Jiffy George Perumal and Achyuth Sunil, New Student / First Year Students of the new international degree program Mechanical Engineering, sit full of anticipation between students, staff and lecturers of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the ceremonial start of the semester Get Together. The two young men are, so to speak, "pioneers" of the first English-language Bachelor's program at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, which has now started.
Jiffy George Perumal comes from India. He became aware of the Mechanical Engineering degree programme through Artificial Intelligence. "ChatGPT told me that Germany is the best vacancies, (free) places to study Mechanical Engineering. After further research, I came across Aalen University of Applied Sciences and the Mechanical Engineering degree programme," says the 19-year-old and laughs. The young man has already been in Germany for a year and lived in Berlin until recently. He moved to Hofherrnweiler for his Studies.
Bachelor's degree programmes taught in English with a STEM focus launched
The first English-language Bachelor's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering started at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science in the winter semester 2025/2026. With this programmes offered, international as well as German prospective students who want to improve their English language skills are increasingly attracted to study in Aalen - and recruited as qualified professionals of tomorrow. Aalen University of Applied Sciences works closely with regional industry partners. Many of the medium-sized companies need qualified professionals with international understanding.
Ticket to a successful future
Twelve young men and women from countries including India, Estonia, Turkey, Kenya, Bulgaria and Albania started the Mechanical Engineering program. Dean of Studies, Studies Dean Prof. Dr. Tilman Traub addressed the New Students / First Year Students: "Why is it a good idea to study Mechanical Engineering at Aalen University of Applied Sciences? The first bicycle, the first car, the first electric drill and the first Zeppelin were developed in Baden-Württemberg. This is the home of many mechanical engineering companies. There is also a wide range of industries here in which you can start your career. Your Bachelor's degree from Aalen University of Applied Sciences is your ticket to a successful future."
"An obvious decision"
Achyuth Sunil also comes from India. Through the advisor at his home school, he heard about an online advertising event at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, where the new English-language Bachelor's programs were presented. "For me, the Mechanical Engineering degree program was an obvious decision, as I was already interested in the mechanical functions of products as a child," explains the 18-year-old. He has been in Germany since the beginning of October and commutes from Schwäbisch Gmünd to Aalen University of Applied Sciences.
Get Together: Starting the semester and the future together
The Get Together is taking place for the third time in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science. Students, staff and lecturers of the faculty started the semester together with games, snacks and drinks. Dean Prof. Dr. Markus Merkel welcomed the students from all six Bachelor's and eight Master's programmes at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and emphasized: "We prepare you perfectly for your future career, and interpersonal relationships are just as important to us. We value social interaction, a supportive environment and making it fun to study here." He also emphasized the importance of intercultural skills and advised domestic students to spend a semester abroad and make contact with international students.
Future plans in Germany
After refreshments of tarte flambée, sponsored by the faculty's departmental student committee, there was a varied program that provided great entertainment and a good atmosphere for all participants. Prof. Dr. Joachim Albrecht's creative PowerPoint presentation on physical phenomena provided humorous entertainment. The Kahoot quiz, moderated by Prof. Dr. Rainer Eber, offered tricky questions about the institution of higher education and the student E-Motion racing team delighted everyone with a pub quiz. 20-year-old Silver Surow from Estonia, also a New Student / First Year Student of Mechanical Engineering, is also looking forward to his new phase of life in Germany and already has plans for the time after his Bachelor's degree: "I would like to stay in Germany and do my Master's there and work as an engineer. My Studies will definitely help me to find a good job."
