A foreign language and culture, few contacts, and little familiarity with the German job market: International students face particular hurdles when starting their careers in Germany. At the same time, they bring new perspectives, fresh impulses, and strong qualifications to the region. To ideally support skilled professionals as they enter the German job market, the University of Stuttgart offers a broad-based range of services through the ‘FiT-US’ program. The project was initiated in 2024 by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Technology and Space (BMFTR).
A survey of participants in the FiT-US project shows that international students often lack professional networks and knowledge about how application processes work. Therefore, FiT-US works closely with internal and external partners such as the Career Service (TRACES) and the University of Stuttgart’s Language Center, the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the Welcome Center of the City of Stuttgart, as well as other regional stakeholders. These collaborations help to prepare students for the job market.
"The fact that highly qualified international professionals are so well prepared for their career entry benefits not only the students and the economy, but also shows that studying at the University of Stuttgart offers more than just the transfer of subject-specific knowledge," says Prof. Alexander Brem, Vice Rector for Science Transfer and International Affairs at the University of Stuttgart.
Long-term prospects for international students in Stuttgart
The current DAAD study "Benchmark International University" (BintHO) shows that more than half of international students in Stuttgart want to live and work in the city and the surrounding region after graduation. The interest in becoming prepared for the German job market is also reflected in the survey of participants in the FiT-US project. Offerings on the German tax system, work permits after graduation, application documents, job interviews, and career fairs were among the most sought-after events in the summer semester of 2025. German courses, workshops on labor market skills, and individual counseling services also met with high demand.
"We are proud to offer such a broad support program for our international students, because we are convinced that they are drivers of innovation, diversity, and societal development," says Andreas Riffel, Head of the International Students and Researchers Department in the International Office.
Learning from each other: International Alumni Talks
A popular format within the project is the "International Alumni Talks". Graduates share their experiences and insights from successfully starting their careers in Germany. They not only provide authentic insights into possible career paths but also share personal tips on career preparation and building a professional network.
Bishwash Parajuli from Nepal, for example, shared how he came to Stuttgart for his Master’s in Computer Science and worked as a student trainee in data migration during his studies. Despite the language barrier, he got involved in the International Office’s intercultural mentoring program and quickly made connections. He also has advice for international students: "In addition to large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises also offer attractive career opportunities."
Arpan Biswas from India, a graduate of the Master’s program in Electrical Engineering, also entered the workforce early: As a student trainee at Bosch, he worked in the automation of high-voltage test systems. He particularly benefited from his involvement in the GreenTeam at the University of Stuttgart, which develops electric race cars for the Formula Student design competition for students. In addition to technical expertise, he considers communication skills to be invaluable: "Many people would be capable of completing the same task, but not everyone can explain it clearly within a team." His advice to international students: "Show your projects with visual examples in job interviews – it makes a strong impression". And gain practical experience, even in smaller companies, rather than focusing only on big names.
FiT-US offers support across multiple platforms. Every month, the International Affairs Division shares tips on Instagram in the "Career Monday" format. On the ILIAS learning platform, a course provides students with a clear Q&A overview. On Thursdays, students can receive feedback on their application documents in the CV checks. In the summer semester of 2026, events like "Get Ready for Job Fairs" and the next "International Alumni Talk (PhD Edition)" on March 5 will be held again.