Private University: Recognition
Non-state educational institutions may use a corresponding designation, take university examinations and award university degrees, provided they are recognized as universities by the state.
Description
If you want to operate a private (non-state) university as an independent institution, you need state recognition by the ministry responsible for universities. Only state-recognized universities are allowed to use a corresponding designation (university, college, university of applied sciences), conduct university examinations and award university degrees.
In addition to the state recognition of the institution as such, the establishment of new courses of study and significant changes to them also require approval by the Ministry of Justice.
Competent office
The responsibility lies with the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture.
Contact point
The responsibility lies with the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture.
Contact person
Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur
Address
address
Leibnizufer 9
30169 Hannover
Contact
Internet
Keywords
MWK
Forms
not specified
Prerequisites
State recognition as a non-state university can be granted upon application if the educational institution guarantees teaching, study and research or artistic activity at university level, the protection of academic freedom is ensured, a minimum staffing, material and financial endowment can be proven and the educational institution can prove that it has taken precautions to ensure that the admitted students have a orderly completion of their studies can be made possible
Basis for legal action
§ 64 and § 64 a Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG)
European Union law
https://www.voris.niedersachsen.de/jportal/?quelle=jlink&query=HSchulG+ND+%C2%A7+64&psml=bsvorisprod.psml&max=true
Legal remedy
not specified
Procedure
The first step is to contact the relevant ministry. Before deciding on state recognition, the ministry obtains an expert opinion from an institution suitable for accreditation (accreditation institution), in which the submitted concept for the planned non-state university is evaluated on the basis of the criteria set out in § 64 (3) (concept review).
In the next step, the actual application for state recognition takes place.
The establishment of new degree programmes and significant changes to the subject of accreditation of a degree programme that are not covered by its existing accreditation require the approval of the relevant ministry and accreditation on the basis of an accreditation report from an agency designated by the relevant ministry. Therefore, the first step is the coordination of the accreditation agency, followed by the accreditation procedure and, if the conclusion is positive, the application for approval to the ministry.
Processing time
Duration (with a fixed time): For accreditation alone, a period of around one year is to be expected, including the preparatory measures and the approval procedure, a total of around 1.5-2 years can be calculated.
Costs
The above-mentioned administrative fees are incurred for recognition. In addition, the costs for accreditation must be borne by the applicant.: Administrative fine from 2.500,00 EUR to 15.000,00 EUR
Notes (specifics)
In addition, reference should be made to the "Guidelines for Concept Testing" of the German Council of Science and Humanities.
Unterstützende Institutionen
not specified
Welche Dokumente resultieren aus dieser Leistung?
not specified
Area of validity
Lower Saxony
Official approval
Officially approved by not specified
Keywords
University, Recognition, Authorization, Foundation