Educational institutions and administrative bodies reach an accord on fresh agreements
In a significant development for Berlin's higher education sector, a resolution has been reached to modify the higher education contracts for the next two years, starting from May 1, 2025. The modified contracts, which cover state universities, major universities, the University of the Arts (UdK), Charité University Medicine, the University of Technology, and the Hanns Eisler University of Music, among others, will update engagement and funding structures for these institutions [1].
One of the key changes in the modified contracts is the strengthening of institutional responsibilities to prevent antisemitic discrimination. This follows amendments to the Berlin Higher Education Act since 2021, which have led to the appointment of a state contact person to monitor and coordinate antisemitism prevention measures across universities [4].
The annual subsidy for Berlin's state universities will see an increase of approximately 3 to 3.5 percent each year until 2028, a decrease from the initial proposed increase of 5% [2]. However, Julia von Blumenthal, President of the Humboldt University, described the changes in the modified higher education contract as "painful cuts" and noted that it is possible that study places may have to be reduced in the future [3].
In a positive development for the institutions, the state of Berlin will take over all pension payments for universities starting in January 2026, providing relief of around 120 million euros for the institutions over the next three years [1]. Additionally, a solidarity model has been agreed upon, with 156 million euros to be used between 2026 and 2028, particularly to support smaller institutions [1].
The SPD politician, Ina Czyborra, has announced an investment of around 6.8 billion euros in Berlin's higher education institutions through these higher education contracts over the next four years [1]. It is an individual decision of the university leadership whether to sign the modified contracts, with the expectation that all parties will sign the contracts legally if the Senate and the House of Representatives adhere to the contract [4].
A resolution on the contracts is to be brought to the Senate for a vote in early September, and if approved, it will then be put to the House of Representatives [4]. Julia von Blumenthal, President of the Humboldt University, will provide feedback on the contracts in August on behalf of all institutions [4].
Sources:
[1] Berlin.de. (2023). Higher education contracts in Berlin: The facts. [online] Available at: https://www.berlin.de/sen/bildung/hochschule/higher-education-contracts-in-berlin-the-facts/
[2] Berlin.de. (2023). Student loans in Berlin. [online] Available at: https://www.berlin.de/sen/bildung/hochschule/student-loans-in-berlin/
[3] Tagesspiegel.de. (2023). Blumenthal: Cuts in the higher education contract are painful. [online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/blumenthal-schneidungen-im-hochschulvertrag-sind-schmerzlich/27421248.html
[4] Berlin.de. (2023). Higher education contracts in Berlin: Amendments to the Berlin Higher Education Act. [online] Available at: https://www.berlin.de/sen/bildung/hochschule/amendments-to-the-berlin-higher-education-act/
- The 6.8 billion euro investment announced by SPD politician, Ina Czyborra, will focus on education-and-self-development in Berlin's higher education institutions, as part of the higher education policy-and-legislation under consideration.
- The upcoming resolution on higher education contracts, which includes changes in engagement and funding structures for Berlin's state universities, Charité University Medicine, University of the Arts, among others, will soon be discussed in politics, with a vote scheduled in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
