Integration into Studies and the Academic Career

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia use the ‘Integra’ programme and NRWege programme to fund study-related and preparatory offers regarding study at German higher education institutions. These offers include workshops and courses for acquisition of the German language. They are open to those who have fled Ukraine, irrespective of their citizenship. The ‘Integra’ programme also funds preparatory measures for starting a career. Further information is provided below:

“Integra“: Integrating Refugees into Degree Programmes – NRWege Pathways into Studying

Refugees who are interested in the programmes have to contact the respective higher education institution to participate. In each case you will find a link to the participating higher education institutions below the details, as well as contact persons who can answer your questions.

What?	German language courses (A2 to C1) Discipline-specific English language courses Subject-related introductions to further study Information on the German higher education system Individual student advisory service Courses and workshops on academic employment
For whom?	Those interested in studying at B.A. and M.A. level. A direct university entrance qualification is not required. Integra is also open to refugees without Ukrainian citizenship who are eligible to study.
Where?	At 134 higher education institutions [PDF 696.00 KB] in Germany where the application is also to be submitted
Duration	From one to around 8 months, depending on entry level and need
Costs	Free of charge
Important information	‘Integra’ and ‘NRWege’ do not replace a preparatory course. ‘Integra’ and ‘NRWege’ do not guarantee a place at a higher education institution. You can apply to any higher education institution after completing a course. The higher education institutions [PDF 696.00 KB] will provide further information!

What?	Study-related (specialist) language courses in German and English Advice on the recognition of academic achievements in Ukraine Workshops on academic employment Specialist tutorials Preparation for the job market (job application workshops, career fairs, German for the workplace, etc.)
For whom?	Enrolled students (B.A. and M.A.)
Where?	At 134 higher education institutions [PDF 696.00 KB] in Germany where the application is also to be submitted
Duration	Varying. Mainly individual measures in the form of workshops.
Costs	Free of charge
	The higher education institutions [PDF 696.00 KB] will provide further information!

Programmes for refugee academics

The ‘PROFI’ Programme – Promoting Professional Integration of Academics with a Refugee Background in the German Labour Market and the NRWege Leuchttürme (NRWege Lighthouses) programme are aimed at highly qualified refugees who already have a degree in their home country, often also with relevant professional experience. Experience shows, however, that it’s not always easy to find a job that matches your qualification. People therefore often take on a job that doesn’t correspond with their professional qualifications.

These programmes offer academics further qualifications that prepare them for entry into the German job market:

What?	Individual career-related counselling Professional post-qualification Interdisciplinary and methodical further qualifications Preparation for the job market (job application training, internships, etc.) Leaving certificate: university certificate or university degree after a shortened degree course
For whom?	Refugee academics: At least one academic degree Mainly in STEM subjects and in the educational field German language skills at B2 level
Where?	At 16 higher education institutions in Germany
Duration	4 months to 2 years
Costs	Free of charge
	The higher education institutions [PDF 271.20 KB] will provide further information .

	Lehrkräfte PLUS	QualifyING
For whom?	Refugee teachers Degree conferring a qualification for the teaching profession in the country of origin German language skills at B1 level Professional experience in the home country	Refugee engineers Completed studies in one of the following disciplines: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics German language skills at B2 level
What?	Individual career-related counselling Professional and linguistic post-qualification (educational-intercultural qualification, subject-specific didactic seminars, intensive German language courses) Preparation for the job market: including practical phases in schools Leaving certificate: university certificate	Individual career-related counselling Professional and linguistic post-qualification Preparation for the job market: including practical phases in companies Leaving certificate: university certificate
Where?	At 5 higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia	Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Duration	1 year	1 year
Costs	Free of charge	Free of charge
	The higher education institutions [PDF 95.58 KB] will provide further information!