City and universities open joint Welcome Centre

Attracting, supporting and retaining international talent in the long term: with this aim in mind, the City of Würzburg launched the “Round Table on International Potential” a year ago. Now, a key outcome of this collaboration is taking shape: with the opening of the “Welcome Centre Würzburg”, a central hub for information, advice and socialising is being created for international students, skilled workers and other target groups.

At the official opening ceremony, the City of Würzburg and Würzburg’s universities signed a joint framework agreement, thereby formalising a cooperation – the first of its kind – aimed at attracting and retaining international talent in Würzburg as a centre for academia and business.

An asset for universities and the city

Lord Mayor Martin Heilig emphasised the importance of the initiative for the city’s future viability: “Whether in healthcare, care services, education or business – international skilled workers are indispensable for the region’s well-being. Today, we are working together to create structures that offer guidance, break down barriers and strengthen Würzburg’s welcoming culture in the long term. Today’s signing is a visible commitment to close and long-term cooperation.”

Professor Paul Pauli, President of the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU), also highlighted the added value of the new partnership:

“International students, researchers and staff enrich our universities and our city. We want to make their arrival in Würzburg and their transition into their studies or professional life as smooth as possible. This culture of welcome in practice requires strong networks and reliable support. The Welcome Centre brings precisely these elements together.”

Professor Doris Fischer, Vice-President for Internationalisation and Alumni at JMU, is delighted “that the joint Welcome Centre is now becoming a reality. We will offer even better service to the international members and guests of our university and make their arrival and stay in the city significantly easier.”

Professor Jean Meyer, President of the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, particularly emphasised the practical relevance:

“Many international students would like to stay in Germany after graduating and contribute their skills to companies and organisations in the region. With this joint point of contact, we are creating better conditions to tap into this potential and attract the skilled workers the region needs.”

A large network

The new collaboration is supported by further partners. The University Hospital of Würzburg and the Würzburg Job Centre are contributing to the network as associate partners. Together with the Chamber of Skilled Crafts for Lower Franconia and the Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the participants aim to support international talent on their journey from their studies through to starting their careers and ultimately establishing long-term ties with the region.

The contact point will act as a central platform to collate information, provide guidance in a mentoring capacity, and promote dialogue between international talent, universities, employers, public authorities and other institutions. Regular operations will commence on 1 September 2026. Processes and infrastructure are currently being tested on site, and staff are undergoing the necessary training.

With this opening, the partners are sending a clear signal in favour of a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented and sustainable Würzburg region. “A location’s appeal arises from the interaction of many stakeholders,” concluded Åsa Petersson, Head of the city’s location marketing department and project coordinator. “Through this cross-institutional collaboration, which also involves numerous municipal departments, we are improving the range of services on offer whilst at the same time strengthening the international community’s sense of belonging in Würzburg.”