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

    Save contact

    Contact

    Internet

    Keywords

    MWK

    Version

    Technisch erstellt on 16.12.2009
    Technisch geändert on 10.01.2024

    Language version

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de
    Technisch erstellt on 07.06.2017
    Technisch geändert on 14.05.2025

    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

    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

    Version

    Technisch erstellt on 19.11.2009
    Technisch geändert on 27.03.2026

    Keywords

    University, Recognition, Authorization, Foundation

    Language version

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de
    Technisch erstellt on 07.06.2017
    Technisch geändert on 14.05.2025

    Englisch

    Sprache: en
    Sprachbezeichnung nativ: English
    Technisch erstellt on 22.10.2025
    Technisch geändert on 23.10.2024