Organization

The higher education system is organized by different types of institutions. The first rank are universities (12 in the country, plus 6 art schools). Parallel to this classic university system, is the "Fachhochschulen" which is public and financed by the federal state, where all the classic subjects are taught. These technical educational institutions were created in 1993 and are equivalent to their German counterpart. They offer an education that is more condensed and more focused in the disciplines relating to economy, tourism, electronics and computer science. Furthermore their status differs noticeably with that of the universities, because financed by both the state and local organisations or by private legal persons (associations or interest groups). In the public or semi-public sector one can also find specialised higher education schools ("Akademien") that offer short course programs (6 semesters) in the fields related to social characteristics.

Furthermore, the "post-baccalaureate courses" offer short technical and industrial degrees that are a good alternative to the classic university system. The university system is exclusively intended for long study programs certified by a "Magister" which permits access to post university studies (Doctorate, Masters...).

The federal state launched in 1993 a series of reforms intended to make the universities autonomous in their budget plans and their organization.