The Merger of a University

The Case of Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), Germany

In 2013, the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus and the University of Applied Sciences of Lusatia were merged due to a decision by the parliament of the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. This article explains the background to this merger, the specific reasons and aims. Furthermore, it presents the phases of the merger and experiences from different perspectives. The case of BTU proves that a merger of two higher education institutions takes time, additional budget and huge engagement of all actors involved.