The current German higher education system is very complex and can be characterised by various features.
Here you will find information on the different types of higher education institutions, the legal framework of the higher education system, the autonomy of higher education institutions and information on the funding of German higher education institutions.
The German higher education system is characterised by different types of institutions. Each type of institution fulfils specific functions and tasks in this system and thus makes an important contribution to the development and success of research and teaching.
Types of institutionsGermany's federal structure is also reflected in higher education law. In addition to the generally binding Basic Law, legal principles at the federal and state level also apply. In the current higher education system, higher education institutions are subject to the legislation of the federal states.
Higher education lawThe higher education laws of the federal states also contain, in principle, provisions on the autonomy of higher education institutions. This means not only the right to self-governance, but also the ability to be independent of state influence in legal, financial, personnel and organisational matters.
Higher education autonomyThe German higher education landscape currently consists of around 400 state-funded and state-recognised higher education institutions.
The majority of students in their first semester are enrolled at universities or universities of applied sciences. A significantly smaller proportion begin their studies at colleges of the arts or other institutions, such as private universities.
Statistical Data from the HRKThe federal states are the bodies responsible for public higher education institutions in Germany and ensure their basic funding. All higher education institutions can receive further funding through special programmes and projects. These funds are made available by the federal government and private sponsors, for example.
Higher education fundingInformation on international cooperation between German higher education institutions and foreign partner institutions can be found on this HRK website.
International cooperationThe HRK Research Map allows you to search for German higher education institutions by the key research areas the institution is best known for.
Research MapGuidance and tips for your doctoral project and comprehensive search options, with detailed information about doctoral studies at German higher education institutions.
Doctoral studies
![[Translate to English:] Die Universität Heidelberg. (Foto: Uni Heidelberg)](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/d/csm_Heidelberg_U_06_862ead1a80.jpg "[Translate to English:] Die Universität Heidelberg. (Foto: Uni Heidelberg)")
![[Translate to English:] Studierende der ISM Dortmund. (Foto: ISM Dortmund)](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/8/csm_Dortmund_ISM_03_26505b17c2.jpg "[Translate to English:] Studierende der ISM Dortmund. (Foto: ISM Dortmund)")
![[Translate to English:] Bibliothek der Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt (Foto: Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt)](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/e/csm_Hamm-Lippstadt_H_02_5d07251919.jpg "[Translate to English:] Bibliothek der Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt (Foto: Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt)")
![[Translate to English:] Wirtschaftsstudierende an der Hochschule Weserbergland (Foto: Hochschule Weserbergland)](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/8/csm_Wirtschaft_Weserbergland_H_03_7dd403ed5a.jpg "[Translate to English:] Wirtschaftsstudierende an der Hochschule Weserbergland (Foto: Hochschule Weserbergland)")
![[Translate to English:] Studierende an der Universität Bonn (Foto: Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn)](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/4/csm_Uni_Bonn_Barbara_Frommann_Studierende_21da0227db.jpg "[Translate to English:] Studierende an der Universität Bonn (Foto: Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn)")
![[Translate to English:] Absolventen der Universität Bonn (Foto: Volker Lannert/Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn)](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/b/csm_Universitaet_Bonn_Volker_Lannert_762cacac9d.jpg "[Translate to English:] Absolventen der Universität Bonn (Foto: Volker Lannert/Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn)")
![[Translate to English:] studieren und promovieren in Deutschland](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/1/csm_Hochschulkompass_be35189e70.jpg "[Translate to English:] studieren und promovieren in Deutschland")
