Organization Of Higher Education Institutions : Germany

The institutions of higher education in Germany (apart from a few private, predominantly church-owned colleges, the universities of the Federal Armed Forces and the Federal College for Public Administration) belong to the states. However, the Federation and the states cooperate on basic planning for the building and extension of higher education institutions as well as their financing. One body created specifically to address the tasks confronting higher education in the future is the Bund-Lander Commission for Educational Planning and Research Promotion. Within this framework, the Federation and the states jointly promote pilot projects in all areas of the educational system.

The higher education institutions are self-governing. Within the framework of the law, each institution draws up its own constitution. It is headed by a full-time rector or president who is elected for several years. All groups - professors, academic staff, students and employees - play a role. In most states the student body manages its own affairs.