Attention students: apply for funds for better teaching now!

Attention students: apply for funds for better teaching now!

On April 23, 2025, the student parliament of the Heidelberg University of Education officially opened the process for submitting proposals for the use of quality assurance funds (QSM) for the winter semester 2025/2026. From now on, all students are invited to submit applications that serve to improve the quality of studies and teaching. This initiative reflects the ongoing efforts to optimize academic education at the university and to support students' everyday study life.

Applications that include teaching assignments must be submitted by the responsible teacher. The funds provided will be distributed evenly across the three faculties and the central facilities. However, it is important to note that only those applications that concern the approval period from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 will be considered. Applications must be received by the Student Parliament by email by May 10, 2025 at the latest; The application form must be used.

Distribution and use of quality assurance resources

The distribution of quality assurance funds is carried out in accordance with a regulation that came into force on December 31, 2011 in connection with the abolition and compensation of tuition fees. Since then, every university, including the Heidelberg University of Education, has received 280 euros per student annually from state funds. These funds are divided into two main periods: from January 1st to September 30th and from October 1st to December 31st.

For the winter semester, the funds from the budget of the second period and a third of the first period will be used. The allocation of funds is organized by the faculties, with the faculty boards deciding how to manage the allocated funds. Decentralized quality assurance commissions review the applications and make recommendations for financing. The expenditure of the quality assurance funds must be approved by the students.

Growing federal influence on university funding

In a broader context, the financing structure of universities in Germany has changed over the years. According to the University Rectors' Conference (HRK), almost 90 percent of the funding for universities comes from the public sector: around 75 percent from the states and 15 percent from the federal government, mostly for research projects. However, this dependence of universities on state funding represents a challenge, as many countries have difficulty ensuring sufficient basic funding.

The university pact, launched in 2007, is intended to meet the growing demands on university studies. In addition, an amendment to the Basic Law was passed in 2015, which grants the federal government expanded co-financing rights, which also affects the financing of teaching. The HRK therefore calls for a fundamental reform of university financing in order to create a balanced relationship between state and private financing.

The current tenders for quality assurance resources at the Heidelberg University of Education are not only a sign of the commitment of students and teachers, but also part of a larger trend in higher education that aims at quality and relevance. This contributes to increasing the attractiveness of higher education in Germany and promotes a sustainable, future-oriented education market.