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