What is it like to study? What paths lead to your dream degree programme? And what opportunities are available at a university of applied sciences? Twelve school pupils from across Bavaria found answers to these questions on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, during an open day at OTH Regensburg. The participants are scholarship holders from the ‘Talent im Land – Bayern’ support programme, which specifically supports committed young people with a migrant background on their educational journey.
Prof. Dr Carina Braun, Vice-President for Appointments and Student Lifecycle Management, welcomed the guests at the start of the event. In her address, she emphasised the special role played by OTH Regensburg: “As a university of applied sciences, we combine theory and practice particularly closely – and it is precisely this that opens up attractive prospects for many talented young people. We are happy to support programmes such as ‘Talent im Land – Bayern’ by providing insights and encouraging young people to discover their strengths and find suitable study pathways for themselves.”
Insights into studying and campus life
The University Day was organised by the Student Lifecycle Centre at OTH Regensburg, under the leadership of Andrea Stelzl. Kathrin Köpf led the participants through the programme. The school pupils were accompanied by programme director Nora Youssef from the State Institute for School Quality and Educational Research.
The University Open Day is an integral part of the annual programme of ‘Talent im Land – Bayern’ and is designed to provide early guidance on the transition from school to university. “Universities of applied sciences are an attractive option, particularly for young people with an interest in technology. We are delighted to have the opportunity today to gain so many insights into studying at OTH in beautiful Regensburg. The fact that alumni of the programme are already studying here underlines the close connection,” said Nora Youssef.
Direct interaction with students was particularly popular: during a Q&A session, OTH student and ‘Talent im Land’ alumna Stella Rrokja spoke about her day-to-day student life on the Digital Business Management course. In addition, other students provided insights into various fields of study – ranging from technical degree programmes to social and health sciences.
Exploratory tour from the laboratory to the Stone Bridge
In the afternoon, the guests had the opportunity to experience the university first-hand. At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, under the coordination of Prof. Torsten Reitmeier, they were given an insight into various laboratories: They tried their hand at programming in control engineering with staff member Klaus Falkner, gained their first experience of 3D printing under the guidance of Corinna Niedermeier and her team, and explored the field of biomechanics with Prof. Dr Sebastian Dendorfer. Manon Georg also presented the ‘beING’ preparatory course.
As well as gaining an insight into the academic side of things, there was plenty of opportunity to experience student life: A lunch break in the canteen was followed by a guided tour of Regensburg’s old town. Accompanied by students Stella Rrokja and Jannes Kutschera, the group explored sights such as the Stone Bridge, St Peter’s Cathedral and Neupfarrplatz.
By the time they left, many of the participants were already certain that OTH Regensburg was right at the top of their list of potential places to study.
