The shortage of skilled workers is one of the greatest challenges facing the economy and society. In the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT) in particular, the demand for qualified staff has been growing for years. International students therefore play a key role in ensuring the future viability of businesses and regions. Through its ‘MINTernational Corridor Regensburg’ initiative, OTH Regensburg demonstrates how international talent can be successfully attracted to study, work and live in Eastern Bavaria. For this approach, the university has now been honoured by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V. as a ‘Leuchtturm MINTernational Bayern’. Out of six applications from across Bavaria, OTH Regensburg was the only university to be selected. The award comes with a grant of 50,000 euros.
The “Regensburg MINTernational Corridor” aims to provide even more targeted support to international STEM students as they transition from their studies into the regional labour market. Together with businesses, local authorities, the Employment Agency and other partner organisations, the university is developing new initiatives across the entire education pathway. The aim is to attract international talent to the region in the long term and to help secure a supply of skilled workers in Bavaria.
International STEM talent for Eastern Bavaria
“International students are a key part of the solution to the shortage of skilled workers in Bavaria. With the MINTernational Corridor, we are bringing the university, business, local authorities and other partners even closer together to open up prospects for international talent in our region. We are deeply honoured that the Stifterverband has recognised this concept as a model for Bavaria,” says Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg.
The award was presented on 1 October 2026 during a meeting of the Bavarian State Board of Trustees of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft in Munich. There, OTH Regensburg presented its concept to representatives from academia, business and society.
The Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft is one of the most important supporters of science, education and innovation in Germany. Together with companies, foundations and other partners, it supports universities in tackling societal challenges with innovative concepts. Through the ‘MINTernational Bayern’ programme, the Stifterverband specifically promotes initiatives designed to attract international STEM talent to study, work and build long-term careers in Germany. According to the jury, the decisive factors in selecting OTH Regensburg were, in particular, its compelling overall strategy, the close collaboration between the participating partners, and the project’s high potential for sustainable impact and transferability beyond the region.
The MINTernational Corridor builds on the Regensburg model and OTH Regensburg’s internationalisation strategy. The university is thus pursuing the aim of strategically linking internationalisation with the needs of business and society. The internationalisation strategy, adopted in 2025, provides, amongst other things, for the expansion of international study programmes, the strengthening of intercultural skills, and closer involvement of businesses and local authorities.
The Regensburg Model as a bridge to the labour market
A key component is the Regensburg Model. It provides international STEM talents with low-threshold access to higher education in Bavaria: students begin their studies in English, systematically acquire German language skills at the same time, and are prepared for the German labour market throughout their studies. Partnerships with businesses enable early work placements, part-time student jobs and the development of professional networks in the region.
“The MINTernational Corridor is the logical next step in the development of our existing activities. With the Regensburg Model, we have already established successful structures to attract international students to study and pursue careers in Bavaria. This funding now enables us to expand this collaboration with companies, local authorities and other partners in an even more targeted manner and to systematically support the transition into the world of work,” says Prof. Dr Markus Westner, Commissioner for International Programme Development and the lead developer of the project.
