About

International Engineers for Thuringia is a DAAD-funded project within the FIT programme – “Bridging International Talents to Higher Education and the German Labour Market”, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BFTR).

The project supports international Master’s students at TU Ilmenau throughout their studies. Its main goal is to foster academic success and facilitate a smooth transition into engineering careers in Germany.

Through tailored services such as academic advising, language support, and career development activities, the programme helps address the shortage of qualified engineers in Thuringia and supports the long-term integration of international talent into the regional labour market.

The project runs until the end of 2028 and is coordinated by the International Office of TU Ilmenau. It cooperates closely with selected Master’s programmes, the Central Institute for Education (ZIB), and the Department of Virtual Worlds and Digital Games at the Faculty of Economics, Law and Social Sciences.

Target Group

International Students from the Winter Semester 2024/2025 and 2026/2027 Cohorts of the following english-speaking Master Programs, who are interested in pursuing a Career in Thuringia aafter graduation are especially invited to apply:

Communications and Signal Processing (M.Sc.)

Micro- and Nanotechnologies (M.Sc.)

Research in Computer and Systems Engineering (M.Sc.)

Research in Media Engineering (M.Sc.)

Why join the program?

The project’s support program offers international Master’s engineering Students comprehensive assistance before their arrival in Ilmenau, throughout their studies and during their career transition, including but not limited to:

  • Free german language courses from beginner to B1 level in 4 Semesters
  • Language excursions, job-focused language development, language buddy
  • Practical, course related offers and training, Tutorial suport
  • Support with transitioning into the Thuringian labour market: Employer forums, Company visits, Workshops, Alumni contacts, etc
  • Socio-cultural support: Before and after arrival, incuding offers in virtual reality, intercultural and study skills training

How to join

Application deadline for the Winter Semester 2026/2027 is September 30, 2026.

To apply, please send a well-prepared CV and a motivation letter to this email address.

A key requirement for participation is a clear interest in working in Thuringia (Germany) after completing your studies. This intention must be stated in your application.

The International Engineers for Thuringia programme offers a limited number of places (up to 40 students per cohort). Selected participants will benefit from tailored support services that are not otherwise available at the university.

Wherever possible, project activities are also open to all international engineering students, particularly when no participation limits apply.