Postsecondary education in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) is largely the domain of the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education, which is responsible both for higher education and for training carried out in the lower- level technical, engineering, and vocational schools. This paper covers the higher education sector, which has been a major concern to the regime since the end of World War II. The priorities and administrative organization of the colleges and universities are described, with emphasis on political ramifications. Statistical tables are included on student characteristics. (LBH)