---
title: "STEP"
description: "STEP (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 2023/24): One mobile kit maps every step of an international master student's studies"
url: "https://www.sugar-network.org/en/projects/step-2023-24/"
lang: "en"
---

# STEP

**One mobile kit maps every step of an international master student's studies**

_Studying made easy_

- **Corporate partner:** [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/network/partners/karlsruhe-institute-of-technology/) (https://www.kit.edu/english/index.php)
- **Cohort:** [2023/24](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/projects/cohort/2023-24/)
- **Theme:** [Education & society](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/projects/themes/education-society/)
- **Type:** Digital service
- **Key fact:** 29 % Dropout rate, international master students in Germany
- **Universities:** [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/network/universities/kit/), [Trinity College Dublin](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/network/universities/tcd/)
- **Team:** 7 master students
- **Disciplines:** Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering

## Challenge

KIT and Trinity College Dublin asked how to support incoming international students in English-language master's programmes digitally, so they reach their academic goals, grow personally and complete their degree.

## What the team learned

Interviews with 50+ people from 20+ countries showed needs in five areas: educational fulfilment, career base, social connections, a new home and administrative steps. International master students drop out three times as often.

## What they built

StudyKit, a single mobile app with four functions: a Milestone Master that outlines every step to graduation, links to key resources, a Module Choice Helper for nearly 500 modules, and a skill self-assessment with preparation materials.

## Impact

Stated goal: a psychologically safe environment in which international students feel in control and can perform at their best.

## Full project text

We offer a one-stop-shop solution that supports students in managing the administrative process of applications, building a social network, and selecting the right modules through this tool.

### Challenge

How can academic institutions (such as KIT or TCD) digitally support incoming international students enrolled in an English speaking Master's Program with their academic goals, personal development and overall fulfillment in order to fully succeed in their degree?

### Solution

Our one-stop-shop solution streamlines application management, fosters social networking, and guides module selection, providing comprehensive support to students. This tool ensures a smooth administrative process and helps students build connections and make informed academic choices.

### Impact

For international students, our one-stop-shop solution is invaluable. It simplifies the complex administrative process of applications, ensuring nothing is overlooked. The tool aids in building a social network, crucial for adapting to a new environment and fostering connections. Additionally, it assists in selecting  
the right modules, aligning academic choices with career goals. This comprehensive support system allows international students to focus on their studies and personal growth, making their transition to a new academic setting smoother and more successful.

## Who built it.

- Tim Bergander, Industrial Engineering and Management (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
- Maria Ferté, Industrial Engineering and Management (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
- Alexander Meiners, Information Systems (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
- Jan-Philipp Ottmüller, Computer Science (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
- Luca Paolozzi, Industrial Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)
- Shane Murphy, Mechanical Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)
- Patrick Goodwin, Industrial Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)

## Sources

Summarised by the SUGAR editorial team from the team’s project page and SUGAR Expo booklet.

Open the 2023/24 booklet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12aqq30ZVAjL7tHyG3evhR9JOUSbPixOV/view?usp=sharing