Focusing on the specialized skills of university programs
Germany's Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are making strides in international collaboration, with a strong focus on practical training and application-oriented research. This shift towards global partnerships is evident in various initiatives, such as the German Research Foundation's (DFG) Central Asian exchange programme, which aims to support researchers in Germany and Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The DFG's focus areas for this exchange include digitalisation, sustainable urban development, renewable energies, and resource management. Similarly, the international UAS exchange extends to these topics, highlighting the importance of these areas in the global context.
HTW Berlin and its Australian partner universities are promoting academic exchange for women through the project "Global Women in Engineering and IT". This initiative is part of a broader focus on gender equality in STEM fields. Scotland and Jordan have also been the focus of international DFG-supported UAS exchange.
Research is becoming increasingly important at UAS in Germany. Recent funding proposals submitted by UAS under the "Research at UAS" programme covered topics including nursing science, neurotechnologies, and climate adaptation in rural areas. This shows a commitment to addressing a wide range of challenges through research and innovation.
UAS work closely with industry to prepare students for their careers. Dual programmes at UAS combine academic study with on-the-job training in companies, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the workforce. The Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences is even establishing an international start-up network to foster entrepreneurial spirit among students.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has been promoting extensive networking among UAS for more than five years. This networking has led to the development of a Bachelor’s degree program "Smart Textiles" at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, with partner universities based in Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and Indonesia.
Minister Bär, the Research Minister, has emphasised the importance of these programmes in the international context. She believes that UAS can play to their strengths more effectively by collaborating with partners from around the world. The focus on internationalisation is a key aspect of the future development of UAS in Germany.
The conference in Dortmund in May 2025 demonstrated the breadth of international partnerships among UAS. With these collaborations, Germany's UAS are poised to make significant contributions to global innovation and development.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
