Recognition of a non-governmental higher education institution

The operation of a private university or a branch of a foreign university in Bremen requires state recognition or a permit.

Requirements

State recognition or approval is based on § 112 of the Bremisches Hochschulgesetz (BremHG). Private universities can be recognised and branches of universities from non-EU countries can be approved if

• the university fulfils the tasks according to § 4 Abs. 1 BremHG,
• the course of study is oriented towards the objectives stated in § 52 BremHG,
• a comprehensive, expert quality assessment is carried out, usually by an independent institution appointed by the Senator for Science, Health and Consumer Protection as part of an accreditation process, and the required quality standards are permanently maintained. This also applies to the study programmes offered by the university.
• the institution of higher education has proven by expert opinions or other suitable documents that the economic existence of the institution is secured in the long term.

Establishments of higher education institutions from EU member states can be approved under the following conditions:

• study programmes leading to higher education qualifications, in particular degrees, must be offered
• the higher education institution must be a state or state-recognised higher education institution in the country of origin in accordance with the law of that country
• the higher education institution must be entitled to award higher education qualifications and degrees in accordance with the law of the country of origin
• the programme of study carried out in Bremen and its degree must be recognised in the same way as a degree obtained in the country of origin