German-French University

Overview

The Deutsch-Französische Hochschule (DFH), also known as the Université franco-allemande (UFA) in French and the Franco-German University (FGU) in English, is an international institution established in 1997 to promote academic cooperation between Germany and France. The DFH facilitates the development and support of integrated bi-national and tri-national degree programs, fostering bilingual and bicultural education. As of 2023, it oversees 194 degree programs offered by 210 partner institutions across 134 cities in Germany, France and other countries, enrolling approximately 6,100 students annually.

Historical and Legal Framework

The DFH was founded following the Weimar Agreement signed in September 1997 by the French and German Ministries of Foreign Affairs. This intergovernmental agreement aimed to strengthen academic ties between the two nations. The institution commenced operations in 1999 and is headquartered in Saarbrücken, Germany. It operates as an international legal entity with its own legal personality, jointly funded by the German and French governments, reflecting a commitment to bilateral collaboration in higher education.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The DFH's mission is to enhance Franco-German cooperation in higher education and research by:

• Initiating, evaluating and financially supporting integrated degree programs.
• Promoting student and researcher mobility between Germany and France.
• Encouraging the development of bilingual and bicultural competencies among graduates.
• Facilitating joint research projects and doctoral programs.
• Strengthening the European dimension of higher education.

Through these objectives, the DFH contributes to the creation of a European Higher Education Area, aligning with the goals of the Bologna Process.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The DFH's governance structure includes:

• Presidency and Secretariat: Responsible for the daily administration and strategic direction.
• University Council: Provides oversight and guidance on academic and administrative matters.
• General Assembly of Member Universities: Comprises representatives from affiliated institutions, influencing policy and decision-making.
• Scientific Committee: Advises on academic standards and program quality.
• Assessment Groups: Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives.
• Field-of-Study Groups: Focus on specific academic disciplines to ensure relevance and quality.
• Student Representatives: Ensure student perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

These bodies work collaboratively to maintain the DFH's independence and ensure its operations align with its mission and objectives.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the DFH does not function as an accrediting agency, it plays a crucial role in maintaining high academic standards by:

• Developing and implementing quality assurance mechanisms for joint degree programs.
• Facilitating external evaluations by academic experts from both Germany and France.
• Ensuring that programs adhere to the principles of the Bologna Process, including transparency, recognition and quality assurance.
• Providing financial and administrative support to enhance program quality and sustainability.

Through these activities, the DFH contributes to the continuous improvement of higher education quality in the Franco-German context.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The DFH fosters international cooperation by:

• Maintaining a network of 210 partner institutions across Germany, France and other countries.
• Supporting trinational programs that involve institutions from beyond the Franco-German axis.
• Collaborating with European and international organizations to promote multilingual and multicultural education.
• Encouraging the mobility of students, researchers and faculty members to enhance cross-cultural understanding and academic exchange.

These efforts strengthen the global presence and impact of the DFH and its partner institutions.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the DFH aims to:

• Expand its network of partner institutions to include more European and international universities.
• Develop new degree programs that address emerging global challenges and interdisciplinary fields.
• Enhance digital learning opportunities to increase accessibility and flexibility for students.
• Strengthen its role as a model for international academic cooperation and integration.

Through these initiatives, the DFH seeks to continue its contribution to the development of a cohesive and dynamic European Higher Education Area.

Summary

The Deutsch-Französische Hochschule (DFH) is a pivotal institution in fostering Franco-German academic cooperation. By supporting integrated degree programs, promoting bilingual and bicultural education and facilitating mobility and research collaboration, the DFH plays a significant role in shaping the future of higher education in Europe. Its commitment to quality, innovation and international cooperation ensures its continued relevance and impact in the global academic community.

FAQs

• What is the DFH?
  The DFH is an international institution that promotes Franco-German cooperation in higher education through integrated degree programs and research initiatives.
• When was the DFH established?
  The DFH was founded in 1997 following the Weimar Agreement between France and Germany.
• How many institutions are part of the DFH network?
  The DFH collaborates with 210 partner institutions across Germany, France and other countries.
• What types of programs does the DFH support?
  The DFH supports bi-national and tri-national degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
• Where is the DFH headquartered?
  The DFH's administrative offices are located in Saarbrücken, Germany.

Organization Name

German-French University
Deutsch-Französische Hochschule - Université Franco-Allemande

Acronym

DFH-UFA

Year of Establishment

1997

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Villa Europa Kohlweg 7
Saarbrücken
66123 Saarland Germany

Phone

+49 (681) 93812 100

Fax

+49 (681) 93812 111

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

German-French University's Facebook page

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German-French University's X page

LinkedIn

German-French University's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

German-French University's YouTube channel

Instagram

German-French University's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

German-French University's Wikipedia article

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