Project

The project “MIN-Studium international: Förderung für den Hamburger Arbeitsmarkt” - “MIN För Hamburg” for short - is aimed at international students intending to graduate, with a specific focus on the STEM (MIN) field, which is especially affected by the shortage of skilled workers.

With funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the DAAD supports German universities with the “FIT” program (Promotion of International Talent for Integration into Studies and the Labour Market) as part of the Campus Initiative for International Talents to prepare international prospective students specifically for the requirements of studying in Germany and to facilitate their integration into their studies and subsequent transition into the German job market.

To this end, “FIT” promotes the development of measures to prepare, support and ensure the success of international students at German universities.

The total of 89 projects at German universities started funding on April 1, 2024 and will run until December 31, 2028. The “MIN för Hamburg” project is divided into four modules:

FIT to Hamburg

UHH/Vogiatzis

From the time of enrolment, students in the program receive support in organizing their entry and the start of their studies (information and advice on visas, finding accommodation, networking, studying in Germany).

FIT for your studies

During your studies, there are subject-specific language courses in German and English (e.g. German for first-year students), tutorials to share your study experience in Hamburg, workshops on living and studying in a foreign country and much more.

FIT for the job market

UHH/Vogiatzis

This module prepares students specifically for the job market in Germany. It includes language courses on starting a career (e.g. German in education for teacher training students), job application training and formats on work culture in German companies, as well as a mentoring program and information on residence regulations after graduation.

FIT for networking

The last module is about networking with potential employers in Hamburg and with international alumni of UHH: networking opportunities, alumni events and mentoring are intended to facilitate an early exchange with companies in Hamburg and thus promote career entry.

Cooperations

As a project, we are cooperating with a variety of institutions and organisations within the University of Hamburg and the City hamburg. Here is an overview of our current cooperations.

Cooperations within the University of Hamburg

Department of International Affairs
The Department of International Affairs offers advice and support for international students on residence law issues. It also coordinates the project “PIASTA - Intercultural Living and Studying”. A service offered by the Department of International Affairs at Universität Hamburg. With various events, the Welcome Week and networking opportunities, PIASTA creates a space for intercultural exchange.
Career Center
The Career Center offers students and graduates of Universität Hamburg support in planning their career path. It offers advice as well as various workshops and networking opportunities. Within MIN För Hamburg, events are designed specifically for international students of the participating subject groups and exchange opportunities with employers in the Hamburg region are created.
Language Center
The Language Center offers interdisciplinary language courses from level B1 for students and employees of the University of Hamburg. As part of the MIN För Hamburg project, the Language Center is designing new language courses in German and English for international students to start their studies and for communication in companies or educational institutions.
Center for Academic Advising
The Central Student Advisory Service offers advice, workshops and coaching on all topics related to studying. Starting with study applications and recognition of foreign education, through offers on study organization, to advice on study doubts and other topics, together with the Psychological Counselling Service.
Hamburg Research Academy
The contact point for all topics relating to doctorates and academic careers, with advice and workshops.
Alumni Network, coordination: Noomi Peter
The alumni network enables former students and staff to stay in touch with the university even after graduation. Join in!
UHHMG
As a subsidiary of the University of Hamburg, UHHMG organizes various events for the University of Hamburg, such as the annual stellenwerk job fair.
Universitäts-Gesellschaft Hamburg e.V.
The Universitäts-Gesellschaft Hamburg (UGH) promotes transdisciplinary dialog and cooperation between science, business and society. It supports the transfer of knowledge through events and various funding formats.

Cooperations within the City of Hamburg

Hamburg Welcome Center
The Hamburg Welcome Center offers a general new citizen service, advice on childcare, school, health, housing, leisure and much more. After making an appointment, the first registration and the first issue of the residence permit for international students takes place here.
TUHH, "FITIng in Germany" project
The TUHH's FITIng project, which is also funded by the DAAD FIT program, offers international students at the TU Hamburg various forms of support during their studies.
Hamburg Invest, Talentservice
The Talentservice aims to bring together talented job seekers with suitable companies. To this end, they offer various events and support formats for companies and job seekers.
Arbeiterkind e.V.
Arbeiterkind e.V. is committed to helping students from working-class families (first generation students) - i.e. people who are the first in their family to go to university.

MIN För Hamburg is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the Campus Initiative internationale Fachkräfte. MIN För Hamburg is part of the FIT: Förderung internationaler Talente zur Integration in Studium und Arbeitsmarkt project which runs from 2024–2028.

Photo: BMBF

Photo: DAAD