Attracting international specialists: KU participates in funding program

With a total funding volume of around 120 million euros until 2028, the DAAD supports over 100 German universities. These funds, provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aim to qualify international students for the German labor market and thus counteract the acute shortage of skilled workers in Germany. Universities play a key role here when it comes to integrating international talent into the labor market.

The KU has successfully qualified for the "Promotion of International Talents for Integration into Studies and the Labor Market" (FIT) program, which aims to support international students who are pursuing a degree in Germany. It includes measures at the start of studies, during studies and during the transition to work, with a focus on career-specific advice and support. Another aim is to promote networking between universities, companies and business-related institutions in order to make it easier for international graduates to enter the German job market.

With the title "KU Connect", the University's program will start this April and run until the end of 2028. "We want to increase the academic success of our international students who are aiming for a degree at the KU. To this end, we will expand the range of German courses on offer and improve our already excellent advisory services with targeted events in the area of studies and careers", explains Dr. Anna Marcos, Head of the International Office at the KU. International students are offered advice even before they arrive at the KU. "KU Connect" also aims to strengthen links with regional employers and thus enable graduates with an international background to enter the job market quickly. The project funds will be used, among other things, to finance a new position at the KU dedicated to this task.

With around 380,000 international students in the 2023/2024 winter semester, Germany will record a new high and consolidate its position as one of the world's leading host countries for international students. According to DAAD surveys, many international students choose Germany because of the attractive career prospects. The KU initiative underlines the importance of academic education as a bridge to the job market and emphasizes the role of universities in integrating international specialists into the German economy.