One of the specificities of French higher education is that there is no single higher education system but two compartmentalised and hierarchical higher education systems comprising (1) universities and (2) "grande école" higher education institutions. Competing for a place in the latter requires that students have succeeded in…

In Greece, universities do not have great autonomy. Areas of responsibility and authority of the state and the institutions are not clearly defined. Universities are always under the political supervision of the ministries of education. (MSE)

As a result of social, political, and economic influences (primarily the student movement and budgetary constraints in recent years), West Germany's government has been forced to repeal much of the traditional principle of separation between university and state, and a dangerous trend of formalized administrative participation in higher education…

An analysis of the way Italy has responded to the changing demands that society places on higher education begins with the enrollment boom of the early 1960s and traces the public debate to the present. (MSE)

Trends in higher education in the United Kingdom are analyzed in the context of organizational changes that will abolish the policy distinguishing polytechnic institutions and universities. The article examines historic concerns with the relationship of higher education to needs of the economy, and changes that suggest increased emphasis on…

The meaning and dimensions of "leadership" in universities are examined, the role of the American college president is contrasted with that of his European counterparts, and the historical sources of the American university president's unique role are traced. (MSE)

Three parties in the present Finnish educational debate are identified: those who argue that the government lacks a clear comprehensive view of educational policy; those who defend the results of social democratic policy; and those who argue for economic competitiveness as the main goal of education. (MLW)

Austrian higher education is described with specific reference to the organization and study reforms that Austrian universities have undergone. The increasing number of Austrian students may require continuing reform of the higher education system and the future outlook is discussed. (BH)

The development of the Scottish higher education system over the past century is reviewed. Institutional and administrative structures, growth patterns, and problems that face higher education in Scotland are examined with specific reference to its relationship with higher education throughout the United Kingdom. (BH)