Third Cohort of Joint THWS–GJU Programmes Kicks Off with New Major in Advanced Materials

Amman — The German Jordanian University (GJU) and the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) have successfully launched the third cohort of their joint bachelor’s programmes with a week of activities including a kick-off meeting, crash courses, and the official start of the new semester. This milestone also marks the introduction of a new major in Advanced Materials Engineering, further expanding the scope of transnational education between Jordan and Germany.

The opening week welcomed new and returning students with orientation sessions, academic crash courses, and networking opportunities. Faculty members from both THWS and GJU joined the events to strengthen cooperation, mentor students, and share perspectives on applied sciences in a German–Jordanian context.

Prof. Dr. Achim Förster, Vice President for International Affairs at THWS, highlighted the significance of the growing initiative:

“We are delighted to welcome the third cohort of students to the joint programmes. Hosting the kick-off meeting and the crash course week for the new semester has once again shown how much these initiatives are growing. With new majors opening and more opportunities for student exchange, we are building a sustainable bridge between education in Germany and Jordan, creating tangible opportunities for joint projects and mobility.”

The semester also saw the official launch of the new Advanced Materials Engineering major, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Marcus Schuck from THWS.

“With the launch of the new Advanced Materials Engineering major, we are opening an important academic path in a field that offers strong employment opportunities both in Jordan and Germany. This expansion reflects the growing relevance of our programmes and underlines the close link between applied science and the labor market,” Schuck explained.

Adding a student perspective, Leen Abu Gharbieh, one of the first students in the new Advanced Materials Engineering major, shared her excitement about the programme:

“Being part of the very first Advanced Materials Engineering cohort is a great opportunity. We are not only studying a cutting-edge field that is important for both Jordan and Germany, but we are also part of a truly international programme that connects us with professors, industry, and students across both countries.”

Dr. Osama Al Saadeh, academic coordinator of the Hosted Programmes, underlined the intercultural and applied dimensions of the collaboration:

“These joint programmes between THWS and GJU are a clear sign of regional commitment to sustainable technologies and applied research. They combine the strength of a German bachelor’s education with the added value of Arabic language and local context. I had the privilege of accompanying Jordanian students to Germany, where they visited workshops, excellency hubs, and the THWS campus in Schweinfurt — an experience that was later mirrored by German students visiting Jordan. This intercultural exchange allowed both groups to work closely together on applied research projects, such as the Hydrogen Student Club, and to truly experience the benefits of a shared academic journey.”

The third cohort demonstrates the steady growth of the partnership between THWS and GJU. With the expansion into Advanced Materials Engineering and the continuation of Hydrogen Technology Engineering, the programmes remain closely connected to industry needs in both countries and provide students with opportunities for mobility, intercultural learning, and applied research.