In the German education system, Studienrat is an official title and rank for tenured higher teachers at secondary schools (Gymnasium), tenured higher scientific teachers at vocational schools, technical colleges and further education colleges (Berufsschule, Berufskolleg, Fachschule) teaching at least till Bachelor's level and for Senior lecturers and Assistant professors at universities.

Like police officers, politicians, judges, members of the administration or military a Studienrat is part of the same salary and ranking system.

[6] The degree of Master of Education, which was established 2005 under the Bologna Process is accepted as equal to the "First State Examination for Teachers"(1.

[12][13] Holders of a Magister degree (Master) and a doctorate can be accepted under some circumstances (extensive amount of published work) for the title/rank of Studienrat, too.

Granting this title/rank makes the holder a Beamter (civil servant having tenure), employed by the German[clarification needed] government.