The Higher Education Pact in Germany, which ran from 2007 to 2020, was a funding program that aimed to address the challenges faced by the higher education system. According to the Wissenschaftsrat, a council that advises the government on science and humanities, this pact was the most extensive funding program for German higher education up until now.
The scheme’s main goal was to strengthen cooperation among institutions rather than promoting competition. This shift in approach was seen as positive and helped the higher education system adapt and change more effectively. Wolfgang Wick, chairman of the council, highlighted the importance of this pact in maintaining stability in the higher education system and increasing student numbers.
Overall, the Higher Education Pact in Germany was viewed as a successful initiative with a positive impact on its higher education landscape. The Wissenschaftsrat praised it for its effectiveness and emphasized its importance in addressing issues faced by German universities during this period of reform.