Careers without borders
Arriving in Münster from abroad – Advice for new arrivals
Recruitment and counselling
International researchers, employees and their host departments receive targeted support with recruitment and integration. ‘Well-coordinated information and reliable processes are crucial to attracting the best minds to Münster, as different requirements and deadlines apply depending on the country of origin,’ explains Maria Homeyer, head of the Department of Researchers & Staff at the International Office. Her team provides advice on funding opportunities, visas, health insurance and the Citizens' Registration Office, among other things, and guides new arrivals through the entire onboarding process – always taking into account current legal regulations, such as the Immigration Act for Skilled Workers (FEG), naturalisation and family reunification.
Integration and orientation
The University of Münster offers various programmes and events that help new arrivals get off to a good start. These include onboarding processes and so-called ‘friendraising’ events, which help to establish social and professional contacts. The University also helps international employees and researchers get acclimated to their new surroundings, e.g. with information events and advice on practical issues related to everyday life, including support with finding accommodation. For example, the University operates guest houses to help visitors bridge the first few months in Münster until they find permanent accommodation. Local orientation is organised in close cooperation with University liaisons and the city of Münster. Documents and checklists are available on the intranet.
Workshops and training courses
A comprehensive range of support services is available for international employees and their host departments. These include German courses, mentoring, career planning programmes, application support, start-up advice and intercultural training. In addition, the International Office regularly organises the ‘Staying in Germany’ information event with external and internal partners to highlight the prospects of staying in Germany.
Networks
Networking helps researchers and employees access relevant information and fosters international cooperation, professional exchange and social integration. ‘There are various points of contact within the University, such as the SAFIR Research Funding Support and the Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers. We put you in touch with the right contacts,’ explains Maria Homeyer. She also refers people to local contacts such as the Münster’s Office for Migration and Integration and EURAXESS, a European-wide network that supports the international mobility and career paths of researchers.
People at risk and refugees
The University is committed to supporting vulnerable and refugee academics and their host departments within the framework of academic freedom and as a member of the ‘Scholars at Risk’ network. The Welcome Centre coordinates the support services which range from applying for scholarships – such as the AvH Foundation’s ‘Philipp Schwartz Initiative’ – to securing residence permits and offering career prospects for the future.
Staying in touch
With the ‘RE.AL’ research alumni strategy, the University of Münster is building a diverse network of sustainable relationships that extends far beyond the campus. Returning scholarship holders and the Ambassador Programme strengthen connections and keep international partnerships alive. They serve to further utilise talent and experience, initiate new projects and strengthen the University of Münster’s position worldwide.
Contact
The International Office, Department of Researchers & Staff/Welcome Centre, is responsible for international postdoc researchers, professors and employees in technology and administration. Doctoral students can obtain support through the Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes).
Author: Kathrin Kottke
This article is from the University newspaper wissen|leben No. 5, 16 July 2025.