5.4 Meeting with Humboldt University 5.4.1 The German university system differed significantly with the vocational training institutions to such an extent that students who chose vocational training had minimal chances of studying in universities. 5.4.2 The university conducted research that was based on societal needs with little or no political influence. 5.4.3 University councils consisted of university staff and no members of communities or other constituencies were allowed in the council. The councils consisted of 10 members. 5.4.4 The university had a serious drop-out rate which was a major challenge. 5.4.5 The university was considering the possibility of offering free undergraduate education where learning would be fully susbsidised by the state. 5.4.6 The university was willing to admit more international students including those coming from South Africa. 5.4.7 The German political organs respected the institutional autonomy and academic freedom of the universities because the time span of politicians was too short to enable proposed solutions to work effectively. The Committee also supported the autonomy of the universities because the political environment changed from time to time. 5.4.8 The articulation process from vocational education and training to university was in place though it was underutilised. 5.4.9 The university had partnerships with only the best performing Western Cape institutions.