The origins, ethos, academic organization, and funding basis of the first private universities in Germany (University of Witten/Herdecke) and Great Britain (University of Buckingham) are described and compared, and their roles within their respective higher education systems are discussed. The general value of nonstate universities is examined.…

Analyzes important forms of adult education in Germany, France, and Spain in relation to the European process of political unification and its homogenizing impact on national systems of education. Finds that state-supported schools can still compete against the market-oriented institutions offering vocational education. (CFR)