New contact point for international students and skilled workers
Attracting, supporting and retaining international talent in the long term: with this aim in mind, the City of Würzburg launched the 'Runder Tisch Internationale Potenziale' (Round Table on International Potential) a year ago. Now, a key outcome of this collaboration is taking shape: the opening of the 'Welcome Centre Würzburg' creates a central hub for information, advice and social interaction for international students, skilled workers and other target groups. At the official opening ceremony, the City of Würzburg and Würzburg's higher education institutions signed a joint framework agreement, thereby formalising a cooperation – the first of its kind – aimed at attracting and retaining international talent in Würzburg as a centre for science and business.
"Whether in healthcare, care services, education or business – international skilled workers are indispensable for the region's well-being," said Lord Mayor Martin Heilig, emphasising the initiative's importance for the city's future viability. "Today, we are working together to create structures that provide guidance, break down barriers and strengthen Würzburg's welcome culture in the long term. Today's signing is a visible commitment to close and long-term cooperation."
Professor Dr. Paul Pauli, President of the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU), also highlighted the added value of the new partnership: "International students, researchers and staff enrich our universities and our city. We want to make their arrival in Würzburg and their transition into their studies or professional life as smooth as possible. Establishing a welcome culture in practice requires strong networks and reliable support. The Welcome Centre brings precisely these elements together."
Professor Dr. Jean Meyer, President of the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS), particularly highlighted the practical focus: "After graduating, many international students wish to remain in Germany and contribute their skills to companies and institutions in the region. With this joint point of contact, we are creating better conditions to tap into this potential and attract the skilled workers the region needs."
In the winter semester 2025/26, around 3,000 international students were studying at THWS, of whom just under 30 per cent were based in Würzburg. At THWS, the International Office looks after the needs of international students, as well as those of visiting researchers from abroad and German students who wish to spend part of their studies abroad.
Numerous partner organisations
The new partnership is supported by further partners. The University Hospital of Würzburg and the Würzburg Job Centre are contributing to the network as associate partners. Together with the Handwerkskammer für Unterfranken (Chamber of Crafts for Lower Franconia) and the Industrie- und Handelskammer Würzburg-Schweinfurt (Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce), the participants aim to support international talent on their journey from their studies through to starting their careers and ultimately establishing long-term ties with the region.
The contact point will act as a central platform to bundle information, provide guidance in an advisory capacity, and promote exchange between international talent, higher education institutions, employers, public authorities and other institutions. Full-scale operations will commence on 01 September 2026. Processes and infrastructure are currently being tested on site, and staff are undergoing the necessary training.
With this opening, the partners aim to send a clear signal that the Würzburg region is cosmopolitan, internationally oriented and future-proof. "A location’s appeal arises from the interaction of many stakeholders," concludes Åsa Petersson, Head of the City of Würzburg's Location Marketing Department and project coordinator. "Through this cross-institutional collaboration, which also involves numerous municipal departments, we are improving the range of services on offer whilst at the same time strengthening the international community's sense of belonging in Würzburg."
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,200 students, a diverse range of more than 60 degree programmes and two graduate schools, THWS covers a broad spectrum from technology, economics and social sciences to languages and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and also in diverse English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
President
Professor Dr. Jean Meyer
Münzstr. 12
97070 Würzburg
praesidialbuero-wue[at]thws.de
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstr. 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354
