The Regensburg Model opens up access to higher education in Bavaria for international STEM talents by breaking down language barriers and systematically preparing them for the German labour market. Students begin their studies entirely in English and gradually switch to German as their studies progress. With the Regensburg Model, OTH Regensburg is putting a key component of its internationalisation strategy into practice.

These are the main characteristics of the Regensburg Model:

•  a hybrid programme in the first semester to enable students to start their studies even if there are visa delays
• English as the language of instruction for the first four semesters, with A2-level German language skills required
• compulsory German courses up to the practical semester as ideal linguistic preparation
• intercultural programmes and English language courses
• partnerships with the regional business community and local government to foster career prospects in the Regensburg and Eastern Bavaria economic region 

From an English-language start to the German labour market

The integration of German language courses into the curriculum distinguishes the Regensburg Model from degree programmes entirely taught in English. In the first semesters, teaching takes place predominantly in English; as the course progresses, the proportion of German-language modules is gradually increased. By the time they graduate, students achieve at least language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference. 

The model is thus explicitly geared towards long-term career prospects in the German labour market. International graduates leave the university with both the specialist knowledge and language skills required to integrate into German companies, public authorities and research institutions. 

Regional integration 

The Regensburg Model is closely integrated with the regional economic area. Through the OTH Regensburg TechKreis, a biannual exchange forum between the university management and major regional companies, long-standing cooperative relationships exist with companies such as Krones AG, Bayernwerk AG, Vector Informatik GmbH, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH, Infineon Technologies AG and others. Internships, working student placements and final-year projects enable students to gain professional experience at an early stage. 

The three-stage model

The Regensburg Model is designed as a three-stage model. Each stage addresses a specific phase in the course of study – from the first contact with the university to professional employment in the Regensburg economic region. 

Stage 1 – Access to Studies 

English-language applications and English-language teaching in the first semesters enable prospective students from all over the world to enrol without extensive German language skills being a prerequisite.  

Stage 2 – Academic Success 

During their studies, students are systematically introduced to the German language. The language of instruction gradually shifts from English to German. By the time they graduate, students will have reached at least B2 level. To help students settle in socially, the International Campus Friends and the English-speaking Career Service, as part of OTH BRIDGE, prepare students for the application and career entry phase. 

Stage 3 – Careers in the region 

Internships, working student positions and final-year projects at regional companies enable early practical experience. In the transition from study to professional life, OTH Regensburg supports its international graduates through the “MINTernational Corridor Regensburg” in close cooperation with the immigration authorities, business development agencies and regional companies. 

• Academic enquiries regarding the Regensburg Model degree programmes: 
  Programme Directors for ICS, IME, IEE (see the relevant programme page)
• Enquiries regarding the Regensburg Model:
  University Representative for International Programme Development, Prof. Dr Markus Westner

• International Computer Science
• International Mechanical Engineering
• International Electrical Engineering
• Internationalisation Strategy of the OTH Regensburg