Study in Germany - Work in Germany (2023)

FAQs

Is it possible to study and work in Germany? ›

Students from abroad can also work in Germany alongside their studies. Students from EU/EEA countries are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, just like German students are. There is no limit to how much they can earn during semester breaks.

If students work more than 20 hours a week, they risk breaching annual limits (120 full days and 240 half days). There is also a monthly income limit of €450. Above that point, you will need to pay standard German taxes, while income below €450 is tax-free.

Many public universities in Germany are not well equipped. For example, you may not find laboratories with high-tech computers at your disposal or a very well organised student centre. Even when these facilities are present, they might be costly for students.

German universities are famous for delivering high-quality education - a lot of these universities even rank among the best in the world. By choosing to study in Germany, you can be sure to get an education that is well above the global average, which will come in very useful when looking for a job after graduation.

Job Board (Stellensuche) of the Federal Employment Agency

The BA's Stellensuche (job board) is Germany's largest online portal for jobs. You can look for jobs and enter your personal applicant profile so that German companies are able to see it and can therefore contact you directly if they are interested.

Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union. The country has a very attractive job market for qualified workers as their highly competitive companies are always in need of well-trained employees. After officially completing your degree, you will have 18 months to find a job.

The maximum daily amount of working time must not exceed ten hours. However, the law stipulates that the working hours on business days (Monday until Saturday) must not exceed an average of eight working hours per day, ie 48 hours per week, over a period of six months or 24 weeks.

A full day is defined as 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week in Germany, This means that students are allowed to work only 2.5 full days per week during the semester.

Minimum wage was only introduced in Germany in January 2015. It applies to all workers aged over 18 and is typically reviewed every two years. As of October 1, 2022, the minimum wage is 12 euros per hour, which equates to a monthly salary of around 2.100 euros for someone working full time.

Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free!

That's right: Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of charge - without tuition fees. It does not matter if you are from the EU or EEA. This applies to almost all study programmes at public universities.

Is German degree valid in USA? ›

Do German degrees transfer to America? Yes. If you have a degree from Germany (or virtually anywhere else), it will be recognized in the US.

Can I stay in Germany when I complete my studies? Yes. After you have completed your studies you can stay in Germany while you are looking for a job. Students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who hold a residence permit can apply to have it extended for another 18 months while they search for a job in Germany.

International students, in general, agree that Germany is a good study destination. Living in Germany is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. In addition, the country offers a wide range of programs in English. In fact, you don't need to speak German to study at a German university.

All persons who wish to seek gainful employment in Germany are required to obtain a residence permit in the form of a visa. Where needed, a work permit will be included in the visa issued for this purpose.

Which is the most demanded job in Germany? Ans- Electronics Engineer, Computer Science, IT professionals, Software Developers, Mechanical Engineering.

Germany has both a thriving economy and culture, and is in need of workers. While you may face hurdles getting a visa and landing an English-speaking job, there are plenty of opportunities.

If you apply for a Germany Schengen visa, you are expected to submit proof that you have the necessary funds to cover your stay as well as your return. If you could not prove you have enough financial resources, the German visa officers will reject your visa application.

You can move to Germany without a job if you intend to start your own business. You will need to apply for a residence permit and permission to start your business. You will need a self-employment visa if you are coming to Germany temporarily and for business purposes.

Does Germany have 4 day work week? ›

Working Hours in Germany

Legal working days in Germany are from Monday to Saturday, but for most workers, a standard work week is from 8 or 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Employees are allowed to work up to 10 hours per day, as long as the total weekly work time is not longer than 48 hours.

If you take up part-time employment that involves more than 120 days per year, you need a work permit. If you are uncertain or have questions, please contact the Immigration Office or the Federal Employment Agency.

Standard hours in Germany

Workdays usually start between 8-9 am and finish between 5-6 pm. Lunch breaks are 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Legal limits to working hours in Germany

The working week runs from Monday to Saturday, and employees must not work more than 48 hours per week. This can be extended to 10 hours per day, if within six months (or 24 weeks) the overall average working time does not exceed eight hours per day.

A full-time job in Germany usually comprises between 35 and 40 hours each week. You may not work more than 48 hours each week ac- cording to the German Working Hours Act. This may be in- creased to 60 hours each week if the average working hours of 8 hours each workday are not exceeded within a period of six months.

Worst-paid jobs in Germany

1. Kitchen worker - 21.907 euros.

As of 2021, it has been officially estimated that international students need approximately 861 EUR/month to cover their living expenses in Germany, which means around 10,332 EUR/year. Students need to show proof they can cover their living expenses in Germany to get a visa.

Is studying in Germany cheaper than USA? ›

Ans. Yes, it is cheaper to study in Germany compared to USA because public universities in USA have no tuition fees and even at private universities the fees are much lower compared to US universities. Moreover, the cost of living in Germany vs USA is also much cheaper.

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, if you plan to live in Germany (or stay longer than 90 days), you can apply for a residence permit at the German Immigration Authorities after you enter.

Germany is an excellent option if you're looking for affordable and high-quality education. If you want to be in an English-speaking environment and have the opportunity to travel within America, the USA is a good choice.

A student visa is official permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country. All U.S. passport holders planning to be in Germany for more than 90 days (for example, students planning to study for a semester or year) will be required to obtain a residence permit instead of a visa.

You'd miss the high employment chances in Germany. The percentage of people employed in Germany is about 74%, the country ranking 6th out of 38 countries in Europe. This means you have 3 in 4 chances of landing a job in Germany, during or after your studies. And those are some great odds!

Can a student get PR in Germany? Ans. A PR in Germany for International students is not allowed; students can only apply for a PR after study in Germany, and only once they have been employed for a period of at least two-four years.

During these 18 months, you are allowed to take up any type of job. Please note that this type of residence permit cannot be extended. The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a residence permit for 18 months: Proof of successfully completed studies.

Staying in Germany after obtaining your degree

You are allowed to perform any job while searching for qualified employment. As soon as you have received a job offer, you can apply to have your residence permit for study purposes converted into a work permit for qualified professionals or into an EU Blue Card.

You may earn up to 450 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2021), you have to work a maximum of around eleven hours per week or around 47 hours per month for this amount.

International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. They are not allowed to be self-employed or work as freelancers . Students who want to work more need permission from the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) and the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office).

Is it easy for international students to work in Germany? ›

Yes, International students can get jobs in Germany after completing their masters provided they fulfill all the requirements and documentation.

Studying abroad in Europe is every student's dream, and Germany is one of the top destinations for Indian students planning to move abroad. Home to some of the most renowned universities in the world, Germany is a student's dream destination.

You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. If you exceed this, you'll be required to pay into the German social security system, and there could be a negative impact on your studies. Non-EU/EEA students are also able to work in Germany alongside their studies, for 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

A full-time job in Germany usually comprises between 35 and 40 hours each week. You may not work more than 48 hours each week ac- cording to the German Working Hours Act. This may be in- creased to 60 hours each week if the average working hours of 8 hours each workday are not exceeded within a period of six months.

On average, the students earn up to 24,560 EUR per year or 13.85 EUR per hour with their part-time job, whereas the typical national average wage for part-time in Germany is 12.35 EUR. Part-time jobs offer students flexibility and financial freedom via hourly wages.

Good news for working students in Germany from outside the EU/EEA: you're free to work alongside your studies with your student visa! In this case, the regulations deviate slightly from the rules for EU students as non-EU/EEA students that are on a student visa can work up to 120 working days or 240 half days per year.

Most high-level appointments in Germany will require an interview, and almost all employers will insist on fluent spoken and written German. In some cases, you may find online jobs in Germany for English speakers.

Knowledge of German improves your employment chances in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other central and eastern Europe parts. Many companies in these regions are willing to employ someone who can speak German fluently, not to mention the additional ability to speak English.

A model of academic excellence, an affordable country, and a cultural hub, Germany attracts international students like very few countries in the world can. Top Bachelor's programmes, scholarships, and employment opportunities are some of the "culprits" behind Germany's reputation as an international study destination.