The German Academic Exchange Service on Thursday announced a €120m initiative to fund universities in preparing international students for the labour market.
The programme, supported by Germany’s Education Ministry, aims to address the country’s acute shortage of skilled workers by integrating international talent into its workforce.
The funding will support 114 projects across 104 universities under the “Campus Initiative for International Talents,” which runs until 2028.
“Starting in April, the German Academic Exchange Service will be allocating €120 million to fund universities across the country for the qualification of international students as future specialists,” as published on DAAD’s website.
DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee emphasized the growing need for skilled workers, describing the shortage as “reaching dramatic proportions.”
“German universities want to be a driving force in attracting international skilled workers. This is also reflected in the high level of participation in the calls for proposals for the ‘Campus Initiative’. From April, we will therefore be funding a total of 114 projects at 104 universities in all federal states in order to better pave the way for international talent from university to the German labour market,” President Mukherjee.
He also underscored the role of German universities in attracting and retaining international talent, linking academia and the labor market.
The program is divided into two parts: the FIT program and the Pro Plus program. The FIT program provides comprehensive support for international students throughout their studies, including career counseling and networking with businesses.
The Pro Plus program focuses on graduates with foreign degrees, offering education tailored to the German labor market alongside language and social skill development.
Germany remains a top destination for international students, with an estimated 380,000 enrolled for the 2023/24 winter semester—a record high.
This figure reinforces Germany’s position as the third-most-popular study destination globally, following the United States and the United Kingdom.
