International

Internationalisation strategy

Bielefeld University is an internationally successful institution with networks across the globe. Its hallmark is that the experience of internationalisation is firmly anchored in all areas of the University. Bielefeld University sees itself as a social space for reflection, characterised by international exchange and cultural openness.

It sees internationalisation as a process of change that leads to an intensification and qualitative enhancement of the international relations both within and outside the University. This process affects not only research, teaching and study, but the entire institution and the ‘culture of togetherness’. Internationalisation at Bielefeld University lives from and with scholars and students cooperating internationally. It is characterised by personal interaction and open communication.

In many research areas, Bielefeld University is a leading research institution which attracts researchers from abroad with its strong profile and relevance. Each year it welcomes to Bielefeld several hundred visiting scholars as well as students from the whole world. These include at-risk and refugee scholars, which the University supports as a member of the Scholars at Risk Network, as well as refugees who are wishing to study. Study programmes in English, Double Degree Programmes as well as study programmes with an international track prepare students from Germany and abroad for the international job market.

Students thus acquire intercultural competence in an environment characterised by diversity. Apart from the internationalisation ‘abroad’, the internationalisation that takes place ‘at home’ also plays a significant role and is another facet of an integrated internationalisation strategy. For this reason, the University fosters international cooperation and partnerships with universities on all continents and participates in international research projects. Students are offered various opportunities to gain experience abroad.