The careers fair for school pupils, students and anyone looking for career opportunities in French-speaking countries.

Zukunftsmesse West: Guidance on careers in France and the French-speaking world

17.08.2026|16:14 Uhr

Frau mit Koffer vor dem Eiffelturm in Paris

Thinking of spending some time abroad in Paris? The ‘Zukunftsmesse West’ fair, taking place on 22 and 23 September 2026 in Wuppertal, can help you find your way. Photo: COLOURBOX29368675

The Zukunftsmesse West is a nationwide careers and education fair for pupils from Year 9 onwards, sixth-formers, apprentices, university students and anyone else interested in studying, training and career prospects involving French or within the Francophone world, and who are planning their next step in education or their career. The fair focuses not only on France, but on the entire Francophone world – from France, Belgium and Luxembourg, through Switzerland and Canada, to the French-speaking countries of Africa. It will take place on 22 and 23 September 2026 at the university of Wuppertal.

Anyone interested in the French language should make a note of the Zukunftsmesse West. The Zukunftsmesse West offers a rare opportunity to meet numerous key figures from the fields of education, business and culture with links to France, all in one place, and to find out all about opportunities in Germany and in French-speaking countries abroad. At more than 40 exhibition stands run by universities, institutions and organisations on the Grifflenberg campus, visitors can gain a comprehensive overview of the educational and career paths available to them.

Event details: Zukunftsmesse West

Find out more about the Zukunftsmesse West here:
Overview of all exhibitors, programme and further information
https://zukunftsmesse.uni-wuppertal.de/de/infos-fuer-besucherinnen/

The fair is particularly suitable for young people exploring career and study options, but also for parents, teachers and students who are curious about international study and career paths. No prior knowledge or specific plans are required – anyone interested in France, the Francophonie and international education and career paths is welcome.

What visitors can expect at the Zukunftsmesse West:

  • Personal discussions and direct contacts: the chance to talk directly with universities, Franco-German institutions and organisations at numerous exhibition stands
  • A varied programme of talks and short training sessions: keynote talks, personal accounts and presentations on topics such as admission to the Franco-German University, access to (international) scholarships, (orientation) work placements or pathways to French-speaking countries
  • Concrete options for the future: dual and international degree programmes (Bachelor’s & Master’s), dual vocational training and career entry opportunities, work placements, gap years and stays abroad, funding and scholarship programmes

Background

With over 1.3 million pupils learning French, it is the second most widely studied foreign language in German schools after English. However, almost 90 per cent of pupils drop French as a subject when they reach upper secondary school for a wide variety of reasons. This is a trend that has a negative impact not only on certain degree programmes, but also, in the long term, on the world of work and civil society.

To counteract this trend, the organiser, the Franco-German University, and the host institution, the university of Wuppertal, aim to use this fair to showcase to pupils the opportunities and prospects within the Francophone world that arise from proficiency in French, both during and, in particular, after their school career.

The ‘Zukunftsmesse West’ fair differs from other fairs in that all the opportunities on offer also focus on the Francophone world. In this context, the French language can serve either as a necessary prerequisite or as a useful means of communication.

The opportunities on offer are intended to cover, amongst other things, higher education, dual study programmes, vocational training, the world of work and specific career fields, (orientation) work placements, gap years, stays abroad and international scholarships. In addition, alongside the fair, we offer short training sessions and information events on selected topics, such as access to (international) scholarships, applications in a Francophone context, learning from role models, etc.

The Future Fair takes place at a different university location in Germany every year. In 2025, the University of Bremen welcomed more than 4,000 interested school pupils. In 2026, Wuppertal will be the host university.

The ‘Zukunftsmesse West’ is supported by the ‘Europa-Schecks’ state initiative of the Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media, and Head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia.