How does an institution shape the future of public administration in Germany? The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung stands as a testament to that very mission. It is more than just a school. It is a training ground for the nation’s future civil servants.
Established in 1979 as the Fachhochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung, the Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung initially lacked its own space. Classes were held in a rented building in Cologne. The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung later moved to Brühl. It formed a community with the Bundesakademie für öffentliche Verwaltung. The Fachhochschule grew so much that the nearby Steuermuseum had to give up its space. In 2014, it was renamed Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung plays a crucial role in training Bundesbeamten. These are federal civil servants. The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung is responsible for the education of those in the higher service. Students are also civil servants on probation. They are preparing for careers in the non-technical administrative service. Some are preparing for the science service like the weather service.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung awards various academic degrees. These include Diplom, Bachelor, and Master degrees. Graduates earn titles like Diplom-Verwaltungswirt and Diplom-Finanzwirt. They can also become Diplom-Meteorologe. A Bachelor of Arts is available in Criminal Police. A Bachelor of Laws degree is offered in Social Insurance and Federal Defence Administration. Since March 1, 2024, it has also been offered in the Finance department.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung is divided into a central area in Brühl and ten departments. Basic studies for programs like General Internal Administration, Federal Police, and Cyber Security take place in Brühl. Other departments conduct basic studies at their locations. Advanced studies occur at the respective departments. The training for intelligence services now takes place in Berlin. It is at the Zentrum für Nachrichtendienstliche Aus- und Fortbildung.
Since 2011, the Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung has offered a Master’s program in Public Administration. It is designed for working professionals. Since 2017, state administration employees can also enroll. Lectures are held in Brühl and Berlin.
Since 2020, the Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung has offered a dual study program in Digital Administration and Cyber Security. The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung program focuses on digitalization and cyber defense. The program includes practical training in federal agencies.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung’s study programs follow specific regulations. The final examination serves as a career examination.
Since 2016, the Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung has had cooperative doctoral rights. This allows graduates to pursue a doctorate at the Deutsche Universität für Verwaltungswissenschaften Speyer.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung is overseen by the Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat. All federal ministries share responsibility.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung has several locations. The main campus is in Brühl. Other departments are in Berlin, Kassel, Langen, Lübeck, Mannheim, Münster, and Wiesbaden.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung once had an external office in Haar near Munich. It closed in 2019.
Notable alumni include Dirk Niebel, a former Federal Minister, and Max-Peter Ratzel, a former Europol director. Former faculty include Ernst-Heinrich Ahlf and Armin Schuster.
The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of public administration. The Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung remains a vital institution for shaping Germany’s future leaders.