Post-qualification as a preventive social policy strategy. A study on offers, use and development possibilities of academic postgraduate and further qualification of immigrant academics

Goal and task

The proportion of immigrants with academic qualifications has risen sharply since the 2000s in Germany. Of all those between 25 and 64 years of age who immigrated in the decade 2002-2012, 31% have a university degree. However, practice shows that immigrant academics, especially female academics, often work below their actual qualification level and bear an increased risk of unemployment. There are many reasons for this. The lack of formal recognition of many qualifications acquired abroad plays a major role. But even if qualifications are formally recognized, uncertainties and ignorance on the part of employers and the staff of employment agencies/job centres can contribute to the fact that immigrant academics often have problems establishing themselves successfully on the German labour market. A further obstacle is the fact that many immigrant people have not been working continuously in their professions in the course of migration. In addition, there may be other expectations of the occupation in the host country. It can therefore be assumed that in many cases there is a need for further qualification among migrants so that they can bring their competences and qualifications to the labour market and overcome underqualified employment, unemployment and dependence on social benefits.

The qualitative research project aimed to identify users' experiences in the search for post-qualification and further qualification opportunities and during the participation in corresponding offers. Among other things, the "usefulness" of participation from the participants' point of view in finding a job or improving their professional and social situation was examined. The empirical basis was formed by semi-structured, guideline-based interviews with programme participants, which were supplemented by expert interviews with programme managers. In addition, existing programmes throughout Germany were researched on the basis of a website analysis and categorized according to their characteristics. On the basis of the empirical investigation, practice-relevant recommendations for action for the further development of postgraduate and further qualification programmes in Germany were developed.

The study worked with the methodological approach of "user research" (Schaarschuch/Oelerich), in order to identify starting points for sustainable quality development of continuing education and training offers through the systematic recording and integration of the user perspective.

Project results

As the study shows, only a few postgraduate and further qualification programmes for immigrant academics exist at German universities to date. The project results show that the existing programmes offer participants opportunities for improved labour market integration. However, the programmes are not sufficient in quantitative terms and are also fraught with structural problems. They are regionally dispersed and predominantly of a temporary nature, so that sustainability is not guaranteed. In view of demographic developments, it seems necessary to expand and consolidate target-group-specific training programmes. This requires greater commitment on the part of the educational institutions and financial support from the German Länder. A serious problem is the participants' ability to finance their livelihood during programme participation. Priority should be given to a reform of of the German study grant system (BAföG) to take better account of the lives and educational pathways of immigrants. Foundations and German scholarship programmes should review their access criteria and consciously open up their programmes to the target group.