International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET)

Program Title: International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET)

Description: The International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) program at the University of Magdeburg is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies required to excel in diverse technical and vocational fields on an international scale. This innovative program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of modern technical procedures, innovative teaching methodologies, and global vocational standards, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications, students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, and real-world projects, fostering a holistic approach to vocational education.

The curriculum covers core areas such as advanced technical skills, instructional design, vocational pedagogy, and cross-cultural communication, enabling students to become effective educators, trainers, or technical specialists. Courses are tailored to integrate international best practices and are delivered by experienced faculty members with extensive expertise in vocational training, engineering, and education sciences. Emphasizing international collaboration, the program includes exchange opportunities, joint projects with global partners, and intercultural seminars to enhance students' intercultural competence and adaptability.

Graduates of the ITVET program will be well-prepared to work in diverse settings, including educational institutions, industry, and policy-making bodies that require qualified technical educators and trainers with international insight. The program aims to foster lifelong learning, innovation, and leadership among its students, ensuring they are capable of developing and implementing effective vocational training strategies that resonate across borders. Overall, the ITVET program at the University of Magdeburg is committed to promoting excellence in vocational education on an international level, supporting sustainable development goals, and preparing professionals for the evolving demands of the global workforce.

Educational organisation

The programme is studied entirely at the University of Magdeburg and offers a variety of teaching methods (lectures, seminars, excursions, projects, etc.). It can be studied in German or entirely in English. For students without prior work experience, the programme starts with an obligatory practice semester.
Minimum number of students: 15 in the German-language programme, 11 in the English-language programme

Forms of assessment

Presentation, written exam, scientific assignment, practice report, oral exam

Course objectives

This internationally oriented study programme prepares students for work in middle and superior management positions in the field of vocational education and training, especially in international contexts. This could be in national and international TVET institutions and educational institutions in the economy, but also in the learning and teaching aids sector, in TVET research or in the field of international development cooperation.
The Master of Science degree qualifies for subsequent PhD studies. The programme also prepares for the postgraduate programme "Berufsbildung und Personalentwicklung" (TVET and human resource development) and fosters competences especially for your own research projects (e.g. within the scope of your PhD studies).

Language requirements

German-language programme: German language skills (for non-native speakers) at TestDAF level 4
English-language programme: TOEFL test result of at least 213 (computer-based) or 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based)

Academic requirements

• Fulfilment of the language requirements
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent awarded by a higher education institution acknowledged in Germany
• Proof of previous work experience of at least six months

Enrolment fees

Currently 94.50 EUR per semester
The semester fee covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive a semester ticket for free use of public transport, student discounts in the campus cafeteria, etc.

Costs of living

A minimum of 700 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, costs of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Funding opportunities within the university

Scholarships cannot be provided for new students. The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results.
http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/finances/

Arrival support

There is a pick-up service if desired. Please inform the student group IKUS (http://www.ikus.ovgu.de) of your arrival in advance. IKUS will meet you at the station in Magdeburg.
Furthermore, there is a "Welcome & Orientation Week" at the beginning of the semester.

Services and support for international students

The International Office and the programme coordinators assist students in any way possible. To integrate new students into the university and into the student community, both the university and the faculty offer a "Welcome & Orientation Week" right before studies start in October. The university offers German language courses and lots of social and cultural events organised by the IKUS or by other student initiatives at the faculty or on campus.

Furthermore, we offer our students several services:

• Additional supporting programme advisers for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training profile
• Supporting seminars and tutorials
• Additional foreign language courses for students who are not native speakers of German
• Support in finding an appropriate internship
• Cultural programmes
• Mentoring programme

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 220-350 EUR per room (approx. 12-35 square meters), depending on size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation request can be found here: http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/accommodation/accommodation-request/.
The Student Union assists all new students in finding adequate accommodation, either on or off campus. Private accommodation is available on the Magdeburg accommodation market. However, fully furnished units are in relatively short supply.