Germany

Germany is the largest economy in Europe with high employment rates which makes it an attractive destination for qualified immigrants, expats and international students. In the recent times, Germany has become an immigration country where you can meet people from all over the world, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munich or Cologne.

Germany is also known for its excellent education system and state-funded universities amongst which are some of the best universities in the world. As one of the world leaders in scientific and technological innovation, Germany is also constantly striving to advance its education system to train the workforce of tomorrow.

Living in Germany as a student

German cities offer the highest standards of living with well-developed infrastructure, access to basic services like public transportation, health services and facilities for recreation and wellness. All German cities have strong public transportation networks and disability friendly public spaces.

If you love the outdoors, German cities are perfect because you can enjoy running, walking and cycling in your neighborhoods thanks to the green parks and dedicated cycling lanes.  Nature lovers are never far away from beautiful green parks, lakes and rivers. German cities are cosmopolitan and international with abundant opportunities for multicultural experiences. When it comes to safety, German cities, especially Munich, have very low crime rates. Both Munich and Berlin have made it within the top 10 list of the 2017 QS Best Student Cities Index 2017*.

*QS Best Student Cities index, www.topuniversities.com

Working in Germany

With the fourth largest economy in the world and a population of over 80 million, Germany belongs to the largest countries in the European Union (EU). Great job opportunities and a healthy economy makes living and working in Germany highly appealing to graduates and professionals from around the world. Germany has a wide range of job prospects both for young talents and experienced experts. According to recent figures by Eurostat, Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU.

Working while studying in Germany

Not only German and EU students, but non-EU students might also gain work experience during their studies. Students who are enrolled in a university and have a valid student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Of course, the more German language knowledge students bring, the better chances for them to find the perfect job opportunity. The Career Service team at the university will  support students regarding job applications.

Job opportunities for international graduates in Germany

Skilled professionals and workers from abroad have excellent job prospects in Germany. The top recruiters of qualified international talent come from a wide range of sectors such as engineering, programming, manufacturing, Information Technology, e-commerce and the growing media sector.

After graduation, non-EU citizens can apply for the 18-month job search residence permit to look for employment that matches their qualifications. During this time, they can take up any kind of employment to support themselves. EU citizens can stay and work in Germany without any restrictions.

Industrial companies are the foundation of the German economy. While Germany-based multinational companies, such as Allianz, BMW, Siemens and Volkswagen employ thousands of people, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are Germany’s economic backbone. They are accountable for the success of German products and services worldwide – German economy is strongly export oriented. There is rising demand of skilled workers in the “Old economy” sectors as well as the IT and media business.

The vibrant entrepreneurial scene in Germany also offers several opportunities for competent international talent. Cities like Berlin, Cologne and Munich are growing start-up hubs where graduates can find interesting positions at the entry level or managerial level depending upon their past experience.

The media industry is also booming and going through rapid transformation with the rise of network broadcasting, social media and other media technologies. German corporations and media companies like digital agencies, publishing houses and PR agencies feel the urgency to fortify their media strategies and this is where the new generation of media managers, designers, and brand managers come in.