The University of Magdeburg aims to retain international talent in Saxony-Anhalt
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is expanding its support for international students as they enter the regional job market. Through its Alumni Ambassador Programme, which has been running since the 2025/26 winter semester, the university connects international students with graduates who are already working in companies and institutions across Saxony-Anhalt and who mentor the students as they start their careers. Since its launch, more than 200 students, 13 ambassadors and 46 regional companies have already taken part in the programme.
Germany trains many international students, but loses some of them on their way into the labour market. According to the German Centre for Higher Education and Science Research, around 400,000 international students were studying in Germany in the 2024/25 winter semester. Around 90 per cent of them were aiming for a degree in Germany, whilst 37 per cent had expressly chosen to study here with the aim of subsequently working in Germany. Furthermore, international students were particularly likely to choose a STEM subject and were more likely than average to plan to remain in Germany after graduation.
More than 13,100 young people are enrolled at the University of Magdeburg in the 2025/26 winter semester, including around 5,300 international students, the majority of whom are in engineering and natural science programmes. According to the President, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan, this means the university has great potential for the labour market in Saxony-Anhalt. “So we already have the skilled workers here in the state,” said Strackeljan. “The crucial question now is whether and how a successful degree in Saxony-Anhalt translates into a job contract. To tackle this challenge together with the business community, we are embarking on an intensive dialogue with committed entrepreneurs in the region.”
In the Alumni Ambassador Programme, international graduates who have already successfully launched their careers in the region support international students with applications, explain the working culture and expectations in German companies, open up networks and establish personal contacts. Matching is carried out via a questionnaire on subject interests and career goals. Following a kick-off event, the pairs continue to work independently, visiting companies, practising job interviews and making use of regular exchange forums.
One of the ambassadors is Tien Duc Le. He completed a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering: Molecular and Structural Product Design at the University of Magdeburg and now works as an engineer at SensoTech in Barleben. As an ambassador, he wants to give something back to the university, says the engineer. “I want to give students early insights into professional prospects and career paths that I myself sometimes lacked during my studies. Direct exchange between alumni and students in particular can help provide guidance, convey practical insights and ease the transition from university to everyday working life. Sharing my professional experience is therefore a great way for me to support others on their own journey,” says Tien Duc Le.
Timon Christ, Head of Recruiting at regiocom SE, says: “The Alumni Ambassador Programme is a great asset to our region and Saxony-Anhalt as a business location. It establishes personal contacts between international students and companies at an early stage – and that is exactly the right approach.”
The Ambassador Programme was launched at the end of 2024 by the Career Service at the University of Magdeburg. “We want to expand it continuously and look forward to welcoming even more ambassadors who would like to participate in the programme. Anyone interested can contact me at any time,” says Nance Kaemmerer from the Career Service at the University of Magdeburg.
The project is supported by the Investment and Marketing Corporation of Saxony-Anhalt.
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Image 1 // Jana Dünnhaupt/University of Magdeburg // Ambassadors from the University of Magdeburg’s Alumni Ambassador Programme at a scholarship event.
