II consists of more advanced studies (Hauptstudium) leading to the final degree examination. The Hauptstudium usually lasts for five more semesters and leads to the award of the Diplom. The Magister is awarded by universities, predominantly in the Arts, on the basis of the Magister examination. The course of study comprises either two equally weighed major subjects or a combination of one major and two minor subjects. As a first degree, the Magister is usually awarded as a Magister Artium/MA without specifying individual subjects. The Magistergrad can also be awarded at the end of one or two years' postgraduate studies following upon the acquisition of a first degree. Within the new graduation system of consecutive courses leading to a BA/BSc after three to four years, a Master of Arts/Science may be acquired after anothrer one to two years.

University level third stage: Promotion:

Doctoral studies are only pursued in universities (Universitäten). There are several procedures for admitting particularly qualified holders of a degree obtained at a Fachhochschule to doctoral studies at universities. The period of doctoral studies, known as the Promotion, consists of two to four years' independent research and the submission of a thesis following the award of the Diplom/Erstes Staatsexamen/Magister Artium/Master of Arts/Science. The title of Doktor is conferred following upon a written thesis and either an oral examination or the defence of a thesis. The Habilitation is a post-doctoral qualification proving ability to teach and engage in research in an academic subject. It is awarded by the departments of universities and equivalent higher education institutions, usually on the basis of a post-doctoral thesis and a public lecture followed by a discussion. Following the amendment of the Framework Act for Higher Education in 2002, the Habilitation will be phased out as a recruitment requirement for professors.

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

The child care-workers (Erzieher) who do not have the training and status of teachers are trained at Fachschulen for youth and community work. Teachers for Grundschule are trained in three-and-a-half years in universities and in Colleges of Art and Music. The training incorporates study of an elective or specialist subject, as well as primary school didactics. The basic education science courses incorporate general, school specific aspects, as well as psychology. There is at least one practical training period of several weeks and at least one guided didactics/subject related didactics placement. Teachers must pass the first Staatsprüfung (State examination) in usually two subjects and in educational sciences. Training at universities is followed by two years of preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) culminating in the second Staatsprüfung (State examination).

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Sonderschule and vocational school teachers) are also trained in 3.5 to 4.5 years in universities. Secondary school teachers are subject specialists. They must take two specialist subjects, together with appropriate incorporation of subject-related didactics and an accompanying course in education science. At least one period of practical training lasting for several weeks is also required, as is at least one guided placement in didactics/subject-related subjects. Students who intend to become teachers in vocational schools must also complete a period of work experience lasting for at least 12 months which must be relevant to the vocational subject area chosen and which must be completed before the First State Examination. Teachers must pass the first Staatsprüfung (State examination) in usually two subjects and in educational sciences. Training at universities is followed by two years of preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) culminating in the second Staatsprüfung (State examination).

Training of higher education teachers

There is no legal provision for special training for higher education teaching staff. Recruitment requirements for higher education staff usually are the title of Doktor and for professors the Habilitation or equivalent academic achievements. Academic ranks include Assistent, Oberassistent, Wissenschaftlicher/künstlerischer Mitarbeiter, Lehrkraft für besondere Aufgaben, Hochschuldozent, Professor. Following the amendment of the Framework Act for Higher Education in 2002, the Assistant, Oberassistent and Hochschuldozent will be replaced by the Juniorprofessor and the Habilitation will give way to accumulative forms of proving academic achievement.

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

Courses leading to a Diplom and Magister, as well as to Bachelor's and Master's degrees are offered by the Fernuniversität Hagen, distance Fachhochschulen and a number of institutions. Distance learning associations have been set up at Fachhochschulen in a number of regions. In addition, an association of private, state-recognized institutions offer first degree and post-graduate courses at university level to employed persons (Hochschulen für Berufstätige) in several study locations. The courses offered by the "AKAD. Die Privat-Hochschulen" are mainly in the field of Business/Economics and Languages/Translating.

Lifelong higher education

Most of the Länder have specific legislation on continuing education (Weiterbildung). In addition, the higher education acts contain regulations to deal with the development of continuing education opportunities at an academic level. In most Länder, the educational leave acts allow employed persons to obtain time off (usually 5 days), every year on full pay, in order to take part in continuing education programmes.

Higher education training in industry

Continuing vocational education in industry is offered at supra-company level, by companies themselves, by the industrial and business associations and the chambers of trade and industry,and trade unions.The higher education acts contain regulations to deal with the development of continuing education opportunities at an academic level. The courses offer people the opportunity to specialize, to extend their knowledge or to obtain an additional vocational qualification. The entry requirement is usually that participants have a degree, although sometimes continuing education courses are also open to applicants who have obtained the necessary skills through a period of employment or other means.

Other forms of non-formal higher education

General and political continuing education, provided by Volkshochschulen (local adult education centres), facilities supported by the churches, trade union education foundations, political parties, mass organizations, public authorities, radio and television play an important role.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Federal Ministry of Education and Research - Bonn Office (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)

Head: Annette Schavan, Minister

Administrative officer: Thomas Rachel, Director

International relations: Michael Schlicht, Head of Division 111

Heinemannstrasse 2
53175 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(1888) 570

Fax: +49(1888) 5783601

EMail: bmbf@bmbf.bund.de

WWW: http://www.bmbf.de

Federal Ministry of Education and Research - Berlin Office (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)

Hannoversche Strasse 30
10115 Berlin
Germany

Tel: +49(1888) 570

Fax: +49(1888) 5783601

EMail: bmbf@bmbf.bund.de

WWW: http://www.bmbf.de

Secretariat of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder - Bonn Office (Kultusministerkonferenz)

Head: Erich Thies, Secretary-General

Administrative officer: Angelika Huefner, Deputy Secretary-General

International relations: Klaus Boele

Lennestrasse 6 Postfach 2240
53113 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 5010

Fax: +49(228) 501777

EMail: europa@kmk.org

WWW: http://www.kmk.org

Role of governing body: To unite the ministers and senators of the Länder responsible for school education, higher education, research and cultural affairs in order to present a common viewpoint and a common will as representing common interests. It is based on an agreement between the Länder. A list of the addresses of the ministries of the 16 Länder is available on the Website of the Kultusministerkonferenz at http://www.kmk.org/auf-org/home.htm?adress

Secretariat of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder - Berlin Office (Kultusministerkonferenz)

International relations: Angela Krill

Gendarmenmarkt
Markgrafenstrasse 37
10117 Berlin
Germany

Tel: +49(30) 254183

Fax: +49(30) 25418450

EMail: internationales@berlin.kmk.org

Association of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions in Germany (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz - HRK)

Head: Burkhard Rauhut, President (provisional)

Administrative officer: Christiane Ebel-Gabriel, Secretary-General

International relations: Christian Tauch

Ahrstrasse 39
D-53175 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 8870

Fax: +49(228) 887110

WWW: http://www.hrk.de

Role of governing body: To deal with questions relating to research, teaching and extension; to represent public and private state-recognized higher education institutions in Germany.

Bund-Länder Commission for Educational Planning and Research Promotion (BLK)

Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 38
53113 Bonn
Germany

Tel: 01888 54020

Fax: 01888 5402150

EMail: blk@blk-bonn.de

WWW: http://www.blk-bonn.de

German Academic Exchange Service/Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst - DAAD

Head: Theodor Berchem, President

Administrative officer: Christian Bode, Secretary-General

Kennedyallee 50
D-53175 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 8820

Fax: +49(228) 882444

EMail: postmaster@daad.de

WWW: http://www.daad.de

German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (Deutsche Hochschulverband-DHV)

Head: Bernhard Kempen, President

Administrative officer: Gunnar Berg, Vice-President

Rheinallee 18
53173 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 9026666

Fax: +49(228) 9026680

EMail: dhv@hochschulverband.de

WWW: http://www.hochschulverband.de/cms/

Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat)

Head: Jürgen Kohler, Chairman

Administrative officer: Achim Hopbach, Managing Director

Postfach 2240
D-53012 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 501699

Fax: +49(228) 501777

EMail: akr@kmk.org

WWW: http://www.akkreditierungsrat.de

Role of governing body: The Association of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions in Germany (HRK) and the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK) established the Akkreditierungsrat for the purpose of providing accreditation services. The Akkreditierungsrat is responsible for the establishment of comparable quality standards for Bachelor's and Master's degree courses in an essential decentralised accreditation process which will be carried out by accreditation agencies. The Akkreditierungsrat performs these responsibilities by accrediting, coordinating and monitoring these agencies.

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Fachgebundene Hochschulreife

For entry to: Berufsakademien

Name of secondary school credential required: Hochschulreife/Abitur

For entry to: Berufsakademien

Name of secondary school credential required: Fachhochschulreife

For entry to: Berufsakademien

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Fachhochschulreife

For entry to: All types of programmes at Fachhochschulen.

Name of secondary school credential required: Fachgebundene Hochschulreife

For entry to: Subject-restricted programmes.

Name of secondary school credential required: Hochschulreife/Abitur

For entry to: All programmes.

Alternatives to credentials: Interview, test grades, aptitude test, temporary registration for a trial study period. Completion of evening courses by employed adults or day school courses for pupils with work experience at Kollegs who hold a Nichtschülerprüfung (school examination for external candidates) or a Begabtenprüfung (examination for gifted working applicants).

Numerus clausus/restrictions: There is a numerus clausus in certain subjects: e.g. Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Business Administration, Biology, Psychology and Pharmacy (2004/2005). Such courses may differ from one semester to the next. Places for these courses are allocated through a central selection procedure (see www.zvs.de). Courses outside the national selection procedure may be subject to local selection procedures at certain higher education institutions on criteria such as average mark in the higher education entrance examination, the waiting period and social criteria.

Foreign students admission

Admission requirements: Students should hold a prior qualification equivalent to the higher education entrance qualification in the home country. Applications for admission and recognition of foreign certificates should be addressed to the Akademische Auslandsamt (Foreign student service) of the institution at least 1 year in advance. If home qualifications are not recognized, candidates must sit for a special examination (Feststellungsprüfung). Preparatory courses at Studienkollegs are available.

Entry regulations: Residence permits are obtained at German diplomatic missions.

Language requirements: Good knowledge of German is essential. Students must pass a special language examination. Most universities offer German courses for foreign students. Some universities offer international study programmes where at least half the courses are taught in English.

Application procedures:

Apply to individual institution for entry to: All programmes.

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): In order to guarantee the equivalence of academic degrees and enable students to move freely between higher education institutions, the Association of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions in Germany and the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder agree on general conditions for academic examinations (Diplom exams at universities and Fachhochschulen and Magister exams). For individual courses these are then complemented by framework examination regulations (Diplom exams) or by conditions specific to the subject (Magister exams).Courses leading to Bachelor's or Master's degrees are regulated by the Standing Conference's agreement on Structural Requirements. Depending on the Land law, these courses may be or have to be accredited by an accreditation agency that must be accredited by the national accreditation council (Akkreditierungsrat) founded in 1998. The objective of the accreditation is to guarantee minimum standards in terms of academic content and to check the vocational relevance of the degrees.

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)

Administrative officer: Christian Bode, Secretary-General

Kennedyallee 50
D-53175 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 8820

Fax: +49(228) 882444

EMail: postmaster@daad.de

WWW: http://www.daad.de

NARIC/Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen - ZAB)

Head: Peter Oberschelp

im Sekretariat der Kultusministerkonferenz
PO Box 2240
Lennestrasse, 6
53012 Bonn
Germany

Tel: +49(228) 501314

Fax: +49(228) 501229

EMail: zab@kmk.org

WWW: http://www.kmk.org/zab/home.htm

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession

Services provided & students dealt with: Evaluation and recommendation of school leaving certificates for admission to higher education on demand of university admission offices; recommendation on intermediate examinations and higher education qualifications and degrees.

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: For postgraduate studies and admission to doctoral studies: the higher education institution concerned.

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe

Year of signature: 1979

Name of agreement: Lisbon Convention (not ratified)

Year of signature: 1997

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials