Can English-taught degree programmes do more than attract international students? Can they also help retain graduates and support their transition into the labour market?
While demographic change and declining interest in STEM studies are expected to increase the demand for skilled professionals, English-taught degree programmes in Germany have grown rapidly in recent years, alongside a rise in the number of international students. But attracting international students is only part of the story. What happens after graduation?
At the EUROSTUDENT Talks on October 29, Dr Axel Oberschelp and Dr Susanne Jaudzims (both from DZHW) presented new findings on the role of English-taught degree programmes in addressing Germany’s future shortage of academically qualified professionals, particularly in STEM fields. Their presentation focused on what happens to international graduates after university, including their decisions to stay in Germany and their transition into the German labour market. They also discussed factors that can shape this transition, such as language skills, career orientation, institutional support, and graduates’ own plans and decisions.
Rewatch the webinar to explore whether English-taught degree programmes can contribute not only to attracting international students, but also to securing the skilled professionals Germany needs — and what other countries might learn from the German experience.