27 January 2026

Joint press release by Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences

Reforms that affect the entire higher education system in Thuringia must be measured in terms of impact, cost and feasibility. With this in mind, the Thuringian universities of applied sciences (HAW) Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences welcome the announcement by the Thuringian Ministry of Science to begin talks on the future organisation of the higher education system. At the same time, they urge that decisions of such importance should only be made on the basis of reliable analyses, transparent cost estimates and realistic implementation periods.

In view of tight public budgets and far-reaching demographic changes, the universities are expressly committed to reforms. „We are in favour of the targeted further development of the Thuringian higher education system - out of a sense of responsibility for the efficient use of public funds and to safeguard our performance,“ explain the participating university management teams. Reforms should start where they demonstrably ensure quality and pool resources sensibly. In particular, the central role of universities in the regions for strengthening innovative power, local links with business, politics and administration as well as transfer, research and democracy building must be taken into account.
Against this backdrop, the Thuringian universities of applied sciences are in favour of further developing the system along clear political guidelines, while at the same time allowing the universities to take responsibility for the specific structure. According to the universities, a HAW alliance of four independent state universities of applied sciences would enable targeted further development where joint services, harmonised profiles and binding cooperation actually increase quality and efficiency. A large-scale, less differentiated structural decision, on the other hand, would entail high costs, risks and long transition phases without automatically guaranteeing better results.
The goal remains an efficient, sustainable higher education system for Thuringia based on individual responsibility, cooperation and realistic solutions. „A strong higher education system is created through intelligent cooperation, clear responsibilities and reliable framework conditions,“ said the university management.
The universities have announced that they will continue to contribute constructively and with concrete proposals to the upcoming talks. They expect a transparent process in which different development options are openly examined and their consequences are clearly stated.

Contact:
Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
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