Applying for recognition of a non-state university

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

Requirements

State recognition or approval is based on § 112 of the Bremen Higher Education Act (BremHG). Private universities can be recognized and branches of universities from non-EU countries can be approved if

• the university fulfills the tasks according to § 4 para. 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 competent authority as part of an accreditation process, and the required quality standards are permanently maintained. This also applies to the study programs offered by the university.
• the higher education institution has demonstrated through expert opinions or other suitable documents that the economic viability 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 programs must be offered that lead to the acquisition of higher education qualifications, in particular higher education degrees,
• the higher education institution must be a state or state-recognized higher education institution in the country of origin in accordance with the law of the respective country,
• the higher education institution must be authorized to award higher education qualifications and degrees under the law of the country of origin,
• the study programme carried out in Bremen and its degree must be recognized as a degree obtained in the country of origin.