FAU’s Student FIT 4 FAU programme supports international students with tailored offerings to promote their academic success and integration into the German labour market. The programme bundles and expands existing support services in the areas of study ability, intercultural competence, German as a foreign language and employability. These measures not only improve academic success, but also integration into German society and increase students’ employability. International students can acquire complementary skills throughout the student life cycle, which are documented in an e-portfolio. If they successfully complete at least two modules, they will receive the "Fit 4 FAU certificate", which confirms their additional qualifications. The programme is centrally located under the umbrella of an International Student Service Point (ISS) to ensure optimal support before and during the studies. Various FAU institutions are involved. The project will run in five phases, from introduction in 2024 to permanent implementation in 2028.

Study Support

• German courses (with professional relevance, German for technicians and scientists) as well as integration into the language centre’s German course programme
• Semester courses during the study programme
• Development of a linguistic repertoire suitable for the academic background, which also increases employability in medium-sized companies with German communication language
• Establishment of an International Student Service Point
• FAU Launchpad "Successful studies"
• Workshops to improve study skills
• Study coaching and writing workshop
• Explanatory video (legal and practical aspects of working life, tips for finding a part-time job)
• Blended learning offerings on intercultural competence
• Student events and networking meetings

Preparation for the Labour Market

• Establishment of a cooperative network with key players in the region
• Development of a regional employer database
• Establishment of a series of in-person lectures in English with employers from the region who hire students with little or no knowledge of German after graduation.
• Establishment and support of a LinkedIn network for international students who are just starting their careers and our network partners.
• Explanatory video about the legal and practical aspects of working life in Germany as well as tips on finding a part-time job
• Regular virtual lectures on job-related topics, (written application, preparation for a job interview, orientation on the German labour market)
• Counselling services
• Career Café
• One-day compact courses (acquisition of intercultural and labour market-relevant skills)

• Residency law
• Visa
• Housing
• Living in Germany
• German labour market
• Job applications
• Tips for finding a (part-time) job
• Vocational orientation