Future-oriented education: New funding program at the Cologne Sports University!

Future-oriented education: New funding program at the Cologne Sports University!

The German Sport University Cologne (DSHS) has launched a new program that aims to significantly promote the academic future of students. This program entitled “Teaching Support for Academic Future Readiness” is intended to ensure high-quality education that meets both current academic standards and innovative approaches. The aim is to prepare students for solutions to future challenges, including preventing physical inactivity, promoting social integration, improving health in an aging population, sustainable living and digitalization. 

A total of 20,000 euros is available for this funding program, which will be distributed across a maximum of five selected projects. In addition to financial support, the funding also includes measures such as teaching load relief, external coaching and travel allowances. The application deadline for interested teachers ends on June 30, 2025, and the funding period extends from August 2025 to March 2026, with the relevant events taking place in the winter semester of 2025/26. In November 2025, there will also be a new call for proposals for lecturers who would like to teach in the 2026 summer semester. Further information can be found on the university's website and in the associated website Tender in PDF format.

Impact on education

The education system in Germany is characterized by a large number of regional differences, as the federal states can shape education policy independently. This cultural sovereignty raises numerous questions in practice, as the quality and type of education depends heavily on the respective region. There is no uniform education system in Germany, which affects the general school system and other areas of education. Although compulsory schooling usually begins in the year the child reaches the age of six, this can be postponed by one year if a child is found not to be “school-ready”.

Compulsory schooling usually extends until the age of 18 and is divided into full-time and part-time compulsory schooling. Full-time compulsory education usually covers 9 or 10 years at general schools, while part-time compulsory education applies to young people who do not attend school full-time. These differences and the diversity of school types, which range from primary school to various secondary levels, show the complexity of the German education system.

Diversity in the education system

The German education system consists of five major educational areas that enable the transition to different educational qualifications. These areas are:

• Elementarbereich
• Primarbereich
• Sekundarbereich I
• Sekundarbereich II
• Tertiärbereich

The elementary sector includes institutions such as crèches, kindergartens and preschools, whose attendance is not compulsory, but attracts over 90% of 3 to 6 year olds in Germany. In the primary sector, which covers primary school, a school career recommendation is made at the end of primary school. In the lower secondary level, a distinction is made between different types of schools such as secondary school, secondary school and grammar school, which offer different educational programs.

In addition, at the upper secondary level there is the opportunity to choose various educational paths that lead to general education and vocational schools. Access to these facilities depends on the respective school qualification. Finally, the tertiary sector includes universities, technical colleges and other types of higher education that enable graduates to qualify for the professional world and obtain a doctorate.

In view of these developments and the DSHS's initiatives to strengthen academic quality, it is clear that education in Germany is constantly changing and must adapt to current needs in order to promote successful and sustainable solutions.