22 September 2025

As part of a survey, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences has investigated the career paths taken by graduates of the English-language Master's degree programme Renewable Energy Systems (M.Eng.) after graduation. The results show that the majority of international students remain in Germany after their studies and are therefore available to the labour market as highly qualified specialists.

A total of 230 graduates from seven cohorts were analysed during the study period. Of these, 152 people were analysed in detail. The analysis of the CVs of these graduates on the LinkedIn platform shows that 66 per cent of all students and alumni were already in employment during or immediately after their studies.

It is particularly noteworthy that the majority of alumni find employment in Germany after graduation and work here as specialists. Only three per cent return to their country of origin after graduation. A small proportion continue their careers in other European countries. This means that the majority of international students remain in the German labour market in the long term.

Non-university research institutions also play an important role in the successful completion of a degree programme. The Fraunhofer Institutes in particular provide many students with a practice-orientated entry into research and development in the field of renewable energies with a Master's thesis. A total of around 30 graduates were able to realise their thesis here. Challenges continue to exist in the often long duration of studies, which has been extended in particular by the Covid pandemic, as well as in the search for suitable practical partners for the Master's thesis.

In addition to academic education, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences provides its international students with comprehensive support in their transition to the labour market. This includes language courses at the Language Centre, including German as a foreign language and special courses such as "Job Application Skills". The Thuringia-wide ProTELC programme specifically promotes academic success and provides support during graduation. In addition, the Study Service Centre with its Career Service offers practical advice on application strategies and career planning. This is complemented by the university social work, which offers conferences, workshops and psychological counselling, as well as the hike programme, which organises events on innovation, business start-ups and self-employment. With these diverse measures, the university creates a supportive environment that significantly increases its international alumni's chances of successfully launching their careers in Germany.

The survey makes it clear that Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is making a contribution to securing skilled labour in the energy sector with its Renewable Energy Systems Master's degree programme. It qualifies international specialists for the utilisation of wind, solar and bioenergy and prepares them for demanding jobs in industry and research in Germany.

The Master's degree programme in Renewable Energy Systems focuses on the planning, implementation and operation of systems that use renewable energy sources. The programme combines sound technical expertise with practical experience and prepares graduates for jobs in energy production, project management, consulting and research. It also opens up the possibility of a doctorate and an academic career. Further information can be found here: https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/studiengaenge/renewable-energy-systems/