In return, students commit themselves to five years of work for the magistrate

Trying out improv theatre with young people, supporting families or training the memory of senior citizens - social workers in Bremerhaven have a wide range of tasks. And they are urgently needed. That's why Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences has launched a practice-oriented Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work in the winter semester of 2022/23. In order to offer the well-trained professionals in the maritime city attractive career prospects, the magistrate has launched a scholarship programme for Bremerhaven students: 600 euros per month are available for students from the third semester onwards for the rest of the standard period of study and, if they are professionally suitable, a permanent employment contract. In return, the scholarship holders commit to working for the magistrate for five years.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Alexis Papathanassis, Rector of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, welcomes the Bremerhaven Magistrate's scholarship programme and emphasises how close the cooperation between the university and the city is: "The students receive a comprehensive qualification during their studies and put their knowledge into practice in many practical phases from the first semester onwards: Here, in Bremerhaven, with real people, in a wide variety of institutions."

Keeping highly qualified professionals in the region

With the job guarantee and the financial subsidy, the city council would like to encourage these highly qualified and experienced professionals to work in Bremerhaven institutions after graduation: "As a modern employer, we are now taking this path to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. Social pedagogues are needed more urgently than ever and are indispensable for the good care of the citizens - especially the children and young people of this city," explains Mayor Melf Grantz, head of the personnel department, in a statement from the magistrate.

15 scholarships will be awarded each year

In future, on 1 October each year, the Magistrate will award 15 students of social work at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences a scholarship of 600 euros per month for the duration of the standard period of study. Students from the third semester onwards can apply for the scholarship. The first scholarships are to be awarded this year, probably in December. The Magistrate and Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences will work closely together in the selection process. The closing date for applications this year is 05 October 2023.

Read more about the study programme via https://www.hs-bremerhaven.de/en/study/study-programmes/soa