Private universities - apply for state recognition

The prerequisite for recognition is that the higher education institution is equivalent to state higher education institutions. This means:

• The programme prepares students for a professional field of activity. It provides them with the knowledge, skills and methods required for this and for academic work. The range of courses is sufficient. The course of study is regulated by study and examination regulations. These correspond to the legal requirements for study and examination regulations of comparable degree programmes at state universities.
  The following are important for the assessment of the courses offered:
  • Scope and structure of the training content (hours per week, subjects)
  • Duration of training (years or number of semesters/trimesters)
  • Examinations (number, type, duration, scope)
• There are several co-existing or consecutive study programmes at the higher education institution alone or in association with other educational institutions.
  Exceptions:
  • Subjects for which the scientific development and the corresponding field of professional activity do not suggest the establishment of several courses of study
  • ecclesiastical institutions of higher education, if they guarantee that the course of study is equivalent to a course of study at a comparable state institution of higher education
• The private higher education institution may only admit persons to study who also fulfil the requirements for admission to a state higher education institution (higher education entrance qualification).
• The full-time teaching staff shall fulfil the employment requirements for corresponding positions at state higher education institutions. A sufficient number of professionally qualified professors working full-time at the private higher education institution cover the core subjects of the teaching programme.
• The economic and legal position of full-time teaching staff is secured. This means that the regulations for teaching duties, remuneration and holiday entitlement must not deviate significantly from the regulations for teaching staff at state universities.
• Internal academic freedom is adequately secured. Above all, academic self-government must have a decisive influence on the appointment and dismissal of university management.
• The members of the higher education institution participate in the shaping of the course of study.
• Freedom to teach and study is guaranteed.
• The sponsoring institution of the higher education institution has sufficient financial resources and the necessary premises to ensure the operation of the higher education institution.
  If the institution ceases to operate, you must ensure that the necessary funds are available for the enrolled students until they graduate. The institution must provide evidence of the following:
  • sufficient capital,
  • a bank guarantee or
  • a land charge
• The equivalence of the private educational institution with a state higher education institution must be proven within the framework of an institutional accreditation or concept review by the Science Council.