As an integral part of the educational system, institutions of higher education provide an academic education. They include the following institutions as far as they are recognised by the state: universities, comprehensive universities, colleges of education, colleges of theology, colleges of art, specialised colleges of higher education (Fachhochschulen) and colleges of public administration. Official statistics of higher education provide basic information for planning and structuring the system of higher education. The information covers the number of students, new entrants, graduates, persons with a postdoctoral lecturing qualification, visiting students (i.e. non-enrolled guest students), and total staff at institutions of higher education (e.g. by field of study, age, sex). In addition, data on posts and the stock of rooms as well as on the financial situation of institutions of higher education is collected. Besides the more detailed final results, some basic figures on the number of students and on staff are published much earlier on a preliminary basis.
Students
The term "students" refers to full-time students regularly enrolled. Students on sabbatical and guest students are not included. New entrants in the first semester in higher education are students who are enrolled at an institution of higher education in Germany for the first time. New entrants in the first subject-related semester refers to students who have registered for a specific field of study for the first time. Usually, new entrants in the first semester in higher education are at the same time new entrants in the first subject-related semester. However, since part of the students change their subject during their studies, the number of new entrants in the first subject-related semester is larger than the number of new entrants in the first semester in higher education.
Examinations
Statistics of examinations cover the final examinations passed by students. A distinction is made between university diplomas, bachelor/master degrees, doctoral degrees (PhD), state examinations for the teaching profession and diplomas received by specialised colleges of higher education (Fachhochschulen). Students who have successfully passed their final examinations are classified as graduates.
The postdoctoral lecturing qualification is obtained by passing a particular exam enjoying the highest rank among all academic examinations. Persons who have passed this examination may apply for the position of a professor.
Staff at institutions of higher education
Statistics on staff include all individuals employed at institutions of higher education, whether full-time or part-time (on 1st December). A general distinction is made between academic and creative arts staff (scientists) and non-academic staff (such as technical, administrative and other personell).
