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Reform Support
Analysis and advice for a renewed tertiary education strategy for Brandenburg and guidance on categorisation of scientific continuing education

Supporting reforms to improve the quality of education and training systems and ensure equal access to it

Funding Programme
Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP)
Year
2020

Evaluation of the tertiary education system and further education course fee calculation in Brandenburg 

The Commission has been supporting the authorities of Brandenburg (Germany) and its public higher education institutions in the preparation of a new tertiary education strategy, and the provision of accessible continuing education programmes. The project analysed the reasons for low tertiary attainment rates in the State and developed policy options and specific recommendations towards a new strategy. It also provided guidance on approaches to categorising scientific continuing education in the context of EU state aid rules and on the implications for fee-setting. 

Context 

Brandenburg’s economy is undergoing structural change, which opens exciting new prospects for highly skilled workers. As the engine of skills development and research, the higher education system will play an important role in helping the state unleash these opportunities. The project aims to help the Brandenburg authorities improve the education outcomes and skills levels of young people through strategic policy measures. It also aims to provide guidance on how the State’s higher education institutions can expand their currently limited offer of re-skilling and up-skilling for mature learners through continuing education and training. 

Support delivered 

As part of this project for the German State of Brandenburg, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) developed policy recommendations to enhance the visibility of higher education in Brandenburg, align the offer with the skills and innovation demand in the State and make it more attractive to prospective students, both from Brandenburg and beyond. The OECD also provided guidance to the higher education sector in Brandenburg on how it can expand the offer of continuing education and training in conformity with EU rules on state aid.   

Results achieved  

Through its analysis of higher education in Brandenburg and a set of specific policy recommendations to the State authorities, the project will contribute to the development of a renewed tertiary education strategy. It will also help create more legal certainty for higher education institutions with regard to offering continuing education and training in conformity if EU state aid rules.

More about the project  

You can consult the final report here: