Employment Prospects

As an international student, you are allowed to take up part-time employment along with your studies while in Germany. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind though.

  1. You can work for a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year as a student. This, however, might vary from high employment regions to low employment regions. Simply put, if your university is in a place which is in a city which has high unemployment rates, or requires more manpower, you might just get a work permit of more than 120 days.
  2. Usually, as per university norms, a student would not be allowed to work for more than 20 hours in a week during term. Students, however, can take up full-time employment during vacations.



What kind of work can you do?

Many companies hire international students with no questions asked, especially if you are looking at retail, hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and administration jobs. You could also get an apprenticeship with a tradesman, or you may even be able to find a job at the university that you are attending.

About Tax?

One pays income tax on all the income for one calendar year. Filing for taxes can be advantageous for students too. The negative tax can be used later to get a tax rebate. Several items like tuition fee, travel allowances, mobile bill etc can also be claimed!

Full Time:

Successful graduation at a German university opens a range of opportunities in the German job market for international graduates. Before your resident permit expires, you have to take the next step that is to apply for a resident permit, which will allow you to stay and then work in Germany. Once you have the permit, you are ready to explore the innumerable possibilities that await you in the country.



Type of Visas

Residence Permit for work after study in Germany:

Non-EU students are eligible for residence permits that would enable them to find a job matching their line and level of studies. Students need to follow two steps for the permit:

Step 1– Residence permit while you are looking for a job: Once you are done with your studies, you may not find a job almost immediately. This permit will allow you to stay in Germany for a period of up to 18 months during which you can find a job that mirrors your qualifications. You can take up almost any job to support yourself and sponsor your job search.

Step 2 –Residence permit to take up employment: When you get a job offer in your chosen field of study, you have two options before you: (a) apply for a German resident permit or (b) opt for the EU Blue Card. Both the permits are meant for a special purpose and you have to select carefully.

How to find a Job?

University services

Many of the 400 or so universities in Germany offer career services which will help you get a foot on the career ladder. These usually supply advice on choosing a career or help with how to apply, but may also provide seminars on public speaking, presentation skills or self-assurance. If you are not sure what documents you need to apply for a job in Germany, you can discuss your application directly with a member of staff of the career service. In addition, career services frequently broker contacts with companies by holding job fairs or recruiting days. Some universities also work with the local employment agency when advising graduates. Some of these local agencies offer a range of services specially geared to academics.

Local employment agencies

The employment agency in the town where you study will help you in your search for a job vacancy. In addition, you will be able to find out all kinds of information about the world of work in the agency’s professional information center. It is also a good idea to register directly on the Federal Employment Agency’s Job Exchange.

Tips on job-hunting

Various strategies could be of help to you in your search for a job:

  • Get active yourself and look for job offers that suit you: you can also submit your profile to the Federal Employment Agency so that interested employers can contact you. You will also find job offers in newspapers or on the Internet.
  • The Job Listings will provide you with an overview of job vacancies in Germany.
  • Came across an interesting employer while hunting around? Don’t hesitate – apply for a job speculatively.
  • Internships or trainee posts offer you the advantage of getting to know a company and acquiring your first professional experience.
  • The Federal Employment Agency Job Exchange is not the only place where you can hunt for internships or trainee posts; you might also find some in other job portals or on company Web sites. Whatever the case, it is always an advantage to build up networks of contacts in your specialty during your studies which you can then look to when hunting for a job.




Average Salary?

€35, 000- €45, 000 per annum

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