International Skilled Workers

How we see ourselves

Leipzig University provides comprehensive support to international students throughout their studies and beyond:

1. In preparation for their studies: language courses, technical courses and advice on applications and starting studies
2. At the start of their studies: study guidance, integration counselling, welcome offers and induction activities
3. During their studies: German courses, intercultural activities, study path guidance and drop-out counselling
4. At the end of their studies: Career Service, mentoring, career entry advice and contacts with companies
5. Start-up support: integration into start-up projects and support in developing their own start-up projects

With funding from the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), existing structures are being expanded to boost the academic success of international students and make it easier for graduates to enter the world of work. The International Skilled Workers Coordination Group ensures the systematic coordination of all initiatives.

International Talent Coordination Group

Leipzig University’s International Talent Coordination Group was initiated in October 2023 by Matthias Middell, Vice-Rector for Campus Development: Cooperation and Internationalisation. The group includes representatives from the rectorate, individual subjects, institutes and student body as well as from the International Centre, the SEPT Competence Center, the Career Service, the Studienkolleg Sachsen and all relevant administrative units.

The Coordination Group aims to establish a common perspective on the topic to devise a strategy for recruiting international talent to Leipzig University.

• Contact: Prof. Matthias Middell (Vice-Rector for Campus Development: Cooperation and Internationalisation)

Preparatory courses for subjects

The departments at Leipzig University offer preparatory courses for both German and international students. These courses help prospective students refresh their existing knowledge or acquire new skills specifically related to their studies. They can also meet other students and ensure the best possible start to their studies. As part of the strategic promotion of international talent, our preparatory courses and support services are being continuously expanded – especially for international students – for example in English-language degree programmes and STEM subjects.

beneFIT – success in your studies and career

The beneFIT project supports international students in developing their skills and expanding their networks both within the University and on the labour market. It is aimed at all international students at Leipzig University, especially those in STEM subjects and English-language degree programmes. They are given structured access to a wide range of resources designed to boost their academic success and make it easier to enter the world of work. The measures revolve around four key areas:

• Language skills: German for university entrance and the job market, technical German for students
• Intercultural skills: learning and working culture, communication skills
• Systemic skills: guidance on the higher education system and labour market, ensuring academic success
• Social and professional networks: networks within the University, in society and for the job market

The International Centre, Studienkolleg Sachsen and Career Service work closely together on the project. beneFIT forms part of the “FIT” programme run by the DAAD (Promotion of International Talents for Integration into Studies and the Labour Market) with funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

• Contact: Dr Svend Poller (Head of International Centre)

Global Talent Ignite – Empowering International Academics for Start-Up Careers in Germany

Leipzig University’s Global Talent Ignite (GTI) programme strengthens the city’s start-up ecosystem by integrating qualified international specialists into local start-ups and SMEs. The aim is to enhance their employability and ensure their seamless integration into the Saxon labour market. The programme includes a “Certified Innovation Manager” course, project work involving international exchange, as well as internships and a summer school to prepare international academics for the German labour market. A1 and A2 German language courses are also offered to facilitate their integration. We are aiming to qualify 270 participants and fill at least 140 positions in start-ups by 2028.

The project is coordinated by the SEPT Competence Center at Leipzig University as part of the “Profi plus” DAAD programme (Academic Training for the German Labour Market) with funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

• Contact: Prof. Utz Dornberger (Director of SEPT Competence Center)

Academic exchange between Saxony and Vietnam

To promote the recruitment of talent from abroad and foster international relations in the field of education and research, Saxon Science Liaison Offices (SSLO) have been opened in India, Mongolia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Another office in Chile is also being planned. The offices have been set up with state funds under the direction of Saxon universities as part of the Plan of Measures for the Recruitment of International Specialists and Workers.

In July 2024, SSLO Vietnam started its work at Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi University of Science and Technology under the leadership of Leipzig University. The main objectives of SSLO Vietnam are:

• Recruitment of Vietnamese students: offering advice on study opportunities in Saxony with a focus on international master’s programmes in STEM subjects, social sciences and economic sciences.
• Development of joint double degree programmes: working with Vietnamese universities to create innovative degree programmes such as the “Master of Business Administration” with a double degree from the Vietnamese-German University and Leipzig University.
• Research partnerships: promoting collaborative projects such as the DAAD-funded “Bilateral Exchange of Academics” in cooperation with Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
• Talent acquisition: recruiting Vietnamese STEM graduates for start-ups and SMEs in Saxony to meet the demand for skilled workers.

SSLO Vietnam’s partners currently include Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Vietnamese-German University, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.

• Contacts: Prof. Utz Dornberger (Director of SEPT Competence Center) / Dr Pablo Barriga (Coordinator of Saxon Science Liaison Office)
• Contact in Vietnam
  Address: Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh Cityo
  • 4th Floor, German House, 33 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1
  • Office Manager: Ms Hien Nguyen Thanho
  • Phone: +84 917385728
  • Send email