Changes to higher education laws

The Schleswig-Holstein state parliament has passed a law to amend several higher education laws. The aim is to adapt the Higher Education Act, the University Admissions Act and the Student Union Act to new legal requirements and to give universities more flexibility in organization and selection procedures. A central component of the reform is the introduction of an administrative cost contribution of 60 euros per semester for students at state universities. The contribution is intended to partially finance administration and services such as study advice, examination organization or international affairs. Universities also have new options for selecting students, for example through additional aptitude tests or selection interviews. In addition, organizational regulations are being adjusted, for example in the appointment procedures for professorships and in the contract periods for student and research assistants. The Student Union Act also makes it clear that committee meetings can take place digitally or hybrid in the future. Overall, the law is intended to support universities in overcoming financial and structural challenges. The bill was approved with 38 votes in favour. 20 MPs voted against and there were no abstentions.

Vote breakdown