THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN BELARUS

The current reform of higher education in Belarus is briefly described. The system is being adapted to a market economy and to national independence. The reform process is affecting institutional structures, curricula, the types of course programmes offered, the degree/diploma structure, and the language of instruction.     

HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The article gives an aperçu of the development of higher education in the Czech Republic from 1990 to 1993. The Higher Education Law of 4 May 1990 provides for the greater democratization of higher education structures and for increased institutional autonomy. Accreditation boards have been created. An Act of 9 July 1991 led to the creation of five new universities through the reform and amalgamation of pre‐existing institutions. Principles for a law setting up student tuition fees are given.     

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

The below information concerns the establishment of a new university level institution in the German Democratic Republic ‐‐ the Technische Hochschule in Leipzig.     

EXPANSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

In the Federal Republio of Germany, institutions of higher education will encounter an increase in demand for student places during the 1980's. This demand is expected in the mid‐1980's to reach 850,000 places. At the same time substantial changes, concerning job opportunities for higher education graduates, will take place on the labour market.

The following information is based on the analyses and recommendations, concerning the above problems, which were presented in the report of the FRG Scientific Council (Wissenschaftsrat) entitled “Recommendations on the Structure and Extent of Higher Education”.     

USE OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION BY THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

After a certain period of relactance and objective difficulties the use of television as an educational medium in the institutions of higher education is now increasing. The following article, written for “Higher Education in Europe” by Drs. Rainhard Borm and Sigrid Borm from the Institute of Higher Education at the Berlin Humboldt University, presents the current situation with regard to the application of educational television in the educational process by the institutions of higher education in the German Democratic Republic.     

EQUIVALENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION ‐‐ A VIEW FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

The authors of this article make a plea for the rationalization and the streamlining of the procedures for granting recognition of foreign diplomas and studies and for obtaining rulings as to their equivalence. The removal of the remaining economic barriers among the countries of the European Community at the end of 1992 is bound to stimulate the mobility of students, graduates, and job seekers, many of whom already, on an individual basis, think of themselves as members of an international community. What is needed, in addition to a strong commitment to the very ideas of mobility, equivalence, and recognition of diplomas as well as efficient means for making decisions on these questions, is goodwill, increased flexibility, and easy access to accurate and up‐to‐date information for both seekers and granters. Also, professional licensing procedures for foreign workers will need to be liberalized.     

HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING IN THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

The scientific, technological and social demand resulting from the GDR's advanced level of development has led to continuously growing tasks not only with regard to the traditional functions of higher education hut also to those which enlarge the possibilities for further professional, social and cultural development. The following article, written for “Higher Education in Europe” by Professor Willi Wolter of the Institute of Higher Education at Humboldt University in Berlin, presents these aspects of the GDR's higher education.