The DAAD award is conferred for exceptional achievements and social and intercultural engagement of international students. The award winner Václav Pavlů from the Czech Republic is characterised both by his academic achievements and his social and intercultural engagement. He is currently studying three Master's degree programmes in parallel: Media Studies (Charles University in Prague) and International Trade (University of Economics in Prague) as well as European Studies at the University of Passau.
In addition to his very good academic assessment, his extracurricular social and intercultural commitment should also be mentioned. in 2024, Václav Pavlů took part in the University of Passau's "All You Can Do" programme, which promotes the integration of international students through volunteer work. He is also involved in Perspektive Osteuropa and has worked on major DAAD events here, among other things. He has been a member of HSG Communitas Bohemica since 2022, initially as Vice President and now as President. Václav Pavlů was also the organiser of the "Toys for Children's Center" in Liberec, Czech Republic (2019-2020). Since 2025, he has also been active as a mentor for students and is also involved in the Czech association Youth for Youth and the Club of Young Political Scientists at the University of Economics in Prague.
233 international students from 35 countries
In the winter semester 2025/26, a total of 1,824 (17.66 per cent) international students from 106 countries are studying at the University of Passau. This consists of students who are completing a regular degree programme or receiving a special annual, semester or doctoral scholarship from the DAAD or other organisation and international exchange students, freemovers and double degree students.
The 233 exchange students for the winter semester, who this time come from 35 different countries (Turkey, France, Argentina, Italy and Tunisia are particularly well represented), were officially welcomed at a reception at the beginning of October. It traditionally takes place during the Big Orientation Weeks, which the University organises every year at the start of the semester especially for international students. This year's programme included a welcome event, university and library tours in German and English, PC system training and much more. The students were also able to get to know the country and its people through joint activities: the programme included excursions, a pub crawl, hikes in and around Passau and a games evening.