The world as Magdeburg's guest - from Magdeburg into the world

The international exchange of students and researchers has gained considerably in importance as a result of increasing globalisation, and is a prerequisite for modern universities, advanced research and innovation. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) has responded to these developments by taking action to turn itself into an international, cosmopolitan university. Its network of international cooperations covers 58 countries worldwide. Currently about 1,800 women and men from 101 countries are studying at our university.

Internationalisation does not just apply to the core tasks of teaching and research, but to all of the organisational areas of the university. This increase in importance is simultaneously tied up with a qualitative change that is accompanied by a professionalisation of the institutions responsible and an altered self-image. Every year, around 250 programme students and about 40 researchers from Magdeburg go abroad. They are supported and partially financed by the International Office. The same applies to the up to 250 programme students and around 80 researchers that visit us every year from abroad. It also applies to the 300 students and 58 graduates from Saxony-Anhalt who undertake a work placement in Europe via the Leonardo Office. And we should also not forget the 1,900 international students and post-graduates that are entitled to the same service benefits.

In addition to the activities that focus on other countries, internationalisation here at OVGU is increasingly becoming the focus of interest. The process of restructuring academic programmes to create a European Higher Education Area is almost complete. The number of dual degree programmes and programmes with a mandatory stay abroad is rising. The most important foundation of this internationalisation at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is provided by the numerous international study courses in which English is, either partially or fully, the language of instruction. In this context, a significant role is played by information events about studying or undertaking a work placement abroad, intercultural training, international evenings, tandem programmes for foreign languages and many other activities.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a place where many cultures meet. Regarding this diversity as a value in itself is part of the way our university sees itself. At the same time, we also recognise it as a challenge.
Find out more here about our mission statement.