Bielefeld's university shines once again as a pioneer for family-friendliness!

Bielefeld's university shines once again as a pioneer for family-friendliness!

On July 1, 2025, Bielefeld University was awarded the “Family-Friendly University” certificate for the seventh time in a row. This honor, which was presented at a ceremony on June 17th by Mareike Wulf, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, recognizes the university's ongoing efforts to promote the compatibility of work, study and family. The awarding of the certificate is part of a series of initiatives launched by the non-profit Hertie Foundation to encourage universities to create sustainable, family-friendly working and study conditions Hamburg.de reported.

Before recertification, the university underwent a thorough assessment by an external auditor. Dr. Elisabeth Mantl described the university as a “beacon of family-friendly universities” and recommended further certification based on the positive assessment of its programs and measures.

Family-friendliness measures

Bielefeld University's action program includes various initiatives that aim to improve the academic and social environment for parents and families. This includes, among other things, the establishment of a parent-child room (B3-140), which serves as a place of residence and work for parents with children. The university also plans to introduce holiday childcare services during selected school holidays. These offers and other measures are part of a comprehensive plan that focuses on the topics of family friendliness, equality, accessibility, inclusion, health, diversity and sustainability.

As part of the new program, the existing parent-child group for students and doctoral candidates will also be continued, while a new exchange group for students and employees with complex family responsibilities will be created in order to strengthen dialogue and support in these matters.

In addition to Bielefeld University, other institutions such as Bremen University of Applied Sciences, Paderborn University and Siegen University also received certification for their family-friendly measures. This development shows that interest in family-friendly universities is constantly increasing.

Comparison with other universities

A look at other universities like this University of Heidelberg, which has been certified as a “family-friendly university” since 2010, illustrates the relevance of this topic. In 2023, Heidelberg University carried out its fifth successful application for the “berufundfamilie” certificate. Your action program for the years 2023-2026 includes extensive measures to support the compatibility of study, work and family, including working time arrangements, expanded childcare options and a dual career service.

Overall, it can be seen that family-friendly structures and programs significantly improve both degree programs and the working conditions of teachers and administrative staff. Universities that take part in the “family-friendly university audit” send an important signal of their commitment in this area and contribute to family-friendliness becoming increasingly important in educational institutions.