How can international students be supported in entering the Thuringian labour market after graduation and encouraged to build a long-term future in the region? This question was at the heart of Katharina Schenk’s visit to Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. As part of her 2026 summer tour under the motto “Securing Skilled Professionals. Shaping Good Work.”, the Minister learned about the WORTplus project and discussed the opportunities and challenges involved in retaining international talent with university representatives, international students and alumni.
The discussion focused on how international students and regional employers can be connected more effectively and how the international talent already present in the region can be translated into long-term career prospects in Thuringia.
“We need to start earlier and actively shape these transitions – not only from university into employment, but also from arriving in the region to building a long-term professional and social future here,” emphasised Prof. Dr Gundolf Baier, President of Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.
Achieving this requires close cooperation between a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, employers, Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK), Chambers of Skilled Crafts (HWK), employment services, municipalities and other regional partners.
This is precisely where WORTplus comes in. Funded by the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fund, the project builds on its predecessor, the WORT pilot project, which ran from 2022 to 2025. The pilot examined the key conditions required to retain skilled professionals in the region and developed and tested practical approaches to support a successful transition from university into employment.
WORTplus builds on these approaches and develops them further into a comprehensive model for attracting and retaining skilled professionals while strengthening regional development. The project draws on the experience gained during its pilot phase, supports its work with current data and concrete results, and adds new and innovative approaches. Successful examples from practice are intended to demonstrate what works and to serve as models for other regions and universities.
The primary aim is to connect international and German students with the region and its labour market at an early stage, while helping employers gain access to talented young professionals.
Internships, part-time student roles and company-based thesis projects play a central role in this process. They enable employers to get to know international students early on and see their skills in practice. At the same time, students gain valuable professional experience and establish initial contacts with potential employers.
Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular often require targeted support. Limited staff capacity, uncertainty when handling international applications and a lack of experience with culturally diverse teams can create barriers to recruitment. WORTplus therefore supports employers through networking events, company visits, workshops, advisory services and initiatives designed to foster more inclusive and internationally oriented workplaces.
Career prospects are only one factor in whether international students and graduates choose to stay in the region. Affordable housing, reliable transport, social connections, leisure opportunities and the chance to take part in community life all help shape how attractive the region is and whether people feel able to build a lasting future there.
International students and alumni shared their personal experiences during the discussion, highlighting areas where effective support structures are already in place as well as those where further action is still needed.
“International students bring a wealth of talent, experience and new perspectives. It is important to give them opportunities to contribute these strengths and become an active part of society,” emphasised Mariana Galli, an international student at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.
WORTplus therefore sees attracting and retaining skilled workers as a shared responsibility of universities, employers, policymakers and the wider region.
Minister Schenk’s visit underlined the importance of this approach: attracting international professionals and inspiring them to build a long-term future in Thuringia can only succeed if career prospects, social participation and favourable local conditions are considered together. This requires the commitment of everyone involved, a willingness to engage in dialogue and an openness to shaping change together.
Further information about WORTplus and its work to attract and retain skilled professionals and promote regional integration is available at www.weltoffene-region.de and on the website of the Thuringian Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Labour and Family.