Berlin before a university crisis: up to 25,000 study places in danger!

Berlin before a university crisis: up to 25,000 study places in danger!

something is brewing in Berlin: The Senate plans drastic budget cuts of up to 15 percent for universities. This could lead to a deficit of 140 million euros in the university, reports ZDF today . Joachim Müller, President of the University Rectors' Conference, has already been concerned about the far -reaching consequences of these savings, which could result, among other things, the closure of courses. The call for mobilization comes from the ranks of the students: Luca Schenk plans a rally against the cuts on July 14th.

The reactions from science are clear: Geraldine Rauch, President of the Technical University of Berlin, warns of massive cuts. "We urgently need financial resources for the renovation of buildings," she says. These houses are often not usable, which is anything but relieved. To make matters worse, the scientific employees also take care of their positions. According to estimates, up to 25,000 study places could be lost at state universities, which is still full of the already crowded lecture halls.

challenges for the university location

Science Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD) recognizes the difficulties that result from the planned cuts. She has already announced talks to determine the need for teacher students. "Less can be expected with less money," said Czyborra. The red-black government has also planned savings of a total of 250 million euros in the scientific budget for the next year, the reported rbb24

The current developments also throw a light on the entire system of university financing in Germany. Since the 1970s, the university system has been underfunded, as can be seen on BildungsServer . Forecasts show that the number of students will remain high by 2025, while the financial challenges for universities are increasing steadily. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the care rate without the financing being adjusted accordingly.

A concept for remedy, the activating university financing (AktiHF), is a solution in the room. However, it becomes clear that serious decisions have to be made in order to adapt the existing contracts with the universities and to cover necessary expenses. The Berlin Senator for science intends to negotiate, but time is pushing and the pressure is high.

The coming weeks should be decisive: whether and how the situation of the universities in Berlin calms down remains to be seen.