Institutions of Higher Education in Schleswig-Holstein

Students at the university of flensburg © Universität Flensburg

There are 9 public institutions of higher learning in Schleswig-Holstein. Among them are 3 universities, located in Kiel, Lübeck and Flensburg. In addition, there are the Conservatory in Lübeck, the Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts in Kiel, 4 public Universities of Applied Sciences in Flensburg, Heide, Kiel, and Lübeck, respectively, as well as 3 private ones: The Wedel University of Applied Sciences, the Pinneberg AKAD and the Elmshorn Nordakademie. Besides these academic institutions, there is the University of Applied Sciences for Administration and Public Service with its campuses in Altenholz and Reinfeld.

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs

At present, some 50,000 students make use of the diverse study options of Schleswig-Holstein’s institutions of higher education. The introduction of the new Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs has led to extensive changes in the structure of university studies in Schleswig-Holstein. Courses of study at universities and universities of applied sciences have been adjusted to the internationally recognized two-tier system of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

An examination system by which degrees of academic achievement are awarded according to the respective course of studies has been established. Overall compatibility between German universities and those of other countries is ensured based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel

Campus Life at Kiel © Staatskanzlei

The Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel is the oldest and largest university in Schleswig-Holstein. It was founded in 1665 and set up as a foundation by Duke Christian Albrecht von Holstein-Gottorp. The university focuses its research on marine science and geography, molecular biology and medicine, health and nutrition, environmental issues, economics, mathematics and information technology, surface and technology sciences as well as cultural studies. Work carried out in the fields of economics and medicine is internationally acknowledged. The largest University of Applied Sciences of Schleswig-Holstein is also located in Kiel. Its hallmarks are attractive courses in the field of multimedia and in practice-oriented vocational training and learning.

The University of Lübeck

Universität zu Lübeck

The University of Lübeck has its focus on the fields of medicine, technology, the natural and life sciences with a special emphasis on an interdisciplinary study approach. The university cooperates with the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences chiefly in the field of medical engineering. Innovative courses of study have been developed jointly, such as the Master’s Degree Program in "Medical Technology", for example. Moreover, the University of Applied Sciences offers a high-quality education in Building and Construction Industry, in the technical field and in Business Administration and Engineering. In addition to this, it also manages the "Virtual University".

The University of Flensburg

Hauptgebäude der Universität Flensburg uni-flensburg.de

The University of Flensburg is close to the Danish border. It has developed into Schleswig-Holstein’s center of education sciences and science of instruction. Furthermore, it also offers cultural and economics courses of study that are distinguished by close cooperation with the University of Southern Denmark. The Flensburg University of Applied Sciences has its special profile in courses of study in the areas of Communications Technology, Energy Management, Biotechnology and Process Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Technical Translation and Business Management.

Foreign Language Assistants from abroad

A classroom in one of Schleswig-Holstein´s schools © Manfred Jahreis/www.pixelio.de

The German Pädagogische Austauschdienst, an exchange program for educators and future teachers, offers the opportunity to foreign university students of German to gain practical experience in Germany and thus to acquire additional training and skills. German students also benefit from this program because their knowledge of the respective language and country is enhanced by being taught by a native speaker. This type of program is quite popular in Schleswig-Holstein as well.

As a rule, the foreign language assistants are assigned to secondary schools where they help with lessons taught in their own language for up 12 hours a week. Depending on their country of origin, the exchange program lasts sixy or nine months, beginning in September or October. The program mainly targets foreign students of German. Future teachers of foreign languages should apply to their competent national authorities or Ministries of Education. The application deadlines are set by the respective national authorities.