The Higher Education Review

The increasing international interdependence caused by globalization has paved the way for the development of a new set of skills in the global market. Additionally, the recent industrial, economic and technological changes are proof that traditional knowledge alone can't feed the needs of the fast-moving digital era and a pragmatic approach to education is all that we need right now. Inspired by these current market trends, teacher-student communities around the world are turning towards innovative learning methods and new opportunities. Internationally acclaimed for its quality, the German higher education system is a front runner in this segment allowing students to cultivate industry-specific skills and achieve a successful career. Actively contributing to Germany's dynamic education sector, PFH Private University of Applied Sciences is a leader in providing intensive managerial training and always strives to meet the high aspirations of the industry through a consistent orientation towards practical experience, internationality, and innovative teaching programmes. Stefan Zammit, Head of International Office, PFH Private University of Applied Sciences says, "Back in 1995 when PFH was founded as the first private university in Lower Saxony, business and industry were in dire need of highly-qualified graduates. They had access to fresh graduates with plenty of theoretical knowledge but little hands-on experience. They needed graduates who could hit the ground running ­ and they still do. And that's where PFH comes into the picture. PFH thus sees itself as an interface between students as high potentials and the world of business and industry."

Focusing on individual attention along with unique pedagogy that comprises of interactive lectures, tutorials, experimental games, case studies, excursions, seminars and workshops, PFH offers degree programmes in four areas: Management and Business Administration, Psychology and Business Psychology, Healthcare Technology (especially in P&O and Biomechanics), and Engineering (especially in CFRP). Two master's programmes - General Management and Composites - are entirely taught in English. Elaborating on the institute's exclusive master's programmes, Stefan shares, "
In CFRP, we offer a three-semester, triple-award programme that

lasts 18 months with 90 ECTS credits. It has been developed for engineering graduates, who are seeking to gain expertise in the exciting field of composites and its inclusion of management courses and German language training will improve their chances of getting placed in Germany. In this programme, we have collaborations with Airbus and CFK Valley (foundation), a large network that counts more than 100 regional, national and international companies with a focus on CFRP. In the M.Sc. in General Management, students take cutting-edge courses on corporate management, including international marketing, B2B sales management, Management for SMEs, Innovation Management and Human Resources Management. The programme includes three project phases, in which students can apply to either scientific research projects or practical-oriented projects in companies." With the excellent track of 99% placement, PFH gives Job guarantee to the management students.

"With the excellent track of 99% placement, PFH gives Job guarantee to the management students".

Up-to-date teaching content, career-focused pedagogy, small learning groups (student-professor-ratio is 8:1) and a semester abroad study option are the key elements that make PFH one of the best study destinations of both national and international students. Dedicated to the international students, PFH's International Office is the reference point for all matters pertaining to international study programmes, partnerships with universities abroad, study abroad and teaching and research exchanges. "Adapting to life in Germany for Indians ­ or for most other nationals for that matter ­ requires time and effort. PFH never downplays how difficult it is to learn German and to make local friends. This is why the university's international office does its best to help students get a good start to their studies. It runs a student-buddy programme, helps with accommodation, offers German language courses, helps out with official chores such as visa or residence permit issues, organizes events to get people together and help them to benefit from each other's experiences, and so on," Stefan explains. YES Germany, an educational consultant is the exclusive PFH Representative in India and provides all kinds of guidance and the counseling services for Indian students seeking education in PFH. YES Germany has offices in Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Agra and Ahmedabad.

The University for Entrepreneurs
All the programmes in PFH aim to help students become more employable, to equip them with the theoretical knowledge in their field of expertise and to provide them with the opportunities to put this knowledge into practice. Stefan

adds, "We help students with any plan that they may already have for starting their own company: at our ZE Zentrum für Entrepreneurship (Centre for Entrepreneurship), we offer them the expertise and infrastructure required for developing an initial idea into a workable business model. Apart from that, the university also has a central career service forum. However, students also greatly benefit from the department members' individual contacts in business and industry. Thanks to our lecturers with a background in business or industry, PFH has an excellent professional network. Students who prove worthy of their recommendations are rewarded for their hard and good work through internships and not seldom even job offers. It is not unusual for students even international students ­ to actually have a job offer before finishing their masters."

Less than 25 years ago, the university started off with a handful of students in management. Now, it has nearly 4000 students in four areas of study in on-campus and distance-learning degree programmes. Since its launch of the English-taught master's program in general management, the number of international students on Campus Göttingen has increased to over 10%. PFH has now over 40 university partners worldwide and possesses one of the highest rates of employability. It achieved excellent rankings in national rankings and does particularly well in the area of entrepreneurship, often winning national prizes. "What distinguishes PFH from most other institutions is its focus on practice-orientation, its proximity to business and industry (13 world-renowned trustees such as Airbus, SAP, TUI, PWC, and Telekom) and the individual attention it guarantees. What makes PFH unique is furthermore its hybrid nature, its family-like structure, and its locations: Göttingen, which is possibly the most student-friendly city in Germany, and Stade, a beautiful town in Germany's northern part close to Hamburg and home to Germany's composites cluster. PFH sees itself as an institution that recognizes and values the diversity of all individuals and groups and will continue it in the future also," Stefan summarised.

Stefan Zammit, Head of International Office
Born in Malta (EU), Stefan Zammit completed his Bachelor`s and Master's in International Economics at the University of Göttingen (TOP 200 University in the World). He's a part of PFH Private University of Applied Sciences since 2011. He chairs the posts of Programme Director of M.Sc. in General Management/Head of International Office/Lecturer at PFH.