International Student Mobility

Record figures confirm the success of the Bologna reforms: For the first, more than a quarter of students at German universities in 2011 were from abroad. At the same time, a growing number of German students decide to spend a semester abroad: 115,500 German students enrolled at a foreign university in 2009. These and other figures on the internationality of study and research in Germany and on this year's focus "Chinese students at Germany universities" are available in the data report "Wissenschaft weltoffen 2012," which was recently published by the DAAD and HIS.

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Through stays abroad during a course of study, budding academics can gain additional competence and develop their personality - and experience is become increasingly important in science and working life. The BMBF has therefore set the goal of having at least 50 per cent of students take a semester, a study-related internship, or a language course abroad; at least 20 per cent of German students are to complete one or more semesters in a foreign country. The Federal Ministry supports mobility through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), other intermediary organizations, and through BAföG.

Recognition of Studies

In the context of the Bologna Process, various instruments have been introduced to ensure transparency in academic achievements and their accreditation. Credit points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) provide quantitative measurements for student workloads in terms of the courses and examinations necessary for the successful completion of a particular degree.

Since 2005, all students are entitled to the Diploma Supplement, free of charge and without having to make a separate application. This supplement contains standardized information describing higher education degrees and the respective qualifications. The Diploma Supplement is attached to the official degree documents as supplementary information.

Germany has fulfilled an important criterion of the Bologna Process with regard to the recognition of studies abroad by ratifying the Lisbon Convention (Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region developed by the Council of Europe and UNESCO). The Convention sets out to facilitate the recognition of qualifications gained in one of the states party to the Convention in another state party.

Financial Support

Funding also contributes to student mobility. The amendment to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), which took effect on 1 January 2008, means that the entire course of study, including the degree phase, is now eligible for funding in all EU Member States as well as in Switzerland. Funding for up to one year can be provided for periods of study outside the EU within the framework of education and training which is otherwise undertaken in Germany. This can be extended to up to five semesters under certain circumstances. Further funding can also be granted. Moreover, intermediary organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the ERASMUS Programmes provide scholarships for studies (stays) abroad which are becoming increasingly attractive in the context of university cooperation and programmes that lead to joint degrees in both Germany and a partner country.