The German Federal Government focuses on education and research

The budget of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research will rise in 2012 to a new record of 12.8 billion euros. In comparison to 2011 this is an increase of almost 10 per cent. This is part of a government bill which has been passed by the Federal Cabinet on July 5.

"The Federal Government deliberately focuses its work on education and research. Due to this strategy Germany has emerged from the economic and financial crises stronger than before. To invest in intellectual capabilities ist the only way to stimulate and develop existing potentials. Especially in a country with few natural resources like Germany this is a vital investment in the future", said the Federal Minister of Education and Research Annette Schavan.

Apart from the academic sector, major investments are made in the modernisation and strengthening of vocational education. There is a special focus on young under-performers who often grow up in socially, financially und culturally precarious situations.