Despite sharp criticism from all Hessian universities, the Higher Education Pact for the years 2026 to 2031 has also been signed by THM . The state government is significantly reducing university budgets in the coming years: In 2026, the total budget will decrease by approximately 30 million euros, before returning to the 2025 level in 2027 and then growing moderately from 2028 onward. Consolidation and staff reductions are unavoidable, as the upcoming 5.5 percent pay increase will not be offset. The six-year planning security and the realization that there will be no additional funding from the state government ultimately persuaded THM to sign.
“We take the state government’s need for austerity seriously, but consider the financial resources completely inadequate,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems, President of the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen . “A structural shortfall in the tens of millions is forcing us to implement a near-complete hiring freeze. Nevertheless, without this agreement, we would have faced massive planning uncertainty and additional financial disadvantages.”
Over the six-year term, THM will face a shortfall in the mid-tens of millions of euros. The exact amount is currently being calculated jointly with Departments and administration, and the resulting consequences are being formulated. The presidium has a clear timeframe: decisions regarding staffing levels and study programs will be agreed upon through dialogue by autumn.
“We are heading towards a time of tighter budgets and will have to streamline some Degree Courses or offer them only annually,” Willems explains. “Nevertheless, the quality of our teaching remains our top priority. Digital formats, interdisciplinary collaborations, and process optimizations should help to relieve the burden on staff and optimally prepare students for their professional lives.” He praises the fact that individual programs, such as funding through hessian.AI and parts of the Digital Pact for Higher Education, are being transferred into a more flexible base budget within the pact, which will at least bring some bureaucratic relief.
With a cautious hiring policy and a conservative approach to resources, THM has already been responding to the emerging outcome of the pact negotiations since the beginning of the year. Students and staff are not expected to feel the effects of the cuts until 2026: The reduction in student assistant positions and restrictions on resources will be implemented gradually. Dialogue with the Senate, staff representatives, and student representatives remains intensive; all cost-saving measures will be communicated transparently.
“We look to the coming years with concern, but not resignation,” President Willems emphasizes. The past few weeks in particular have also fostered a positive sense of community: For example, presidium , staff council, administration, and faculty all participated in the demonstration organized by the student union (AStA) for better funding. “Together with our students and staff, we will overcome this bottleneck – with a clear focus on outstanding teaching and future viability.”
- The press release and perspective of the HMWK can be found here.
- The Higher Education Pact 2026-2031 is available as a PDF for download
- The universities' minutes of the pact are also available as a PDF .
