A pragmatic approach to advanced learning in higher education settings is being utilized.

German Applied Sciences Schools Expanding International Collaborations

Germany's applied sciences schools, known as HAW, are stepping up their efforts to improve and internationalize their institutions. This shift is evident in recent collaborations and funding requests, as the German government focuses on enhancing the applied sciences sector.

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has initiated an exchange program for German HAW researchers with colleagues from Central Asia, focusing on digitization, sustainable urban development, renewable energies, and resource management. This program reflects the DFG's support for international HAW exchanges, as demonstrated by recent collaborations in Scotland and Jordan.

Scotland and Jordan have been at the forefront of these international exchanges, with the DFG playing a significant role. For instance, the "Global Women in Engineering and IT" project encourages academic exchanges between women at the University of Technology and Economics Berlin and its Australian partner universities. This project is one of the many international collaborations facilitated by the DAAD HAW.International program.

The DAAD HAW.International program has been funding the extensive networking of applied sciences schools for over five years. It has also supported the development of an international start-up network at Neu-Ulm University, as showcased at a congress in May 2025 in Dortmund.

The "Research in HAW" program, a focus of the government's funding requests, encompasses a variety of research topics. These include healthcare-related sciences, neurotechnologies, and climate adaptation in rural areas. Dorothee Baer, the Minister of Research, who took office in May 2025, emphasized the need for HAW to better utilize their strengths in practical research. She highlighted the need to strengthen programs like "Research in HAW".

HAW schools, known for their focus on practical education, also cooperate with businesses to prepare students for professional activity. This includes dual study programs, where students combine theoretical studies with practical work experience.

One such collaboration is the "Smart Textiles" bachelor's program at Niederrhein University, which is being developed with partner universities in Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and Indonesia. This program is another example of the international academic collaborations facilitated by the DAAD HAW.International program.

The Minister of Research believes that HAW schools can improve their practical research capabilities. With the government's focus on the improvement and internationalization of the applied sciences schools, it seems that the future of HAW is one of increased collaboration and innovation on the global stage.