The Higher Education Pact in Germany, which ran from 2007 to 2020, was the most comprehensive funding program for the country’s higher education system at that time. According to the Wissenschaftsrat, a council advising the government on science and humanities, the scheme had a positive impact on student numbers and the overall stability of the system.
The pact was aimed at addressing the strain that previous reforms had placed on the higher education system. By focusing on cooperative action rather than competition, it sought to strengthen its ability to adapt and evolve. The program invested €39 billion in supporting the growth and development of higher education institutions. This investment emphasized collaboration and mutual support, creating a more resilient and sustainable higher education system for future generations.
Wolfgang Wick, chair of the Wissenschaftsrat council, highlighted this positive impact during his speech at a conference on higher education reform. He stated that by working together rather than competing against each other, universities could create a stronger network of institutions that would better serve their students and society as a whole.
The Higher Education Pact in Germany was also praised for its focus on increasing accessibility to higher education for students from all socio-economic backgrounds. By providing financial support and reducing barriers to entry, it helped level the playing field for students who may have previously been unable to afford or access higher education opportunities.
Overall, the Higher Education Pact in Germany was seen as a successful initiative that played a crucial role in shaping the country’s higher education system for years to come. Its focus on collaboration, mutual support, and increased accessibility will continue to influence future funding programs and initiatives within Germany’s academic community.
