ABSTRACT
German citizens believe that the education system in their country is less affected by corruption than most other sectors. 2 While most universities and research institutes in Germany comply with high standards of academic integrity, several recent scandals concerning doctoral degrees show that the German system of higher education is not free from bribery and fraud. Estimates suggest that about 600 out of the approximately 25,000 people a year who receive a doctoral degree in Germany have used undue means. 3 Although this is less than 3 per cent, the use of dishonest methods to obtain doctoral degrees can be, and has been, a cause for national furore. Germany 19%
of people see the education system as corrupt or highly corrupt.
Source: Transparency International's ‘Global Corruption Barometer 2013’.