Mobility

The political objective is for 50% of all students to complete part of their studies abroad and for 20% of German students to spend at least one semester abroad. This calls for quality and transparency in the range of studies available, the compatibility of degrees and improvements in recognition procedures. Important instruments in this respect are the correct use of modules and credit points in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The ECTS is a quantitative measure of the overall student workload required to achieve learning outcomes and obtain a degree.

Since 2005, all students are entitled to the Diploma Supplement, free of charge and without having to make a separate application. This supplement contains standardized information describing higher education degrees and the respective qualifications. The Diploma Supplement is attached to the official degree documents as supplementary information.

Germany has fulfilled an important criterion of the Bologna Process with regard to the recognition of studies abroad by ratifying the Lisbon Convention (http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/165.htm) (Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region developed by the Council of Europe and UNESCO). The Convention sets out to facilitate the recognition of qualifications gained in one of the states party to the Convention in another state party.

Funding also contributes to student mobility. The amendment to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)(http://www.das-neue-bafoeg.de/), which took effect on 1 January 2008, means that the entire course of study, including the degree phase, is now eligible for funding in all EU Member States as well as in Switzerland. Funding for up to one year can be provided for periods of study outside the EU within the framework of education and training which is otherwise undertaken in Germany. This can be extended to up to five semesters under certain circumstances. Further funding can also be granted(http://www.das-neue-bafoeg.de/de/384.php). Moreover, intermediary organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the ERASMUS Programmes provide scholarships for studies (stays) abroad which are becoming increasingly attractive in the context of university cooperation and programmes that lead to joint degrees in both Germany and a partner country.