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Universities in competition
University ranking systems grade the quality of research and teaching at institutes of higher education according to several indicators – they are meant to be an orientation aid above all for prospective students.
In the early 1990s university rankings became common also in Germany as news magazines began to publish "hitlists“ of the "best“ German universities – not always to the delight of the institutions concerned. At the time, the criteria for what was deemed "best“ were highly controversial.
In 2002, the Centre for University Development (CHE) compiled a first comprehensive German university ranking system. Ever since, there are annual evaluations of degree courses and faculties measuring around 30 indicators. Variable data such as student numbers, the average study duration, the number of graduations or the amount of third-party funds raised are considered as well as student and staff judgements on the quality of teaching, on the atmosphere at the university or on library and other equipment.
For the 2008/2009 ranking, over 250 universities and universities of applied science were looked at by the CHE. The media partner of the CHE, DIE ZEIT, published the results for 2.500 faculties and approx. 7.500 degree courses – 200.000 students and 15.000 professors were consulted.
Additionally, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has a research ranking which measures how attractive German universities are to international scientists. Following the introduction of the Humboldt scholarship, successful international candidates can select which host universities are best suited to their needs - accordingly, the number of Humboldt scientists at an institution admits conclusions on the research achievements and international prospects of the university.
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