Higher Education Ranking System hits Germany

Germany is catching up with the ranking mania seen in all walks of life in Britain and America. Soon Germans will be able to consult charts to choose the best universities in the same way they can choose the best restaurants or bars – by looking at a ranking list. But this has been a controversial move because many people have argued that university education across Germany cannot be standardised like other consummer goods.

In 2002 the most serious attempt to put a German university ranking system in place came to fruition. The Centre for University Development (CHE) compiled the study with the German weekly magazine "Stern". They looked at 242 nationally recognized universities and professional schools. More than 100,000 students and 10,000 professors took part in the process. Around 30 indicators were measured. Some variable data such as student numbers, the average study duration and the number of graduations were also considered. But judgements on the quality of teaching and specialist areas played a more decisive role than factors such as the atmosphere at the university or the library equipment.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has introduced an additional research ranking, which measures how attractive German universities are to international scientists. Following the introduction of the Humboldt scholarship, successful international candidates can select which host universities are best suited to their needs. Therefore the number of Humboldt scientists at an institution also allows people to draw conclusions on the research achievements and international prospects of the university.