Role of the universities in contemporary higher education – the German experience

Abstract

The article analyses the issues related to the changes taking place in the sphere of University education in Germany. This is an issue of a high importance with the dominant role for the state and a relatively poorly developed institutional management of classical universities. The situation began to change in recent years through increasing funding and improving government. The collaboration between higher education and science is strengthening. This is facilitated by number of governmental support programs, such as "Excellence initiative", which promotes the formation of elite group of German universities. Many high schools with dual education programs (Fachhochschule) now are referred to as Universities of Applied Sciences. The classical understanding of the University is eroded; competition between institutions within the country is increasing targeting to increase the international competitiveness of the German University system. New challenges, including the Bologna reform, compounded management problems, for both universities administration and students. The continuing reform process and increasing the number of places for students is of high necessity. Generally, the prestige of German universities and some research institutions is increasing and attracting more foreign students and scientists from all around the world.