News from the Welcome Centre

Dear international academics,

With the beginning of the lecture-free period, we would like to share a few offers and events taking place in and around Passau over the coming weeks. Perhaps you will find something that makes your summer even more enjoyable.

Warm regards,

Your Welcome Centre Team

P.S.: For those who are new to Passau or do not know us yet: We at the Welcome Centre are your first point of contact for all non-academic questions about life on campus and in Passau. If you need support, feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help you and your family settle in and feel at home.

On 19 August, the University Library together with the ZKK (Future: Career and Competencies) organises a workshop introducing doctoral candidates to the various options for publishing your Ph.D. dissertation. It covers traditional and Open Access publication models, funding and support opportunities, and the formal requirements for publishing a Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Passau.

Course Goals:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Identify and compare traditional and Open Access publication models suitable for their research.

2. Explore funding and support opportunities for academic publishing.

3. Understand and fulfill the formal requirements for publishing a Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Passau.

Date and Time: Wednesday, 19 August 2026 from 16:00 - 18:00

Location: ZB 213 (Seminar room opposite the Library Lounge)

Registration on Stud.IP (72014).

The University’s PYREC Excellence Programme – which supports doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and habilitation candidates in their academic and personal development – has undergone a comprehensive overhaul. The programme focuses on hands-on skills training, interdisciplinary qualifications and targeted preparation for career paths within and outside of academia. The programme starts in October 2026; applications will be accepted until 16 August.

For further information check out the PYREC website.

MentUP+ is the women's mentoring programme of the University of Passau. Aimed at female early career researchers and future leaders originating from all subject disciplines, the programme is open to female Master's students, state examination candidates, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, and habilitation candidates at the University of Passau. It supports mentees with strategic career planning whilst providing career-relevant knowledge and preparing them for future leadership and management roles.

The next cohort will start in October 2026. The application deadline is 12 August.

For more information about the programme and to apply online, visit www.uni-passau.de/en/mentorship/mentup.

In August, the get together for doctoral candidates will take place on 11 August. The meeting point is in Bschüttpark next to the volleyball court and the plan is to have a picnic together.

Everybody is invited to bring a small snack to share with everyone and, in case you have one, also a picnic blanket.
Of course, anyone who wants to can also bring a volleyball, soccer ball, or something similar.

If you are planning to join, please take part in the poll on Stud.IP. We also recommend joining the Stud.IP group to stay up to date and to contact the organisers if you have any questions.

In Passau:

Open Air Cinema at Veste Oberhaus

Until 9 August, you can still visit the open-air cinema at Veste Oberhaus.

Surrounded by the historic castle walls and high above the city, you can look forward to a unique summer night cinema experience.

Please find an overview about the programme details and more information on the tickets on this website.

The movies are in German (However, as several of them are well known classics, you might be already familiar with them).

Jazzfestival

The JazzFest Passau that still runs until 9 August is a series of top-class acts in a beautiful scenery. Concerts take place in the Town Hall's Yard (Rathaus Innenhof) and at the Russenkai.

For programme details, please visit the website of the Jazz Club Café Museum.

Italian Street Festival in Theresienstraße

On 14 and 15 August, the annual Ferragosto festival will take place on Theresienstraße.

There will be Italian food and drinks offered by restaurants in Theresienstraße accompanied by Italien live music.

Take the chance to enjoy a little Italian summer flair in Passau's Old Town.

Wine festival at Klostergarten

From 21 to 23 August, visitors can enjoy wines, regional delicacies and live music in the Klostergarten (monastery garden)

Dates and Times:

Friday, 21 August from 16:00 to 23:00

Saturday, 22 August from 12:00 to 23:00

Sunday, 23 August from 12:00 to 20:00

Herbstdult Passau

At this traditional Bavarian folk festival, you can enjoy a wide selection of local specialities, live music and attractions. On Dult Wednesday, there is usually a large fireworks display.

Location: Messepark Kohlbruck

Dates and Times: 4 - 13 September

Outside Passau:

Regensburger Kulturpflaster

For three days in September, Regensburg's historic city centre will transform into a huge open-air circus. International street and circus artists will perform acrobatics, theatre, dance and music. The entrance is free, but the audience is invited to support the performing artists with voluntary contributions/ some small money ("Hutgeld"). Please find more information here.

Location: Regensburg Old Town, around "Haidplatz"

Dates and Times:

Friday, 11 September, 18:00 to 22:00

Saturday, 12 September, 12:00 to 22:00

Sunday, 13 September, 13:00 to 20:00

Sommerfestival München

From 31 July to 23 August, Olympiapark transforms into a colourful festival featuring various attractions and activities, a beer garden, a children's area and four themed weeks. Almost every evening, there are free open-air concerts. The entrance is free. Please find more information and an overview of events here.

Location: Olympiapark München

Dates and Times:

Friday, 31 July - Sunday 23 August

(Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 22:00; Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 11:00)

V.i.S.d.P.: Universität Passau, Innstraße 41, 94032 Passau
Welcome Centre, Tel.:0851/509 -1169
Contact for any queries: researchmobility@uni-passau.de