DAAD’s Information Tour “Germany Today” is designed to give participants a broad overview of Germany’s higher education landscape. This includes:

• An overview of Germany’s higher education and research systems
• An update on current developments, innovative projects, and structural reforms
• Details about BA and MA programs, as well as PhD training at various institutions
• Information on funding opportunities for academic exchange and institutional cooperation

The theme of this year’s tour is the strengthening of exchange and networking between the higher education systems in Germany and North America. Global challenges such as energy supply, climate change, urban development, and health policy issues can only be addressed through international academic collaboration and exchange. The cities of Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck and Berlin are renowned for their close and comprehensive cooperation with the USA and Canada, particularly on the academic level.

Against this backdrop, this year’s Germany Today tour focuses on deepening transatlantic academic exchange both by reinforcing already existing networks and the creation of new ones. The tour offers the chance to explore the broad spectrum of German scientific institutions, including universities in Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck and Berlin, which are notable for both their international cooperation and their integration into their respective local communities.

The tour will also introduce participants to the German university of applied sciences model. These institutions are well known in Germany, and beyond, for the high level of applied education they offer students and their deep integration into the economy and labour market of their home regions.

The tour itinerary will include visits to several research institutions, such as Helmholtz Centres, as well as networking events aimed at connecting the tour participants with potential German partners.

The program will be conducted in English. DAAD covers program-related costs in Germany, including accommodation, domestic travel, and most meals. The program officially commences in Hamburg on Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025, and concludes with a dinner on Friday evening, June 20, 2025, in Berlin. Accommodations for the night from Friday, June 20, to Saturday, June 21, are also arranged and covered by DAAD. Intercontinental travel expenses are the responsibility of the participants.

The program is designed to be interactive, with hosts sharing valuable insights into their activities while encouraging participants to contribute their perspectives and expertise. Typically, North American participants in this program are senior administrators at leading universities in the U.S. and Canada, such as provosts, deans, vice-presidents, or heads of international offices. Policy makers from federal and state/provincial governments or associations, along with other experts in higher education and related research topics.

Prospective applicants must hold U.S./Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, possess a demonstrated interest in Germany and transatlantic cooperation, and hold a relevant professional position. Applicants should not have recently participated in another information trip to Germany. Special consideration will be given to universities that have not yet been part of the Germany Today program.