The higher education system of the GDR is a unified one, with over 50 university level institutions and about 200 technical colleges (Fachscule). At the national level the functions of minister and ministry, and the various advisory bodies, are described. This includes a variety of interlocking responsibilities since many institutions belong to ministries whose manpower needs they serve. The administration of the colleges is also complex. Superficially the old German structure is maintained. There is, however, a strong responsibility towards the students and their success. There is also a clear distinction between advisory and executive powers. The academic boards and other bodies are all consultative in nature, since the executive power is in the hands of a small group of state appointed officials with personal responsibility to the government. On the other hand the general labour laws give the trade unions considerable constraining powers and the right to intervene. The youth organisation (which also acts as student union) also has built‐in rights and duties. The executive officials therefore have to act within these constraints. The Socialist Unity Party (SED) is the major party in the country, with its members organised at their work place, unlike the other four. Since its members meet on equal terms, whatever their role as employees, they become collectively the leading force within their place of work. The interweaving of the official roles with those of the trade union and youth organisation, and these with the party, give the GDR system of higher education a character which differs markedly from that of the Western world.