Higher education is mainly seen as a task of the state in Europe. Since the turn of the century, however, non-state higher education has seen a strong development in most countries of the European Union. For many students, it has become a real alternative.  This development is indicative of:  • civil society’s commitment to the common good, • the pursuit of diversity in higher education, • the desire for more autonomy in higher education, • competition as an effective driver of innovation, quality and efficiency in higher education.  Klaus Hekking gives an overview of the development of non-state higher education in Europe and the political, legal and economic conditions that apply to it.