The international master’s degree program in Information Technology (INFOTECH) is one of the oldest international study programs at the University of Stuttgart. This course was set up in 1999, and is now being offered for the 20th time. For Faculty 5, the reception held for international students on November 14, 2019 was also a welcome occasion to look back at the beginnings of a study program which is still just as attractive and in demand today, and to raise a toast to its many years of success.
Over 800 students have completed the course and earned an International Master of Science degree. Prof. Hansgeorg Binz, Vice Rector for Teaching and Advanced Education, described INFOTECH as a success story. He used his welcoming speech to emphasize the significance of international study programs for the University of Stuttgart’s international focus, which is one of its strategic objectives. A total of 13 master’s degree courses are now offered in English.
The beginnings of this interdisciplinary study program are predominantly associated with Prof. Paul J. Kühn, who was Head of the Institute of Communication Networks and Computer Engineering (IKR) for almost 30 years. Motivated by the idea of internationalization, in which he was a staunch believer, he was the driving force behind the new INFOTECH study program, and was responsible for it as the Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies until 2012. Although he has since officially retired, Kühn still works tirelessly for scientific and student exchange.
In any event, Kühn’s vision for INFOTECH proved to be very well-founded. Right from the start there was a strong demand for places on this special study program, which combines the individual subjects of Information Technology and Electronics, and in some years saw up to 2500 applications for 80 places. Current Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Prof. Stephan ten Brink explains: “Since it first began, INFOTECH has become a globally recognized brand of the University of Stuttgart, which brings together both local and international talent in one of the strongest regions in Europe for science and research. A definite win-win for both sides.”
The roughly 240 students currently studying on the course have come to Stuttgart from 29 different countries, many from India, Pakistan, China/Taiwan and Egypt. Roughly a third of graduates stay in the region. The relatively high proportion of women at 30 percent is also noteworthy.
Additional information:
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/study/study-programs/Information_Technology_xINFOTECHx_M.Sc./
