Finding a job after studying in Germany
When it comes to education and job placement, Germany is Europe’s powerhouse due to its great economy, good universities and niche as well as large very successful companies.
Germany is also the most popular European destination for international students. One reason next to the highly regarded education could be the good job opportunities after graduation. Not only is the unemployment rate for graduates almost non-existent but getting a master’s degree from a German university also means you get a permit to work in Germany.
What does this work permit mean in detail?
For students from EU countries
Being an EU citizen, you can seek job opportunities without a visa. The good thing for you is that you will be treated the same as German residents when it comes to accessing the employment market, working conditions and social and tax advantages.
For students from non-EU countries
If you’re a student from a non-EU country, you can extend your residence permit for up to 18 months in order to find a suitable job in your field of studies. You need to prove that you’ve finished your studies and that you have means of supporting yourself financially during the time of your job search. During this time, you can take up any job to finance yourself, also as a proof for your income. If you find a job matching your qualifications during these 18 months (jobbing, e.g. as a waiter or a barkeeper, wouldn’t count), you can receive a residence permit and enjoy Germany. After two more years you are also already eligible for a permanent residence permit.
If you are interested to study at PFH, it is quite an advantage as you get a job guarantee after you complete your studies, whether you are an EU citizen or not. For more details ask the programme director from the programme of your choice.
What to consider for a job in Germany
- Most graduates search for jobs that are particularly related to their study field, but make sure to consider other related areas. A degree in General Management allows for many different roles in management positions.
- Don’t limit your job search only to large companies. There are many small and medium-sized companies that provide 60% of all jobs in Germany. For example, take the company Ottobock. They are world leader in prosthetics, but you might not have heard about them.
- If you’re more interested though in Composites, there is not only Airbus or the aircraft industry. You can also think of Formula 1, renewable energies with wind turbines, bikes, or of course in Germany: automotive
We hope we answered your pressing questions in terms of finding a job after graduating in Germany. If you’re still in the phase of considering where to study in Germany, take a look at our General Management study program and the Composites study.