Internationalisation Strategy – Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) attaches great importance to internationalisation and is part of an international network. These principles are established in the mission statement and applied throughout the university. People from more than 125 nations study, research, and work at LUH. More than 3,800 out of 28,000 students come from abroad. LUH aims to support students and researchers in their international activities and prepare them for the international employment market.

Photo: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering/LUH

Our internationalisation strategy is based on the following principles:

Provide an international environment for

research, teaching, and learning

throughout the university

Raise the

international visibility of teaching and research

at Leibniz University Hannover

Prepare and educate students and doctoral candidates for the international

employment market

and to become world citizens

The internationalisation process is underpinned by the basic principles of diversity management, as well as by the language policy of LUH. Accordingly, linguistic and cultural diversity of all members of the university is conceived as a resource and promoted as an element of global education.

Diversity Management (PDF)

Language Policy (PDF) in the staff portal

Mission Statement

The strategy operates on four levels

1. Teaching and Studying

At LUH, an international environment is provided for students and doctoral candidates, which will prepare them for a future in the global employment market. Internationalisation in teaching and studying is not limited to expanding periods abroad, but also includes local internationalisation. In addition to master’s programmes in English, language competence is encouraged during the bachelor’s programme.

In order to increase the number of qualified international students, short-term exchange programmes are expanded. Connecting international students and local students is of particular importance not only for integration, but also for academic success. Among other things, this is achieved through tandem projects and mentoring programmes.
2. Research

International connection and visibility is fostered by implementing collaborative research programmes. The exchange required for this is facilitated via research mobility. In this respect, invitations are extended to renowned guest researchers to visit LUH. Additionally, the mobility of local researchers is increased.

Junior researchers are the most important foundation for excellent research. International doctoral candidates and guest researchers are made aware of the opportunities available at Leibniz University Hannover through proactive recruitment and by providing an appealing job portal.
3. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Leibniz University Hannover is networking with key regions worldwide. For example, such a partnership exists between LUH and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. A similar collaboration is currently being expanded with Tongji University in Shanghai.

Leibniz University Hannover actively participates in thematic networks in order to strengthen its profile internationally, create synergies, and capitalise on opportunities for international marketing. In addition, international companies and NGOs are recruited as cooperation partners to create opportunities for both research and teaching, as well as to give students an insight into future fields of work.
4. Administration and Advice

LUH views internationalisation as a common obligation that affects all areas of the university. It is accomplished when university staff participates actively. A fundamental requirement for internationalisation of administration is the linguistic and intercultural qualification of staff through further training and mobility programmes. Furthermore, the visibility of international efforts and activities is increased. Research marketing is intensified for this. Moreover, administrative processes are consistently adapted to accommodate international students, teaching staff, and researchers.