Universities

A dynamic environment for learning, research and innovation.Australian universities will challenge and reward you academically, personally and professionally. They offer a stimulating environment for students from around the world to gain valuable skills, experiences and qualifications. In 2003 more than 105,000 international students from over 180 countries enrolled in higher education courses in Australia, preparing to launch their careers around the world.Australia has limitless opportunities waiting for you. You can choose from a vast range of courses including traditional academic areas of learning and research, as well as more practical courses with a vocational orientation. Each of Australia's universities has its own strengths and areas of specialisation, giving you a wide choice and access to the latest technology and research in your chosen field.In Australia, students take an active role in the learning process. Our universities place great importance on developing the ability to think creatively and independently, read widely and critically, participate in debate and function in teams. These skills will give you an edge in a competitive and ever-changing world.Australian universities are major producers of research and development. They have pioneered many new ideas and technologies, leading to advances in business, science and industry. Postgraduate students learn skills in research and specialised areas that put them at the forefront of the development and application of new technologies. You can be a part of this dynamic research environment and be at the leading edge of innovative technologies and research programs.Internationalisation of higher education and research is of great importance and Australian universities are major participants in international education and research projects and initiatives. They recruit academic staff from around the world who are leading experts in their fields. There are also student and staff exchange programs with institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe and Asia.The rewards of studying at an Australian university are endless. Develop your potential in an innovative, flexible, yet supportive learning environment. Gain an internationally recognised qualification that will open doors for your future.Australian universities will challenge and reward you academically, personally and professionally.

Australian way of studying

Australia offers an education experience that makes a real difference.In Australia you will be expected to conduct independent research at all institutions, especially at university. You will be encouraged to collect and analyse data by yourself or in teams, to raise questions, to develop an argument in a logical form and to participate in discussion and debate with other students and teachers.The Australian education style is unique from our schools to our universities. In our schools students are taught creative and independent thinking in a dynamic learning environment.These skills are honed in our universities, where great importance is placed on developing the ability to think creatively and independently, read widely and critically, participate in debate and function in teams.Australia’s career-focussed vocational education and training encourages you to be an independent and active learner, both in the classroom and in work environments.Australian English language courses are practical, interactive and cater for everyone from beginners to advanced students to teacher training.All this involves you taking an active part in the learning process rather than passive listening and rote learning. At university or a vocational education and training institution you will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials but you will also spend time in libraries and laboratories conducting your own research. Most institutions in Australia offer counselling services and assistance to develop your study skills.Assessment methodsEach secondary school in Australia determines its own assessment method. In the final year of school you are assessed through a mixture of school-based and external exams. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is issued on the basis of the final results. Universities use these certificates as an admission guideline.Assessment methods for vocational education and training institutions and for coursework programs at universities vary. You may be assessed by examination towards the end of each semester and/or academic year, by continuous assessment through essays, presentations and tests or a combination of these.Assessment of a postgraduate research student is made by a committee that evaluates the quality of the student's thesis. The committee may ask you to take an oral examination to support your thesis.

Distance education

A variety of Australian education and training programs are offered offshore. These programs allow you to obtain Australian qualifications in your own country or to combine study at home with study in Australia.Australian institutions use leading-edge technologies and innovative approaches to deliver flexible learning programs that can be tailored to your needs. Where an Australian university offers courses at an offshore campus or through an agent, the institution will be expected to maintain standards at least equivalent to those provided in Australia and carry full responsibility for all aspects of delivery. However, it is important to know that Australian Government quality assurance measures can only extend to students who are in Australia and enrolled in a registered institution and course.Distance education courses are delivered by public and private institutions in Australia. Here are some examples of the way distance education can be delivered to you:courses taught in association with institutions in your country to ensure that they are appropriate to local conditions and adequately serviced by readily accessible staffAustralian institutions having set-up regional study centres in other countriescourses involving Australian lecturers and tutors providing short periods of face-to-face tuitionon-line interactive courses delivered via the InternetEntry requirementsYou should check with the institution of your choice about what courses are offered in distance mode and the entry requirements. You will probably need a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or an equivalent certificate from another country for admission to undergraduate distance education in Australia. Admission into a distance education course is also possible by demonstrating maturity, motivation, work experience in a relevant area and through mature age special entrants' schemes.

Working while you study in Australia

International students studying in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work once they commence their course. Applying for a student visa with permission to work can be done electronically or on paper using form 157P.A visa with permission to work enables you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. In some cases family members can also apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week throughout the year. In the case of masters and doctorate students and AusAID or Defence-sponsored students, family members can apply for permission to work unlimited hours. If you are the family member of a student who has commenced a masters or doctorate course, you must bring evidence from the education provider that the student has started this course. Under certain circumstances dependants of students are permitted to work.The application charge for a student visa with permission to work is A$60 however this is subject to yearly review. Check the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website for up to date details The money you earn from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be used as your only source of income. Before you come to Australia, you must show that you have enough money to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the duration of your study.Most students take part-time or casual jobs at some time during their studies. Some jobs are closely tied to courses of study (such as formal cadetships and informal arrangements such as part-time work by law students in solicitors' offices). Some students tutor school children or get jobs on campus in the canteen, the bookshop, in the institution's offices and as laboratory assistants. Some jobs are entirely outside the education community such as bartending, babysitting, gardening, hospitality, sales, information technology, restaurants, checkout work or fruit picking.Some institutions offer a job placement service. If work is available you will need to obtain a tax file number (TFN) from the Australian Tax Office. A TFN is a unique number issued to individuals and organisations to help the Tax Office administer tax and other Australian Government systems. It’s one of your most important forms of identification in Australia. It’s yours for life and keeping it secure is a good defence against identity theft.While it is not compulsory to quote a TFN without one you may:pay more tax than necessary, ornot be able to get government benefits you are entitled to receive.A TFN will also help you:lodge a tax returnask the Tax Office about your tax affairsstart or change jobslimit the amount of tax you pay on interest or dividends earned if you have savings accounts or investments that earn income.Your TFN is valuable. Don’t share it with friends and don’t provide it on the internet when applying for work. Keep it secure.Applying for a TFNIf you are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor to Australia you can apply for a TFN online after you arrive in Australia if you have a:visa that allows work rightsvisa that allows permanent migrationvalid overseas student visa, orvalid visa to stay in Australia indefinitely.To apply complete the Online individual tax file number (TFN) registration. When applying online, you do not have to physically provide proof of your identity.Applying for a TFN using false or other peoples’ identity details, or misusing your TFN, can mean heavy fines or jail.If you need more information about TFNs, you can:visit the Tax Office website at http://www.ato.gov.au/ orphone +61 2 6216 1111 between 8.00am and 6.00pm AEST, Monday to Friday.Student visa information on this website is an outline only and subject to change. For more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on student visas and visa requirements please check the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website.visa requirementsvisas on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website

Research excellence

Students at Australian universities are taught by academics recognised internationally for quality research. Australian universities are leading producers of new and critical ideas, and are major participants in international research projects and initiatives. Australia has produced seven Nobel Prize Laureates in the natural and medical sciences and one for literature. And it remains at the forefront of such challenging fields as biotechnology, solar power, drug design and astrophysics, as well as those enterprises only now beginning to emerge, such as nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.The Australian Government invested $5.7 billion in universities and other major research organisations in 2000. Through the Backing Australia's Ability initiative, $2.9 billion will be invested over the next five years to fund research that will stimulate economic and scientific innovation. Over $140 million will be spent over the next five years to establish Federation Fellowships. The fellowships aim to recruit world-class researchers to Australia, with up to five of the fellowships each year awarded to high-profile non-Australian researchers from overseas.More than 25 per cent of international students in Australian universities are enrolled at the postgraduate level. There are 35 special Research Centres and Key Centres of Teaching and Research based at Australian universities undertaking high-level research and providing a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate and specialised professional education courses in a variety of fields. Another 63 Cooperative Research Centres which foster joint research between universities and private industry.Other research organisations supported by the Australian Government include:CSIRO, the national scientific research agencyAustralian Research Council which administered $363 million in grants during 2002-03 National Health and Medical Research CentreThe Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources website can give you further information on excellence in areas such as innovation and technology.

Fake Degrees and Unaccredited Higher Education Provider

Australia has a strong quality assurance framework which protects the quality of Australian higher education. The National Protocols for Higher Education Processes set out common principles underpinning higher education accreditation and approval in Australia. These are endorsed by Commonwealth, State and mainland Territory Ministers. There is legislative protection for the titles “university” and “degree” in State and Territory legislation and under the Commonwealth Corporations Act 2001.On this pageWho Can Offer an Australian Degree?Fake Degrees, Bogus and Unauthorised InstitutionsEmail Enquiry ServiceFrequently Asked QuestionsWho Can Offer an Australian Degree?All universities and other institutions approved to offer degrees and other higher education awards are listed on the registers of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).Institutions that are not listed on the AQF are not recognised by Commonwealth, State and mainland Territory Governments.Australian universities (and a small number of other institutions) are generally established under State or Territory legislation and once established they become self-accrediting and responsible for their own standards. Other institutions may be accredited (usually for a specified period) to offer particular courses leading to higher education awards and are monitored by State or Territory authorities. A list of these authorities is provided on the AQF website.[Return to Top]Fake Degrees, Bogus and Unauthorised InstitutionsFake DegreesThere are instances of testamurs and academic transcripts being offered for sale generally via the internet without any study involved. They could be transcripts for accredited Australian or overseas universities. They may include a clear disclaimer indicating the qualifications are fake/ to be used for novelty purposes.Universities are responsible for verifying qualifications offered in their name and protecting the use of their testamurs and academic transcripts, and take this responsibility seriously.The Australian Government and universities refer cases involving the fraudulent sale or use of fake degrees to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or to the Police as appropriate. Bogus Providers“Degree mills” – providers offering degrees after no or little formal study often via the internet, are a growing phenomenon. They may use an Australian or overseas address or require money to be sent to an Australian or overseas post box. Where there is a traceable link with Australia, the Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities can and do take action. Australian authorities also cooperate with authorities in other countries to pursue such providers.Universities and employers are very conscious of the need to check the authenticity of qualifications.Unauthorised Higher Education ProvidersThere are cases of institutions with an Australian name or associated with Australia in some way delivering higher education awards and courses overseas that are not recognised through listing on the AQF.Only higher education providers listed on the AQF are recognised by the Commonwealth, State and mainland Territory Governments.[Return to Top]Email Enquiry ServiceState and Territory Education Departments are responsible for investigating organisations that provide fake degrees in or are operating in the State or Territory and are not authorised to do so. State and Territory Government contact details are available on the AQF website.You may wish to notify the Department of Education, Science and Training, by email on highered@dest.gov.au or mail to: The Director, Quality Unit (Location 136), Higher Education Group, PO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601., if you have any queries about:an Australian institution; oran institution representing itself as being from Australia.[Return to Top]Frequently Asked Questions1. How can I check on the accreditation status of an organisation that calls itself a “university” and/or offers ‘degree’ awards and appears to be operating in Australia?Check the AQF registers . 2. Who would I notify if I came across an unaccredited higher education provider that appears to be operating in Australia?In the first instance, it would assist State and Territory Education Departments to investigate these organisations if you notified them by mail or email. State and Territory Government contact details are on the AQF website You could also notify the Department of Education, Science and Training on email on highered@dest.gov.au or mail to: The Director, Quality Unit (Location 136), Higher Education Group, PO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601. 3. What protections are in place for overseas students studying in Australia? Additional national requirements are in place to protect international students studying in Australia. Only institutions registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) are permitted to provide courses to overseas students. Details about approved institutions and courses for overseas students in Australia can be found at the CRICOS website.

Finland

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Yliopisto/Universitet (University)
Teknillinen korkeakoulu/Tekniska Högskolan (University of Technology)
Kauppakorkeakoulu/Handelshögskola (School of Economics and Business Administration)
Taidekorkeakoulu/Konsthögskola (Art Academy)
Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu/Försvarshögskola (National Defence College)
Ammattikorkeakoulu (AMK)/Yrkeshögskola (YH) (Polytechnic)

School leaving and higher education credentials:
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen
Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK)/Yrkeshögskoleexamen (YH)
Farmaseutti/Farmaceut
Kandidaatti/Kandidat
Oikeusnotaari/Rättsnotarie
Eläinlääketieteen lisensiaatti/Veterinärmedicine licentiat
Hammaslääketieteen lisensiatti/Odontologie licentiat
Lääketieteen lisensiaatti/Medicine licentiat
Arkkitehti/Arkitekt
Diplomi-insinööri/Diplomingenjör
Maisema-arkkitehti/Landskapsarkitekt
Maisteri/Magister
Proviisori/Provisor
Upseeri/Officer
Yleisesikuntaupseeri/Generalstabsofficer
Erikoiseläinlääkäri/Specialveterinär
Erikoishammaslääkäri/Specialtandläkare
Erikoislääkäri/Specialläkare
Lisensiaatti/Licentiat
Tohtori/Doktor


STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 7
Age of exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Basic
Type of school providing this education: Peruskoulu/grundskola (basic school)
Length of program in years: 9
Age level from: 7 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Peruskoulun päästötodistus/Avgångsbetyg från grundskola (School Leaving Certificate)
General Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Lukio/gymnasiet
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: ylioppilastutkinto/studentexamen (Matriculation Examination)
Vocational Secondary
Type of school providing this education: ammatillinen oppilaitos/yrkesläroanstalt, ammatillinen aikuiskoulutuskeskus/ vuxenutbildningscenter (adults), oppisopimuskoulutus/läroavtalsutbildning
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: ammatillinen perustutkinto/yrkesinriktad grundexamen (Initial Vocational); ammattitutkinto/yrkesexamen (Further Vocational Qualification); erikoisammattitutkinto/specialyrkesexamen (Specialist Vocational Qualification)
School education:
After completing 9 years of basic education, students can choose between general upper secondary school and vocational upper secondary education. 1) General upper secondary school (lukio/gymnasiet) provides general education leading to the national Matriculation Examination (ylioppilastutkinto/studentexamen), which gives eligibility to all forms of higher education. 2) Vocational upper secondary education (ammatillinen koulutus/yrkesutbildning). Vocational education is provided in multi-field and specialized vocational institutes, as well as in apprenticeship training. An Initial Vocational Qualification (ammatillinen perustutkinto/yrkesinriktad grundexamen) takes three years to complete and gives eligibility to all forms of higher education. In vocational further education and training it is also possible to obtain Further Vocational Qualifications (ammattitutkinto/yrkesexamen) and Specialist Vocational Qualifications (erikoisammattitutkinto/specialyrkesexamen) which can only be taken in competence-based examinations and are mainly intended for employed adults.
Higher education:
Higher education is provided in two types of institutions: polytechnics (AMK/YH) and universities. Polytechncis are more practically-oriented, training professionals for expert posts, while universities carry out research and provide education based on it. There are 20 universities in Finland: 10 multidisciplinary universities, three universities of technology, three schools of economics and business administration and four art academies. All universities are State-owned. Lower academic degrees (usually called kandidaatti) require 120 credits and can usually be completed in three years; higher academic degrees (usually called maisteri) require 160-180 credits, meaning five years of full-time study. Universities also confer postgraduate degrees (lisensiatti/licenciat) and doctorates (tohtori/doktor). In the 1990s, the university degree system was revised to develop a two-stage system in nearly all fields. In the old system, lower university degrees were awarded in only a few fields of study, but in the present system they are awarded in most fields of study. Universities select their students independently. Competition for places is fierce and a numerus clausus applies in all fields. The polytechnic system was introduced in the 1990s to create a non-university sector in higher education. It is founded on a nationwide network of 29 regional polytechnics. Polytechnic degrees require 140-180 credits and usually take 3.5 to 4.5 years to complete. The Ministry of Education confirms the polytechnic degree programmes but the polytechnics make decisions concerning the curriculum.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Act on Polytechnic Studies (255/1995) (Laki ammattikorkeakoulouluopinnoista) Year: 1995
Decree: Decree 464/1998 (Asetus korkeakoulututkintojen järjestemästä) Year: 1998
Decree: Decree on Polytechnic Studies (256/1995) (Asetus ammattikorkeakouluopinnoista) Year: 1995
Concerns: Polytechnics
Decree: Decrees pertaining to degrees, separate decrees for different fields of study.
Concerns: university sector
Decree: Universities Act (645/1997) (Yliopistolaki) Year: 1998
Decree: Universities Decree (115/1998) (Yliopistoasetus) Year: 1998
Academic year:
Classes from: Sep to: May
Long vacation from: 1 Jun to: 31 Aug
Languages of instruction: Finnish, Swedish
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Since the introduction of the non-university higher education sector in the 1990s, all higher vocational education has been gradually transferred to polytechnics (AMK). The degree conferred requires 140-180 credits (one credit corresponds to approximately 40 hours of study), depending on the field of study, and takes three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half years to obtain. Studies consist of basic and professional studies, optional studies, and practical studies to develop professional skills, as well as a research project. Degrees can be taken in the following fields: Natural Resources, Technology and Communications, Business and Administration, Tourism, Catering and Institutional Management, Health Care and Social Services, Culture and the Humanities and Education.

University level studies:
University level first stage: Bachelor's Degrees:
The lower academic degree (kandidaatti/kandidat) requires a minimum of 120 credits and takes at least three years to complete. The degree consists of basic and intermediate studies in the main subject, a Bachelor's thesis, studies in one or more minor subjects and language studies.
University level second stage: Master's Degrees:
The higher academic degree requires a minimum total of 160 credits, or a lower academic degree followed by 40-60 credits and a successful presentation of a Master's thesis. The higher academic degree usually takes at least five years of full-time study to complete or two years' further study beyond a lower degree. Since the reform of the degree system in the 1990s, higher academic degrees are usually called maisteri/magister. Other Master-level degrees are diplomi-insinööri/diplomingenjör in Engineering; arkkitehti/arkitekt and maisema-arkkitehti/landskapsarkitekt in Architecture; upseeri/officer and yleisesikuntaupseeri/generalstabsofficer in Defence; and proviisori/provisor in Pharmacy. In Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine, the degree is called lisensiaatti/licentiat, which in other fields is a pre-doctoral research degree. The higher degree in Law is called kandidaati/kandidat.
University level third stage: Doctoral studies:
Students can apply for doctoral programmes after completing a higher academic degree. In most fields, an optional pre-doctoral degree (lisensiaati/licenciat) may be taken. A lisensiaatti/licenciat degree usually takes approximately two years of full-time study beyond a higher academic degree. Studies for the Doctor's degree (tohtori/doktor) take four years of full-time study beyond a higher academic degree or two years of full-time study beyond a lisensiaatti/licenciat degree and consist of theoretical studies, as well as a doctoral dissertation. In Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine there are three professional postgraduate degrees: erkoislääkäri/specialläkare, erikoishammaslääkäri/specialtandläkare and erikoiseläinlääkäri/specialveterinaär. Including practical training, it takes 3 to 8 years' further study beyond a higher academic degree to complete these degrees.

Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Training of teachers in pre-school education and basic education (perusopetus) and General Upper Secondary School (lukio/gymnasiet) is offered in university faculties of education or other equivalent units called teacher education units. Since 1998, pre-school teacher education has been organized by faculties of education at universities. Students in pre-basic school teacher education complete the lower academic degree of kasvatustieteen kandidaatti/pedadogie kandidat. The majority of graduates with this degree work in day care centres as teachers and educators of children below school age or teach separate pre-school classes ("grade 0") of basic education. Students in class teacher education (grades 1-6 in basic education) take a higher academic degree, with the main subject in education. Class teacher education consists of basic, subject and advanced studies in education, subsidiary subject studies and teaching practice. Completing an extensive course (at least 35 credits) in a subsidiary subject will qualify the candidate to teach this subject as a subject teacher in basic education (grades 1-9).
Training of secondary school teachers
The qualification of a subject teacher is a higher academic degree requiring a minimum of 160 credits. The main subject is the subject the students intend to teach. Students study within the general framework for subject teacher education in the faculty of their main subject which is responsible for organizing the subject teaching. The department of teacher education is responsible for organizing the pedagogical studies. Subject teacher education includes 35 credits of pedagogical studies. Those holding a higher academic degree with a relevant main subject can complete 35 credits of separate pedagogical studies for teachers in a teacher education unit. Subject teacher education provides wide-ranging qualifications for basic education and general upper secondary education, as well as qualifications to teach general subjects in vocational institutes and liberal adult education institutions.Depending on the institution and subject, vocational subject teachers must have 1) an appropriate higher university degree; 2) an appropriate polytechnic (AMK/YH) degree or 3) the highest qualification in their own field, at least three years' work experience in the field and at least 35 credits in pedagogical studies completed in a teacher training unit of a university or polytechnic.
Training of higher education teachers
Only teacher educators have to take compulsory pedagogical studies. Universities offer voluntary pedagogical courses for their teachers.

Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
Open university instruction is organized by the centres for continuing education of universities, according to university syllabuses. There are no formal educational pre-requirements. Open universities do not award degrees but, after completing about 60 credits, students may apply for a place at the respective universities.
Lifelong higher education
The centres for continuing education of universities provide professional courses for university and polytechnic degree holders. The length of the courses varies; after longer programmes certain Diplomas or Certificates, e.g. Proficiency Diplomas, BBAs, MBAs etc., can be awarded.
Other forms of non-formal higher education
Higher education institutions enrol non-graduating extra students to study a course or part of a syllabus. The institutions have their own regulations for these extra students. Information on applications is provided by the institutions.


NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Ministry of Education (Opetusministeriö)
Head: Maija Rask, Minister
Administrative officer: Markku Linna, Secretary-General
PO Box 29FIN-00023 GOVERNMENT HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 160-041
Fax: +358(9) 135-9335
EMail: kirjaamo@minedu.fi
WWW: http://www.minedu.fi


Department for Education and Science Policy, Ministry of Education (Koulutus-ja tiedepolitiikan osasto, Opetusministeriö)
Head: Arvo Jäppinen, Director-General
PO Box 29FIN-00023 GOVERNMENT HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 160-041
Fax: +358(9) 135-9335
EMail: arvo.jappinen@minedu.fi
WWW: http://www.minedu.fi

Role of governing body: Supervision, overall development and planning of education and research in university sector.

Finnish Council of University Rectors (Suomen yliopistojen rehtorien neuvosto)
Head: Prof. Paavo Uronen, Chairman
Administrative officer: Dr. Tapio Markkanen, Secretary-General
PO Box 3University of Helsinki00014 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 1912-2335
Fax: +358(9) 1912-2194
EMail: rectors-council@helsinki.fi
WWW: http://www.rectors-council.helsinki.fi/

Role of governing body: Cooperation between institutions; makes recommendations and declarations

Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council (FINHEEC) (Korkeakoulujen arviointineuvosto)
PO Box 20FIN-00501 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 7748-8411
Fax: +358(9) 7748-8414
EMail: finheec@minedu.fi
WWW: http://www.finheec.fi

Role of governing body: Independent expert body assisting universities, polytechnics and the Ministry of Education in matters relating to evaluation

The Rectors' Conference of Finnish Polytechnics (Ammattikorkeakoulujen Rehtorineuvosto (ARENE))
Head: Tapio Varmola, President
Administrative officer: Kaj Malm, Secretary-General
Rikhardinkatu 4 B 22FIN-00130 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 612-9920
Fax: +358(9) 612-9230
WWW: http://www.arene.fi


Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) (Kansinvâlisen henkilövaihdon keskus
Head: Ulla Ekberg, Director
PO Box 343 (Hakaniemenkatu 2)FIN-00531 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 7747-7064
Fax: +358(9) 7747-7910
EMail: cimoinfo@cimo.fi
WWW: http://www.cimo.fi


National Board of Education (Opetushallitus)
PO Box 380 (Hakaniemenkatu 2)00531 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 774-775
Fax: +358(9) 7747-7201
EMail: opetushallitus@oph.fi
WWW: http://www.oph.fi/english

Role of governing body: Advisory board for Ministry of Education


ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen
Alternatives to credentials:
Recognized equivalent credentials, e.g. International Baccalaureate.; completed upper secondary school or a three-year vocational qualification
Entrance exams required:
Various types of entrance examinations
Other admission requirements:
.
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen
Alternatives to credentials: Other equivalent credentials, e.g. International Baccalaureate; completed upper secondary school or a three-year vocational qualification. After having completed a certain part (approx. 60 credits) of open university studies, students can apply for a study place at the respective university, in the respective degree programme.
Entrance exams required: Various types of entrance examinations
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: The term foreign student usually applies to all the students, regardless of nationality or native language, who have completed their secondary education in any country other than Finland. Other definitions are also used by universities: definition may depend on nationality or native language of the student.
Admission requirements: Students must have completed secondary education. Enrolment or eligibility to enrol in an institution of higher education of corresponding level in the country of origin. Universities select their students independently. Entrance examinations may apply.
Entry regulations: Students who are not from Nordic countries or the European Union must have a visa and a valid residence permit before arrival in Finland if their studies take more than three months.
Language requirements: In most cases, students must have good working knowledge of Finnish or Swedish. In some cases, they must show proof of their good knowledge of English.
Application procedures:
Apply to individual institution for entry to: Universities and Polytechnics
Recognition of studies & qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Universities, polytechnics and their programmes are assessed by the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council (http://www.finheec.fi)
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
ENIC/NARIC, National Academic Recognition Information Centre, National Board of Education (Opetushallitus)
Head: Jukka Sarjala, Director-General
Administrative officer: Carita Blomqvist, Contact person, Counsellor of Education
PO Box 380 (Hakaniemenkatu 2)FIN-00531 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 774-775
Fax: +358(9) 7747-7201
EMail: recognition@oph.fi
WWW: http://www.oph.fi/english/

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: Profession

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Universities: academic recognition of credentials in order to enter the university. National Board of Medico-legal Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: authorization to practise Medical professions.
Special provisions for recognition:
For the exercise of a profession: Recognition is required for certain public posts. As a member of the European Union, Finland implements the directives on recognition of qualifications.
Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Study Attainments in the Nordic Countries
Year of signature: 1976
Name of agreement: European Agreement on Continued Payment of Scholarships to Students Studying Abroad
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: European Convention on the Academic Recognition of University Qualifications
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to Universities
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: European Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of University Study
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: European Convention on the General Equivalence of Periods of University Study
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: Protocol to the European Convention on the Equivalence of the Diplomas Leading to Admission to Universities
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: Unesco Regional Convention for the Europe Region on the Recognition of Academic Studies, Diplomas and Degrees
Year of signature: 1982
Name of agreement: Unesco: Recommendation on the Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Education
Year of signature: 1993
References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Higher education in Finland: an introduction
Publisher: CIMO
Year of publication: 1999
Title: Recognition of Qualifications taken outside Finland
Publisher: National Board of Education (www.oph.fi/english)
Year of publication: 2002
Title: Study in Finland. International Programmes in Finnish Higher Education
Publisher: CIMO
Year of publication: 2001

STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Employment Offices, Ministry of Labour
PO Box 34FIN-00023 ValtioneuvostoFinland
Tel: +358(9)18561
EMail: Kirjaamo.Tyoministerio@mol.fi
WWW: http://www.mol.fi

Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services; Employment services

Finnish Student Health Service
Töölönkatu 37 AFIN-00260 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9)405-051

Category of services provided: Social and welfare services
Services available to foreign Students: Yes

Finnish Student Housing - Suomen opiskelija-asunott Oy
Kalevankatu 4 A 1600100 HelsinkiFinland
Fax: +358(9) 6803-3451
EMail: info@soa.fi

Category of services provided: Social and welfare services
Services available to foreign Students: Yes

National student associations and unions
The National Union of Finnish Students (SYL)
Kalevankatu 3 A 4600100 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 9680-3110
EMail: syl@syl.helsinki.fi
WWW: http://www.syl.helsinki.fi

Union of Finnish Polytechnic Students (SAMOK)
Mäkelänkatu 56, 3rd floor00510 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 8560-7600
Fax: +358(9) 8560-7699
EMail: kvasiat@samok.fi
WWW: http://www.samok.fi

Health/social provisions
Social security for home students: Yes
Social security for foreign students: Yes
Foreign student social security provisions: National Sickness Insurance Scheme covers foreign students who stay in Finland more than 12 consecutive months, for EU & Nordic countries and, if there is a reciprocal agreement, even shorter periods.
Special student travel fares:
By road: Yes
By rail: Yes
By air: Yes
Available to foreign students: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 670 (Euro)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Euro)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Euro)
Bodies providing information on student financial aid:
Centre for International Mobility (CIMO)
PO Box 343 (Hakaniemenkatu 2)FIN-00531 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 7747-7064
Fax: +358(9) 7747-7910
EMail: cimoinfo@cimo.fi
WWW: http://www.cimo.fi

Deals with: Grants
Category of students: Advanced level students and researchers.
The Social Insurance Institution (KELA) Centre for Student Financial Aid
PO Box 228Vapaudenkatu 48-5040101 JyväskyläFinland
Tel: 358(20) 434-6770
WWW: http://www.kela.fi/english

Deals with: Grants and Loans
Category of students: Foreigners who have lived in Finland for at least two years or for some other reasons than studies and whose residence in Finland is considered permanent. In some cases, others may also qualify. Contact your university first.
Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Grants and Study Aid for Foreigners living in Finland
Publisher: The National Union of Finnish Students
Title: Higher Education in Finland. An Introduction
Publisher: CIMO
Year of publication: 1999
Title: Scholarships for foreign post-graduates and young researchers
Publisher: CIMO
Year of publication: 1999
Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001
Publisher: UNESCO/IBE
Year of publication: 1999

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Centre for International Mobility (CIMO)
PO Box 343 (Hakaniemenkatu 2)FIN-00531 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 7747-7064
Fax: +358(9) 7747-7910
EMail: cimoinfo@cimo.fi
WWW: http://www.cimo.fi

Ministry of Education
PO Box 293Meritullinkatu 1000171 HelsinkiFinland
Tel: +358(9) 160-041
Fax: +358(9) 135-9335
EMail: kirjaamo@minedu.fi
WWW: http://www.minedu.fi

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: ISEP
Name of exchange programme: NORDPLUS
Name of exchange programme: Other EU programmes of higher education
Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES, LEONARDO

GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: Upper secondary school: 4-10; 0 (fail) - 7 (improbatur - laudatur) for Matriculation Examination. Vocational education: 1-5.
Highest on scale: 10 (upper sec. school) / 5 (vocational educ.)
Pass/fail level: 5 (upper sec. school) / 1 (vocational educ.)
Lowest on scale: 4 (upper sec. school) / 1 (vocational educ.)
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: There is no uniform system. Most systems are as follows: 1(lowest)-3 or satisfactory, good, excellent; 1(lowest)-5; pass/fail
Highest on scale: 3/excellent (FI erinomaiset,SV utmärkta); 5
Pass/fail level: 1/satisfactory (tyydyttävät,nöjaktiga); 1
Lowest on scale: 1/satisfactory; 0
Other main grading systems
For theses, most usually: approbatur (lowest), lubenter appr., non sine laude appr., cum laude appr., magna c.l.appr., eximia c. l. appr. and laudatur (highest). Scale 1-5 (highest) also in use.

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM


Data for academic year: 2001-2002
Source: National Board of Education, Helsinki, 2002

Germany

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:
Allgemeine Hochschulreife/Abitur
Fachgebundene Hochschulreife
Fachhochschulreife
Diplom-Vorprüfung
Bachelor
Diplom (FH)
Combined Diploma
Diplom
Magister Artium
Staatsprüfung
Staatsprüfung für das Lehramt
Lizentiat
Magister
Master
Promotion
Doktor
Habilitation
Lehrbefugnis als Privatdozent


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 (Berlin and Brandenburg)
Length of program in years: 6
Age level from: 6 to: 12
Primary
Type of school providing this education: Grundschule (in most Länder)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 6 to: 10
Lower Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Hauptschule (in Nord Rhine Westphalia)
Length of program in years: 6
Age level from: 10 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Hauptschulabschluss
Lower Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Hauptschule (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: Gymnasium (in most Länder)
Length of program in years: 9
Age level from: 10 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Allgemeine Hochschulreife/Abitur
Lower Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Realschule (in Berlin and Brandenbrug)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 12 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Realschulabschluss
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)
Integrated Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Berufsaufbauschule
Length of program in years: 1
Age level from: 16 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachhochschulreife
Higher Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Berufliches Gymnasium/Fachgymnasium
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Hochschulreife
Higher Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Gymnasiale Oberstufe (Since 1977)
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Allgemeine Hochschulreife/Abitur
Specialized Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Fachoberschule
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachhochschulreife
Technical
Type of school providing this education: Fachschule
Length of program in years: 3
Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachhochschulreife
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Berufsschule
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Hauptschulabschluss, Mittlerer Schulabschluss, Fachhochschulreife
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Berufsfachschule
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Fachhochschulreife
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. 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. Types of schools differ according to Länder.
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, Universitäten-Gesamthochschulen, Pädagogische Hochschulen); 2. Colleges of art and music (Kunsthochschulen and Musikhochschulen); 3. Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Verwaltungsfachhochschulen and company training centres. Since the early 1990s, the structure of higher education study 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. Institutions of higher education will be granted further autonomy. Some Länder have already amended their laws on higher education accordingly. Following the adoption in 1998 of the Amendment to the Framework Act for Higher Education, further reform concerning the staff structure and recruitment requirements for professors was 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 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.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Amendment to the Framework Act for Higher Education Year: 2002
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) Year: 1976
Concerns: Higher education institutions in general.
Academic year:
Classes from: Oct to: Jul
Languages of instruction: German, English
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Non-university tertiary education is provided by the Höhere Fachschulen and Akademien. These institutions offer advanced technical courses to holders of the Abitur or Fachhochschulreife who have at least two years' practical training experience. Courses include periods of practical training and last three to four years. Successful completion of the courses leads to the award of a professional title in the student's specialization. The abbreviation grad is included on the certificate to indicate the practical emphasis of the course.Berufsakademien are established in 8 Länder. The Zeugnis der Allgemeinen 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 Diplom.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 from Fachhochschulen. According to the Regelstudienzeit (guideline period defined for each programme of study), a degree programme at Fachhochschulen should be completed in 6/8 semesters (2 semesters = 1 academic year), practical semesters excluded/included. 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 of study combined with practice" (Studiengänge im Praxisverbund) also called "cooperative courses of study" (kooperative Studiengänge). The students have training or employment contracts. A Diplomgrad to which the word Fachhochschule is added is conferred upon completion. Fachhochschulen also confer Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

University level studies:
University level first stage: Grundstudium:
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, the Bachelor (or Baccalaureatus) has been introduced in universities and Fachhochschulen 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. Alongside this one-tier system, a two-tier system leading to a BA/BSc after three to four years and an MA/MSc after another one to two years has been recently introduced.
University level third stage: Promotion:
Doctoral studies are only pursued in universities (Universitäten).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. 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
All pre-school teachers are trained at upper secondary level. Teachers for Grundschule are trained in three-and-a-half years in universities and in Colleges of Art and Music. Courses incorporate general education and school education, 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 and vocational school teachers) are also trained in universities. Secondary school teachers are subject specialists. They must take two specialist subjects. All teachers are required to undergo in-service training (Lehrerfortbildung) at the state institutes for in-service teacher training. Further teacher training (Lehrerweiterbildung) is designed to enable teachers to teach an additional subject or subject area and also offers qualifications for another type of teaching post. 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 teaching staff. Recruitment requirements for higher education teachers usually are the title of Doktor and for professors the Habilitation or equivalent academic achievements. Academic ranks include Assistent, Oberassistent, Lektor, Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, Lehrkraft für besondere Aufgaben, Dozent, Professor. Following the amendment of the Framework Act for Higher Education in 2002, the Assistant and Oberassistent 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
Distance learning courses are subject to approval - under the terms of Fernunterrichtsschutzgesetz (Correspondence Course Protective Law) - by the Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht der Länder der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Central office for distance learning). Approval procedure includes an examination of the teaching course objectives, advertising practices, and the form and content of the contract concluded between the course participants and the distance-learning institution. Courses leading to a Diplom and Magister 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, the Akademiker-Gesellschaft für Erwachsenenfortbildung runs a Hochschule für Berufstätige, a private, state-recognized institution that offers higher education to those already in employment in Rendsburg and Stuttgart. It offers courses in Business Management, Industrial Engineering and Business Computing.
Lifelong higher education
The 13 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 is offered to working mothers who took time off to bring up a family and wish to return to work. It is also offered at supra-company level, by companies themselves, by the industrial and business associations and the chambers of trade and industry, trade unions and Volkshochschulen (local adult education centres).
Other forms of non-formal higher education
General and political continuing education, Volkshochschulen, 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 (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)
Head: Edelgard Bulmahn, Minister
Heinemannstrasse 253175 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 57-0
Fax: +49(228) 573-601
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 in the Federal Republic of Germany
Head: Erich Thies, Secretary-General
Administrative officer: Christian Thieme , Deputy-Secretary-General
International relations: Klaus Eichner
Lennestrasse 6 Postfach 224053113 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228)501-0
Fax: +49(228) 501-777
EMail: internationales@kmk.org
WWW: http://www.kmk.org

Role of governing body: Unites the ministers and senators of the Länder responsible for education, higher education and cultural affairs in order to present a common viewpoint and represent 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

Conference of Rectors and Presidents of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz) (HRK)
Head: Klaus Landfried, President
Administrative officer: Jürgen Hess, Secretary-General
International relations: Christian Tauch
Ahrstrasse 3953175 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 887-20
Fax: +49(228) 887-180
EMail: sekr@hrk.de; tauch@hrk.de
WWW: http://www.hrk.de


Federal Government-Länder Commission for Educational Planning and Research Promotion (BLK)
Hermann-Ehler-Str. 1053113 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 5402-0
Fax: +49(228) 5402-150
EMail: blk@blk-bonn.de
WWW: http://www.blk-bonn.de


German Academic Exchange Service/Office allemand d'échanges universitaires/Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
Head: Theodor Berchem, President
Administrative officer: Christian Bode, Secretary-General
Kennedyallee 5053175 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 882-0
Fax: +49(228) 882-444
EMail: postmaster@daad.de
WWW: http://www.daad.de


German Association of University Professors (Deutscher Hochschulverband (DHV))
Head: Hartmut Schiedermair, President
Administrative officer: Michael Hartmer, Secretary
Rheinallee 1853173 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 902-6666
Fax: +49(228) 902-6680
EMail: dhv@hochschulverband.de
WWW: http://www.hochschulverband.de


Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat)
Head: Heide Naderer, President
PF 20 14 48D-53144 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 302-283
Fax: +49(228) 302-278
EMail: sekr@akkreditierungsrat.de
WWW: http://www.akkreditierungsrat.de



ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Fachgebundene Hochschulreife
For entry to: All programmes.
Name of secondary school credential required: Allgemeine Hochschulreife/Abitur
For entry to: All programmes.
Name of secondary school credential required: Fachhochschulreife
For entry to: All programmes.
Alternatives to credentials:
Interview, test grades, aptitude test, temporary registration for a trial study period.
Numerus clausus/restrictions:
Some courses are subject to a numerus clausus and places are allocated through a central selection procedure. Courses not included in the national selection may be subject to local selection by the higher education institutions. Selection criteria are based on the Abitur average mark, time between Abitur and application to the institution, etc.
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: Allgemeine 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 Niachtschülerprüfung (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. Architecture, Business Administration, Biology and Food Technology. Such courses may differ from one semester to the next. Places for these courses are allocated through a central selection procedure. 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 German Rectors' Conference 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)
Head: Christian Bode
Administrative officer: Maren Ruhfus, Person in Charge of Mobility
Kennedyallee 50D-53175 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 882-0
Fax: +49(228) 882-444
WWW: http://www.daad.de


NARIC/Secretariat of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Culture
Head: Holger Conrad
PO Box 2240Lennestrasse, 653012 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 501-203
Fax: +49(228) 501-229
EMail: zab@kmk.org
WWW: http://www.kmk.org

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 examinations and degrees

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
Year of signature: 1999
Country/state involved: Russian Federation
Year of signature: 1991
Country/state involved: Hungary
Year of signature: 1996
Country/state involved: Spain
Year of signature: 1995
Country/state involved: Switzerland
Year of signature: 1998
Country/state involved: Poland
Year of signature: 1983
Country/state involved: Austria
Year of signature: 1983
Country/state involved: Netherlands
Year of signature: 1998
Country/state involved: Italy
Name of agreement: Joint Declaration
Year of signature: 1990
Country/state involved: France
References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: http://www.campus-germany.de: website on life and education in Germany
Author: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Title: Studying in Germany - Information for Foreign Students on Universities
Author: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Publisher: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Title: The Education System in the Federal Republic of Germany 2000
Publisher: Eurydice http://www. eurydice.org/Eurybase/frameset_eurybase.html
Year of publication: 2001

STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Kennedyallee 505300 Bonn 2Germany
Tel: +49(228) 882-0
Fax: +49(228) 882-444
Telex: 885515 daad d
EMail: postmastert@daad.de
WWW: http://www.daad.de

Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services
Services available to foreign Students: Yes

National student associations and unions
German National Association for Student Affairs
Weberstrasse, 5553113 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 269-060
Fax: +49(228) 269-063
EMail: dsw@dsw.bn.shuttle.de
WWW: http://www.studentenwerke.de

Special student travel fares:
By rail: Yes
Available to foreign students: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Euro)
Bodies providing information on student financial aid:
Deutsche Stiftung für internationale Entwicklung (DSE)
Tulpenfeld 553113 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 2434-5
Fax: +49(228) 2434-766
EMail: dse@dse.de
WWW: http://www.dse.de

Deals with: Grants and Loans
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Kennedyallee, 505300 Bonn 2Germany
Tel: +49(228) 882-0
Fax: +49(228) 882-444
EMail: postmaster@daad.de
WWW: http://www.daad.de

Deals with: Grants and Loans
German National Merit Foundation (Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes e.V).
Ahrstrasse 4153175 BonnGermany
Tel: +49(228) 820-96-0
Fax: +49(228) 820-96-67
EMail: info@studienstiftung.de
WWW: http://www.studienstiftung.de

Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Scholarships and Funding for Foreign Students, Graduates and Academics
Author: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Publisher: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Title: Study abroad 2000-2001
Publisher: UNESCO/IBE
Year of publication: 1999

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and its offices worldwide
Head: Christian Bode, Secretary-General
Kennedyallee, 5053175 Bonn 2Germany
Tel: +49(228) 882-0
Fax: +49(228) 882-444
EMail: postmaster@daad.de
WWW: http://www.daad.de

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: COMETT
Name of exchange programme: ERASMUS
Name of exchange programme: LINGUA
Name of exchange programme: PETRA
Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS

GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: 1: sehr gut; 2: gut; 3: befriedigend; 4: ausreichend; 5: mangelhaft; 6: ungenügend. In the gymnasiale Oberstufe, marks equal points: 1 = 15 points; 2 = 12 points; 3 = 9 points; 4 = 6 points; 5 = 3 points; 6 = 0 points.
Highest on scale: 1
Pass/fail level: 4/5
Lowest on scale: 6
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: Marks: 1: sehr gut; 2: gut; 3: befriedigend; 4: ausreichend; 5: mangelhaft
Highest on scale: 1
Pass/fail level: 4/5
Lowest on scale: 5
Other main grading systems
Students are required to do oral and written work, practical work and receive course certificates (Scheine) needed to take the examination; this is the main performance assessment during the course.

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
As of October 3, 1990, the unified Germany consists of 16 Länder with which most of the responsibilities for the education system rest. The Federal Government is mainly responsible for legislation on the general principles of higher education, promotion of research, financial assistance to the students, vocational counselling.

Data for academic year: 2001-2002
Source: International Association of Universities (IAU), updated by German Eurydice Unit of the Länder, 2002

Denmark

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universitet (University)
Højere Uddannelsesinstitution (University-level Institution)
Institution for mellemlange videregående uddannelser/Center for Videregående Uddannelser (Medium-cycle Higher Education Institution/Centre for Higher Education)
Institution for korte videregaende uddanelser/Ervervsakademi (Short-cycle Higher Education Institution/Vocational Academy)

School leaving and higher education credentials:
Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF)
Højere Handelseksamen (HHX)
Studentereksamen
Gymnasialt Indslusningskursus for Fremmedsprogede
Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX)
Kort Videregående Uddannelse
Bachelorgrad
Diplom-Uddannelse
Mellemlang Videregående Uddannelse
Musiklæreruddannelse
Kandidatgrad
Master-Uddannelse
Billedkunstner
Diplomeksamen (Musik)
Magistergrad
Ph.D.-grad
Doktorgrad


STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 7
Age of exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Basic
Type of school providing this education: Folkeskole, Private grundskoler (state subsidized private schools) and at the Class 8 to 10 levels, Efterskoler (continuation schools)
Length of program in years: 9
Age level from: 7 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Folkeskolens Afgangsprøve (Leaving Examination after Class 9 or 10) or (only after Class 10) Folkeskolens 10 -klasse prøve (Class 10 examination)
General Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Gymnasium (3 years), Studenterkursus, HF, VUC (Adult Education Centres)
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseksamen-HF (higher preparatory examination)
Technical Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Erhvervsskole (Handelsskole or Teknisk Skole)
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Højere Handelseksamen - HHX (Higher Commercial examination) or Højere Teknisk Eksamen - HTX (Higher Technical examination)
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Erhvervsskole (Handelsskole, Teknisk Skole, Social-og sundhedsskole, Landbrugsskole & other specialized schools)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 16 to: 20
Certificate/diploma awarded: Uddannelsesbevis or Svendebrev (study varies between 2 and 5 years)
School education:
Basic education comprises primary and lower secondary education and lasts for nine or ten years (the 10 th year is optional). Upon completion of Class 9 or 10 of the Folkeskole pupils may go on to upper secondary school. The 3-year Gymnasium programme is the traditional general upper secondary programme. General upper secondary school and the more vocationally-oriented programmes "Højere Handelseksamen" (HHX) or "Højere Teknisk Eksamen" (HTX) qualify students for higher education. HHX and HTX also prepare for employment in trade and industry - usually in training positions. Vocational programmes are mainly Erhvervsuddabbelse ((Vocational Education and Training, VET) and prepare directly for specific jobs within the different branches of trade. In addition, most programmes qualify students for direct admission to one or more short-cycle professional higher education programmes. Approximately 30-50% of the time is spent at school and 50-70% is spent as a trainee or apprentice in a business enterprise. Parallel with the vocational education and training programmes, there are a number of other programmes: the basic social and health education programmes (SOSU) and agricultural, forestry, home economics and maritime programmes. Education is largely the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. It shares control of the Gymnasium and Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) with the country councils and school or course boards. It is responsible for setting up the framework for curricula at primary and secondary education level. However, the contents of the courses are established by the schools (with their boards) and finalized by the teachers with their pupils. Vocational education and training is controlled by the Ministry of Education with the social partners as important parties.
Higher education:
Higher education comprises a university sector and a college sector, I.e. the professionally-oriented higher education sector. The university sector includes 11 universities, 5 of which are multi-faculty universities. The other 6 are specialized in Engineering, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy or Business Studies. The university sector offers courses at three levels: Bachelor's Degree (normally 3 years of study), the Candidatus Degree (i.e. Master's Degree, normally 2 years following upon the Bachelor's Degree) and the Ph.D. Degree (normally 3 years' study after the Candidatus Degree). The universities also award the traditional higher Doctoral Degree (dr. phil., dr. scient etc) after a minimum of 5-8 years' individual and original research. Study programmes of the university sector are research-based.The college sector comprises more than 150 specialized institutions of higher education offering professionally-oriented programmes, either short-cycle (2 years) or medium-cycle (3 to 4 years). Colleges offering medium-cycle higher education have started merging into more comprehensive Centres for Higher Education (Centre for Videregående Uddannelse (CVU)). Vocational colleges have formed Vocational Academies (Erhvervsakademier) as a framework for regional cooperation.The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is responsible for university education except for certain higher education programmes which come under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs (e.g. Architecture, Music, Fine Arts, and Librarianship). The Ministry of Education is responsible for short- and medium-cycle education. The legislation covers the aims and framework of education, funding and in some cases curricula, examinations and staffing. Higher education institutions are publicly financed and State-regulated. The quality of higher education Is ensured by ministerial approval of new programmes and institutions, external examiners and an evaluation system. Although they have institutional autonomy, institutions must follow general regulations concerning teacher qualifications, award structures, study programmes and quality assurance. While private institutions can operate without any approval, they must abide by an accreditation procedure to make their students eligible for state study grants.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Bekendtgorelse om adgang, indskrivning og orlov m.v. ved videregående uddannelser (BEK n° 154) Year: 2000
Concerns: All higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
Decree: Bekendtgørelse af lov om Centre for Videregående Uddannelse og andre selvejende institutioner for videregående uddannelser m.v. (LBK n°684) Year: 2000
Concerns: Centres for Higher Education (offering medium-cycle higher education)
Decree: Bekendtgørelse af lov om Danmarks Evalueringsinstitut (LBK n°905) Year: 2000
Concerns: Quality assurance
Decree: Bekendtgørelse af lov om handelshøjskoler og handelshøjskoleafdelinger (LBK n° 864) Year: 1996
Concerns: Business schools
Decree: Bekendtgørelse af lov om uddannelse af laerere til folkeskolen (LBK n° 981) Year: 2000
Concerns: Institutions that train Folkeskole teachers
Decree: Bekendtgørelse af lov om uddannelse af paedagoger (LBK n° 980) Year: 2000
Concerns: Institutions that train pre-school teachers and educators
Decree: Bekendtgørelse af lov om universiteter m. fl. (universitetsloven) (LBK N° 1177) Year: 1999
Concerns: Universities and other university-level institutions
Decree: Bekendtgørelse om studiestrukturen for uddannelser ved universiteter m.fl. (BEK n° 573) Year: 1993
Concerns: Universities and other university level institutions
Decree: Lov om adgangsregulering ved videregående uddannelser Year: 1990
Concerns: Nearly all institutions of higher education
Decree: Lov om centre for videregående uddannelse og andre selvejende institutioner for videregående uddannelser Year: 2000
Concerns: Institutions of higher education
Decree: Lov om erhvervsrettet grunduddannelse og videregaende uddannelse
Decree: Lov om erhvervsrettet grunduddannelse og videregående uddannelse (videreuddannelsessystemet) for voksne Year: 2000
Concerns: Adult education and Continuing training programmes
Decree: Lov om erhvervsrettet grunduddannelse og videregående uddannelse (videreuddannelsessystemet) for voksne Year: 2000
Concerns: Institutions offering adult education
Decree: Lov om korte videregående uddannelser (erhvervsakademiuddannelser) Year: 1997
Concerns: Short-cycle higher education institutions
Decree: Lov om mellemlange videregående uddannelser Year: 2000
Concerns: Medium-cycle higher education institutions
Academic year:
Classes from: Sep to: Jun
Long vacation from: 1 Jul to: 31 Aug
Languages of instruction: Danish, English
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Short-cycle higher education includes 15 programmes mainly within the commercial and technical fields. The programmes normally take two years and they build either on relevant vocational education and training or on general upper secondary education/commercial and technical upper secondary education. They have the common designation of erhvervsakademiuddannelse (vocational academy programmes). These programmes qualify the student to carry out practical, vocational tasks on an analytical basis and may lead to employment in middle-management positions. Apart from theoretical subjects, programmes are usually completed with a three-month project. Students may, on certain conditions, be awarded credits when they continue in a medium- or long-cycle higher education programme.Medium-cycle professional higher education includes some 20 programmes within the technical, educational, social, creative and health-related fields. Diplomas are awarded after a 3- to 4-year programme at a level corresponding to that of university Bachelor's programmes. The medium-cycle programmes provide students with theoretical knowledge, as well as knowledge of its application to professions and industries. They normally include periods of practical studies and require the submission of a project/project paper. Having satisfied a number of criteria such as links to research and development, most of these programmes now lead to the Professional Bachelor's degree (Professionsbachelor). Most programmes give access to further studies in the same field, typically a Master's programme (adult education) or, on certain conditions, a specific Candidatus programme.

University level studies:
University level first stage: Bachelorgrad (B.A or B.Sc):
Undergraduate study takes 3 years (or in certain cases 3 1/2 years) and leads to the award of a Bachelor's Degree. The degree is awarded by the universities/specialized higher education institutions upon completion of a research-based study programme concentrating from the first year on the major subject area chosen for the degree. It includes a project work usually of some two months' duration. All Bachelor programmes must follow the same national standards and there are no classifications in honours/ordinary programmes. The study programmes do not include components that could be classified as liberal arts. The Bachelor programme constitutes a complete programme in itself, but most students continue in a Candidatus programme.At the universities of Aalborg and Roskilde, the Bachelor programmes begin with a one- respectively two-year general studies programme (basisuddannelse) in either the Humanities or Social, Technical or Natural Sciences. In Business Administration, part of the Bachelor programmes lead to the award of the Handelshøjskolens Afgangsprøve (HA). In Engineering, the Diplomingeniør is awarded after 3 1/2 years' study, including six months of in-service training.
University level second stage: Kandidatgrad/Candidatus (cand.+ field of study), Magistergrad (Mag.Art.):
The Candidatus Degree (Master's Degree) can be obtained at universities and other specialized research-based institutions of higher education. In most fields of study admission requires a Bachelor's Degree in the same field of study. The degree is normally awarded after a total of 5 years of study: the Bachelor's Degree and a 2-year Candidatus programme. In a few fields there are no Bachelor programmes but only Candidatus programmes of 5 to 6 1/2 years' duration: Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Architecture, Land Surveying, Theology (Medicine and Dentistry are in the process of restructuring). Independent research activities are an important part of the Candidatus programme. The speciale/candidatus thesis is a major requirement and requires six months to one year's full-time study. The Magister Artium (rare) is awarded on completion of three years' research-oriented study after the Bachelor's Degree and public defence of a thesis in certain fields of the Humanities.
University level third stage: PhD grad:
A PhD Degree can be obtained at universities and other research-based institutions of higher education in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Technical Sciences, Theology, and Medicine. The typical PhD programme is a 3-year programme after the Candidatus Degree. The programme must include a scientific project, participation in research courses and seminars corresponding to six months' work, experience in teaching or other kinds of communication of research results, mobility to ensure experience from working in two or more active research groups (Mobility abroad is given high priority) and finally public defence of the PhD thesis.
University level fourth stage: Doktorgrad (Dr + field of study):
The Danish Doctoral Degree is an advanced degree obtained after five to eight years of original and outstanding research. It is awarded after public defence of a thesis. There is no formal study programme.

Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Training of social educators for nurseries, kindergartens and the pre-school class is provided in the form of a unified training system. The programme takes 3 1/2 years and is provided at educator training colleges. Training of primary and lower secondary teachers. Teacher training is offered at colleges. Students are trained for teaching throughout the entire Folkeskole, which is a combined primary and lower secondary school. The duration of studies is 4 years. Further training of Folkeskole teachers takes place at the Danish University of Education.
Training of secondary school teachers
In order to obtain permanent appointment, teachers in general upper secondary education are required to hold a university degree, normally in two subjects (major/minor) and to have completed a 1-year supplementary course including 6 months' further studies in the minor of the two university subjects and a 5-month teacher training course (paedagogikum). The paedagogikum course includes educational theory and psychology and in-service teaching practice. These courses will be replaced by a new 2-year paedagogikum as of August 2002. Teachers in the hhx and htx programmes must hold a university degree, normally in two subjects (cand.mag/cand.scient.) and have completed a teacher training course in addition to qualifications depending on the type of subjects they are to teach. Teachers of general subjects must have a level of education at least comparable to a Folkeskole teaching qualification or a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience. Teachers of specialized subjects must have completed a VET programme in the relevant vocational field and, as a rule, further education in the same field, e.g. a short-cycle higher education technician's qualification. Furthermore, they must have a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience.
Training of higher education teachers
Teachers in higher education institutions must hold a degree at least equivalent to the level at which they are to teach. In addition, they must hold qualifications for teaching the subjects in question which may be earned, for example, through research work, professional experience or periods abroad.

Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
Some courses of open education (see section below) are offered as distance education. Students meet with their teachers and co-students for two or three sessions per semester. The educational institution provides the syllabus, exercises and guidance. Distance education may also be Internet-based.
Lifelong higher education
The Open Education scheme comprises all vocationally oriented courses from basic vocational education and training to long cycle higher education programmes, as well as short, condensed courses. It is possible to follow courses at one's own pace. Participants can choose to follow particular subjects or modules or to complete an entire course. Teaching may take place in the daytime, in the evening, at week-ends or as distance learning. Institutions can offer all or parts of the courses they are entitled to offer. Open education confers the same qualifications as the corresponding courses taken under other forms. Entire courses and single subjects offered under the open education scheme may lead to a fully recognized diploma. Admission requirements are the same as for the corresponding full-time courses. Adult Education and Continuing Training Programmes are available at all levels of education. Higher education qualifications are offered at three levels: Videregående voksenuddannelse (advanced adult education) comparable to short-cycle higher education level; Diplomuddannelse (Diploma programmes) comparable to medium-cycle higher education/Bachelor's Degree level; Masteruddannelse (Master programmes) comparable to long-cycle higher education, Candidatus Degree level. Most programmes consist of two years' part-time study, equivalent to one year's full-time study. Admission requirements are a relevant prior qualification and at least two years' professional experience. Institutions may accept applicants on the basis of other relevant qualifications.


NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Ministry of Education (Undervisningsministeriet)
Head: Ulla Tørnaes, Minister
Administrative officer: Henrik Nepper-Christensen, Permanent Secretary of State
Frederiksholms Kanal 211220 København KDenmark
Tel: +45 33-92-50-00
Fax: +45 33-92-55-47
EMail: uvm@uvm.dk
WWW: http://www.uvm.dk

Role of governing body: Responsible for non-university education, including short- and medium-cycle higher education

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Ministeriet for Videnskab, Teknologi og Fornyelse)
Head: Helge Sander, Minister
Administrative officer: Leo Bjørnskov, Permanent Secretary of State
Bredgade 431260 København KDenmark
Tel: +45 33-92-97-00
Fax: +45 33-32-35-01
EMail: fsk@fsk.dk
WWW: http://www.fsk.dk

Role of governing body: Responsible for university research and education

National Education Authority, Ministry of Education (Uddannelsesstylresen)
Head: Ivan Sørensen, Director
Frederiksholms Kanal 261220 København KDenmark
Tel: +45 33-92-53-00
Fax: +45 33-92-53-02
WWW: http://www.uvm.dk

Role of governing body: Responsible for all administrative tasks and policy preparations in relation to the programmes (educational content) under the Ministry of Education.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs (Kulturministeriet)
Head: Brian Mikkelsen, Minister
Administrative officer: Karoline Prien Kjeldsen, Permanent Secretary of State
PO Box 2140Nybrogade 21015 KøbenhavnDenmark
Tel: +45 33-92-33-70
Fax: +45 33-91-33-88
EMail: kum@kum.dk
WWW: http://www.kulturministeriet.dk

Role of governing body: Responsible for higher education within the Arts and for the programmes of the Royal Danish School of Librarian Science

The Danish Rectors' Conference (Rektorkollegiet)
Head: Henrik Toft Jensen, President
Vester Volgade 121 A1552 København VDenmark
Tel: +45 33-92-54-03
Fax: +45 33-92-50-75
EMail: rks@rks.dk
WWW: http://www.rks.dk

Role of governing body: Is a coordinating body consisting of the university rectors and observers from the other university level institutions

Cirius
Fiolstraede 441467 København KDenmark
Tel: +45-33-95-70-00
Fax: +45-33-95-70-01
EMail: Cirius@CiriusMail.dk
WWW: http://www.CiriusOnline.dk

Role of governing body: An independent governmental institution under the Danish Ministry of Education. Coordinates educational programmes of the European Union and other programmes and schemes contributing to international cooperation in education and training

The Danish Evaluation Institute (Danmarks Evalueringsinstitut)
Head: Christian Thune, Executive Director
Administrative officer: Jørn Lund, Chairman of the Board
Østbanegade 552100 København ØDenmark
Tel: +45 35 55-01-01
Fax: +45 35 55-10-11
EMail: rks@rks.dk
WWW: http://www.rks.dk

Role of governing body: An independent institution formed under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. Initiates and conducts evaluations of teaching and learning at all levels of the education system


ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Studentereksamen
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Name of secondary school credential required: Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX)
Name of secondary school credential required: Højere Handelseksamen (HHX)
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Name of secondary school credential required: Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF)
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Alternatives to credentials:
A relevant vocational qualification (vocational education and training, normally 3-4 years) and adequate general upper secondary courses (e.g. maths, physics, English) according to chosen institution and course.Medium-cycle higher education: It is possible to transfer credits from other programmes as well as be awarded credit for professional experience, e.g. admission to the social educator and social worker programmes
Numerus clausus/restrictions:
Each year, the Ministry of Education determines the overall number of student admissions. Apart from that, individual institutions may have restricted admission for certain fields of study.
Other admission requirements:
At certain institutions, e.g. the Schools of Social Work, The Danish School of Midwifery, the occupational therapist schools, the physiotherapist schools, professional experience is required in addition to the examination requirements.
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: Højere Handelseksamen (HHX)
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Name of secondary school credential required: Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF)
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Name of secondary school credential required: Studentereksamen
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Name of secondary school credential required: Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX)
Minimum score/requirement: Depending on institution and course
Alternatives to credentials: Gymnasialt Indslusningforløb for Fremmedsprogede (a special 1-year Højere Forberedelse/Gymnasium bridging course for non-native citizens (e.g. refugees). Individual assessment.
Numerus clausus/restrictions: Each year, the Minister of Education determines the overall number of student places, as well as within certain fields of study. There is restricted admission to certain fields of study, e.g. Medicine. The institutions themselves decide on the admission of students. Most institutions admit students according to the following quota system: Places in quota one are given to applicants with a Danish qualifying examination on the basis of average marks. Places in quota two are given on the basis of individual assessment.
Other admission requirements: Depending on what studies the applicant wishes to follow, it may be required that the qualifying examination is passed with a certain subject combination and that the subjects are passed at a certain level.
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: A non-Danish citizen with a foreign qualifying examination. A foreign qualifying examination is an examination which is equivalent to a Danish qualifying examination.
Quotas: Places in higher education are divided into two quota systems. Applicants with an international/foreign qualifying examination are accepted through the second quota. Places are granted to applicants who do not hold a Danish qualifying examination who either meet the admissions requirements or are judged capable of completing the course for which they have applied. All applicants in the second quota are individually assessed by the institution. An upper limit may be set for the admission of non-Danish citizens. The limit does not apply to Eu citizens and refugees.
Admission requirements: The general admission requirement is a qualification that gives access to higher education in the country of origin and which is assessed and found comparable to the Danish entrance qualifications. For many courses, there are also specific course requirements which must be fulfilled.
Language requirements: Knowledge of Danish is essential for regular university courses. Non-Danish and non-Nordic applicants have to prove sufficient command of Danish (for courses in Danish) by passing a test. Special courses are organized by Studieskolen.
Application procedures:
Apply to individual institution for entry to: All institutions of higher education, using the application form of the Coordinated Enrolment System (KOT)
Application closing dates:
For non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: 15 Mar
For university level studies: 15 Mar
Recognition of studies & qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Private establishments and their programmes are assessed by the Danish Evaluation Institute (http:/:www.eva.dk)
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
Danish Centre for Assessment of Foreign Qualifications (Center for Vurdering af Udenlandske Uddannelser (CVUU))
Head: Helle Otte, Director
Administrative officer: Finn Kjeller Johansen, Information Officer
H.C. Andersens Boulevard 431553 København VDenmark
Tel: +45 33-92-56-00
Fax: +45 33-95-18-01
EMail: cvuu@uvm.dk; finn.kjeller.johansen@uvm.dk
WWW: http://www.cvuu.dk/

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession
Services provided & students dealt with: The CVUU, which is also the Danish ENIC/NARIC Centre, is a contact point for information on assessment and recognition. The Centre provides assessment of foreign qualifications on application. It is also the contact point for professional recognition under the EC General Directives.

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Individual institutions: : Recognition of foreign qualifications and study periods with a view to continuing studies at a Danish higher education institution (admission, credit transfer) falls within the competence of the individual institution. Admission decisions may be reached with assistance from the Joint Committee for the Evaluation of Foreign Certificates (Fællesnævnet til Vurdering af Udenlandske Eksaminer), which provides guidelines for assessment and conversion of foreign examinations giving access to higher education.
Special provisions for recognition:
For access to non-university post-secondary studies: Individual assessment by the relevant school.
For access to university level studies: Both Danes and other nationals with foreign credentials should send their application to the relevant institution of higher education before March 15. It is the competence of the individual institution to assess the applicants' foreign credentials. A national board on the evaluation of foreign entrance qualifications (Fællesnævnet) issues general recommendations on assessment of foreign entrance qualifications.Information about entrance qualifications and supplementary tests can be obtained from the admission offices at the institutions.
For access to advanced studies and research: Application should be sent to the relevant institution of higher education.
For the exercise of a profession: Approval of foreign qualifications with a view to practising regulated professions is given by the authority administering the regulated profession in question. Citizens of EU/EEA States must apply to the Danish Centre for Assessment of Foreign Qualifications, except if one of the following professions is concerned in which case the application should be sent straight to the authority mentioned: Medical Practitioner, Dentist, Registered Nurse, Midwife: the National Board of Health; Veterinarian: the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration; Pharmacist: the Danish Medicines Agency. Citizens of States outside the EU/EEA must send their applications directly to the competent authority of the profession they wish to practise in Denmark. More information about the regulated professions is available at www.cvuu.dk
Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Council of Europe-UNESCO Joint Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Convention)
Year of signature: 1997
Name of agreement: European Convention On the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading To Admission To Universities
Year of signature: 1953
Name of agreement: Nordic Agreement On Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Diplomas For Regulated Professions.
Name of agreement: Nordisk Tentamensgyldighed
Year of signature: 1975
Name of agreement: The European Convention On the Academic Recognition of University Qualifications.
Year of signature: 1959
Name of agreement: The European Convention On the Equivalence of Periods of University Study
Year of signature: 1956
Name of agreement: The European Convention On the General Equivalence of Periods of University Study
Year of signature: 1990
Name of agreement: The Unesco Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the States Belonging To the European Region.
Year of signature: 1979
References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: CIRIUS homepage
Author: CIRIUS (The Danish Centre for International Cooperation and Mobility in Educatio
Publisher: CIRIUS
Title: CVUU homepage http://www.ciriusonline.dk/eng
Author: Danish Centre for Assessment of Foreign Qualifications
Publisher: Danish Centre for Assessment of Foreign Qualifications (http://www.cvuu.dk)
Title: Fact Sheets ( on the Danish educational system)
Author: Danish Ministry of Education
Publisher: Danish Ministry of Education
Title: University Education in Denmark
Author: The Danish Rectors' Conference Secretariat (http://www.rks.dk)
Publisher: The Danish Rectors' Conference Secretariat (http://www.rks.dk)

STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
DIS (Denmark's International Study Programme)
Vetsergade 71456 KøbenhavnDenmark
Tel: +45-33 11-01-44
Fax: +45 33 93 26 24
EMail: dis@disp.dk
WWW: http://www.disp.dk

Category of services provided: Social and welfare services; Special services/Centre for foreign students
Services available to foreign Students: Yes

Studenterrådgivningen
Kompagnistraede 211208 København KDenmark
Tel: +45 33-12-04-80

Category of services provided: Social and welfare services
Services available to foreign Students: Yes

National student associations and unions
Moderate Students of Denmark (Landssammenslutningen af Moderate Studerende (LMS)
Mejlgade 30B8000 Aarhus CDenmark
Tel: +45 86-18-44-55
Fax: +45 86-18-44-99
EMail: lms@danstud.dk
WWW: http://www.danstud.dk/lms

National Union of Danish Students (Danske Studerendes Fällesråd)
Vesterbrogade 15, 1st floor1620 København VDenmark
Tel: +45 33-31-38-13
Fax: +45 33-31-38-97
EMail: dsf@dsfnet.dk
WWW: http://www.dsfnet.dk

Health/social provisions
Social security for home students: Yes
Cost/fee (per year): 0 (Danish Krone)
Social security for foreign students: Yes
Cost/fee (per year): 0 (Danish Krone)
Foreign student social security provisions: Non-EC and non-Nordic students must have a residence permit in order to be covered by the Danish social security.
Special student travel fares:
By road: Yes
By rail: Yes
By air: No
Available to foreign students: No
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 50000 (Danish Krone)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Danish Krone)
Maximum: 0 (Danish Krone)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Danish Krone)
Maximum: 0 (Danish Krone)
Bodies providing information on student financial aid:
Cirius
Fiolstraede 441171 København KDenmark
Tel: +45-33-95-70-00
Fax: +45-33-95-70-01
EMail: Cirius@CiriusMail.dk
WWW: http://www.CiriusOnline.dk

Deals with: Grants
SU-styrelsen (Danish Students Grants and Loans Agency)
Danasvej 301780 K København KDenmark
Tel: +45 33-26-86-00
Fax: +45 33-26-86-11

Deals with: Grants and Loans
Category of students: Student support for Danish citizens and a few categories of foreign citizens.
Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Coming to Denmark? A Guide to Education and Training
Publisher: CIRIUS (http://www.ciriusonline.dk/VisDownloads.asp?id=654&Menu=320
Year of publication: 2001

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
CIRIUS
Vandkunsten 31467 København KDenmark
Tel: +45-33-95-70-00
Fax: +45-33-95-70-01
EMail: Cirius@CiriusMail.dk
WWW: http://www.CiriusOnline.dk

Department of Higher Education, National Education Authority, Ministry of Education
Frederiksholms Kanal 261220 København KDenmark
Tel: 45 33-92-53-00
Fax: +45 33-92-53-02
WWW: http://www.uvm.dk

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: All other EU higher education programmes (EU-USA/Canada)
Name of exchange programme: Leonardo da Vinci
Name of exchange programme: NORDPLUS
Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES/ERASMUS
Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS

GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: 13-skalaen: 13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-03-00.
Highest on scale: 13/11 (the mark 13 is very seldom awarded)
Pass/fail level: 6
Lowest on scale: 00
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: 13-skalaen: 13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-03-00. Grades 13-11-10 correspond to excellent, 9-8-7 to good, 6 satisfactory, 5-03-00 to poor.
Highest on scale: 13/11 (the mark 13 is very seldom awarded)
Pass/fail level: 6
Lowest on scale: 00
Other main grading systems
Bestået/ikke bestået (Pass/fail)

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Denmark has bilateral cultural agreement programmes with a number of countries

Data for academic year: 2001-2002
Source: Danish Centre for Assessment of Foreign Qualifications, Copenhagen, 2002