This project aims to develop new instruments to better prepare international students for the German labour market, especially in Saxony-Anhalt. Despite the high proportion of 30 % international students at OVGU, especially in STEM master's programmes, the retention rate remains low, often due to a lack of German-language and intercultural skills. In order to improve students’ prospects of staying in Germany, the OVGU is planning:

1. Introduction of a bilingual bachelor's degree programme in computer science: This degree programme will be offered from the winter semester 2024/25. Students start in their stronger language (English or German) and systematically learn the second language. From the third year of study, lectures are held in German. This is intended to promote the integration of international and German students.
2. Career certificate for international master's students: In cooperation with the regional economy, a programme will be implemented to accompany the studies that teaches language and intercultural skills as well as networking with the regional economy. The aim is to make students fit for the regional job market. Both measures are intended to support academic success through peer mentoring, soft skills training and individual counselling. In addition, the university will intensify its networking with the regional economy through training and networking opportunities for international graduates.

Study Preparation

• Preparation for the establishment of an English-language preparatory college

Study Support

Language measures:

• Regular meetups
• German course integrated into the studies for the bilingual bachelor’s degree in computer science
• German courses throughout the studies for bachelor's and master's students

Subject-area measures:

• Workshops on key skills: goals and time management, academic work
• English-language teaching in the bachelor's degree (was not offered before)
• Curricular German and English courses

Social integration measures:

• Joint activities for better integration into German culture
• Workshops on cultural differences and promotion of cultural exchange through joint cultural evenings
• Peer-to-peer mentoring and individual advice on study-related matters

Preparation for the Labour Market

• Workshops on key competencies: projects, presentations, applications
• Introduction of a career certificate at the OVGU: "KarriereBoost" (bachelor’s) and "KarriereBoost+" (master’s) for international students to increase employability for the regional labour market
• Content: language, culture and integration; personal competencies and soft skills; professional skills and working environment
• Introduction of an alumni ambassador programme for the support of and transfer knowledge to international students
• Expansion in both programmes of even stronger networking with the economy; networking with partner companies

• Support for integration in Germany and especially in university life.
• Counselling services are mainly planned for study-related topics, study planning and course selection, finding topics and supervisors for projects and theses, learning problems, etc.
• Support and advice on starting a career in the local economy