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International students in SH: dropout rate alarmingly high!
Schleswig-Holstein is fighting the shortage of skilled workers: high dropout rates among international students and new support offers.
International students in SH: dropout rate alarmingly high!
In Germany, the issue of a shortage of skilled workers is becoming increasingly pressing, especially in Schleswig-Holstein, where there is a shortage of software developers and electrical engineers. In this context, international students come into the spotlight, who could play an important role in combating this problem if dropout rates can be reduced. According to ndr.de, around 16% of international bachelor's students drop out of their studies in the first semester. 12,430 people started their studies in Schleswig-Holstein in the 2025 winter semester.
In order to combat the dropout rate, the universities in Schleswig-Holstein have launched corresponding programs. These include, among other things, language courses and integration projects, because good knowledge of German is crucial for academic success and later integration into the job market. The DAAD reports that over 61% of international students work alongside their studies, which may contribute to economic integration.
The situation in numbers
Surprisingly, a significant number of international students plan to stay in Germany after graduating. Almost two thirds of this group are thinking about establishing a foothold in this country and even starting a company. This determination is a glimmer of hope in the fight against the skills gap, because a permanent group could generate around 16 billion euros net in taxes and social contributions, as can be found on verbandsbuero.de. The integration of international students is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. Young talents from all over the world come to Germany semester after semester, bringing a breath of fresh air into the job market with their cultural diversity and international networks. However, only a third of them feel well prepared to start their career. More support from career services and closer cooperation between universities and companies are needed here. The DAAD's skilled worker study shows how important it is to use international students as a strategic building block for Germany's innovative strength. The support from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space with around 120 million euros until 2028 for the improvement of career services and coaching offers could provide a decisive impetus here. Overall, one thing remains clear: the challenges are great, but the opportunities for the international student body and the German economy are even greater. If universities and companies work more closely together, Schleswig-Holstein could soon rise from its bottom position and the international student body is also seen as a valuable asset. The time to act is now – something is happening!
Shortage of skilled workers and integration