Increased Guidance and Incentives for Foreign Students, According to Tullner (CDU)
Invigorating Magdeburg: Promoting International Student Retention
Marco Tullner, CDU's higher education representative in Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament, advocates for strengthened strategies and incentives to attract and retain international students. Faced with demographic shifts and a workforce deficit, Saxony-Anhalt urgently needs to reform its policies for non-EU students.
Tullner acknowledges Saxony-Anhalt's appeal as a global academic hub, but argues that international scholars studying here at no cost should contribute to the country post-graduation. This could occur through employment, taxes, or deferred tuition contributions.
Around 62% of international graduates forsake Germany in the long term, according to nationwide surveys. Thus, Tullner proposes incentives like career development programs and fair repatriation regulations to keep these eager minds within the nation's borders.
Currently, Saxony-Anhalt boasts approximately 11,000 international students across its universities.
Revitalized ideas and proposals for student retention are on the table for Germany, even if the specifics for Saxony-Anhalt remain somewhat elusive. Here are some general strategies:
Common Incentives
- Work Flexibility: Germany encourages international students to balance their academic pursuits with part-time jobs during their studies, and full-time work during breaks. Post-graduation, students can apply for an 18-month residence permit to seek employment[3].
- EU Blue Card: This worker visa offers a path to residency and, in some cases, citizenship. Recently, a rise in salary requirements for the Blue Card might affect certain students' eligibility[1].
- Entrepreneurial Environment: Germany nurtures an environment filled with startup prospects, aiming to entice international graduates with interests in entrepreneurship[5].
Proposed Enhancements
- Streamlined Visa Procedures: A more agile, digital visa process could attract and retain global talent to Germany[5].
- Improved Support for Startup Founders: Enhancing the business climate for startups, including financial support, encourages international graduates to establish their ventures within Germany[5].
In the case of Saxony-Anhalt, there's a dearth of specific information regarding local initiatives to lure and retain international students. Nevertheless, it's reasonable to assume that regional universities and businesses might provide their own incentives, such as scholarships, internships, or partnerships with local firms. Regardless, the broader German context offers an attractive mix of work opportunities, favorable visa policies, and a thriving startup community to hook and keep international students.
In the pursuit of retaining international students, Germany is considering a variety of strategies, such as offering work flexibility during studies and afterward, streamlining visa procedures, and fostering an entrepreneurial environment. Marco Tullner, a CDU representative, suggests additional incentives for Saxony-Anhalt, including career development programs and fair repatriation regulations, to entice international scholars to stay and contribute to the region post-graduation. These proposed measures aim to complement the existing general strategies for education, self-development, politics, and general news within the country.
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