Study abroad in Germany, the home of IU

Discover the benefits of studying in Germany as an international student and take the first step towards your dream career. Learn about visa requirements, work-study opportunities, and more to help you plan your studies in Germany.

Why study in Germany?

IU connects you to Germany, a country renowned for its first-class education, economic strength, and top living standards. When you study in Germany at IU, you’ll graduate with a globally recognised and accredited degree that will help you forge an international career path.

Today, over 400,000 international students are enrolled in higher education in Germany – and for good reason. The country boasts a highly regarded education system with low tuition fees, affordable student living costs, and many opportunities to live and work in Germany. As an international student in Germany, you’ll also get to experience a new culture, develop new perspectives, and meet people from all around the world.

German-quality, career-focused education

Aside from traditional universities, Germany is also home to universities of applied sciences (UAS or Fachhochschulen), where theory and practice go hand-in-hand. This educational model is unique to Germany and is a driving force behind its low unemployment rate in the EU.

According to the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, five years after graduation, UAS graduates earn an average of €47,700 per year, roughly 14.8% more than university graduates.

For over 20 years, IU has been at the forefront of career-oriented education, offering specialised degrees in high-demand fields such as business, engineering, and technology.

Launch a career in Germany

Career opportunities in Germany, EU’s largest economy

Be in the heart of the world’s biggest single-market economy, the EU. As a leader in innovation and research, Germany provides opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and experience – through your studies, internships, and jobs.

When you study in Germany, you’ll be prepared to enter a strong job market with a high demand for skilled professionals, especially in the fields of tech, business, engineering, and IT.

7.1% of world trade share

the third largest after China and the U.S

3rd biggest exporter

with over €11.9B to the U.S.

4th largest economy

in the world

3.1% unemployment rate

the third lowest in the EU

29 Fortune Global 500 companies

are headquartered in Germany

27,241 EU Blue Cards

issued to non-EU workers in 2018

Facts about the German labour market

Due to demographic changes and technological innovations, 352 of 801 occupations in Germany are currently facing a shortage of skilled labour.

At the end of 2021, there were 96,000 vacant positions in the IT sector. There is high demand for specialists in software development, data science, IT security, and application support.

A whopping 79% of job vacancies are in the STEM and business fields, where skilled professionals with vocational qualifications are largely lacking.

Government initiatives such as the Skilled Immigration Act and EU Blue Card have made it easier for non-EU skilled professionals with vocational qualifications to work and live in Germany.

Woman, on the street, smiling to the camera

Get an 18-month post study visa

According to an alumni survey, 90% of our graduates would like to remain in Germany after their studies. As an IU student, you are eligible to apply for an 18-month post study visa if you join us on campus within the last six months before graduation. This lets you stay in Germany to search for a job related to your area of study and potentially secure a long-term work visa or EU Blue Card.

Want to know how to navigate the German job market and land your dream job after graduation? Read our comprehensive guide on how to get a job in Germany.

Where we’re based

Start your career in Berlin or Bad Honnef

Our German campuses in Berlin and Bad Honnef are both well positioned for IU graduates to gain access to labour markets in hugely significant areas of the country. Read more about our Campus learning model if you want to experience student life in Germany.

IU Berlin

Study in Germany’s capital city, home to some of the world’s biggest and well-known companies. Berlin boasts a thriving community of expats, a relatively cheap cost of living, and an energetic start-up scene that’s ideal for creatives and the self-employed. The redevelopment of Tegel Airport into a science and technology park will also create 20,000 new jobs in R&D for the tech, sustainability, and engineering.

Explore Berlin Campus

IU Bad Honnef

Just a 2-hour train ride away you’ll find yourself in Frankfurt, the country’s leading financial centre and home to the European Central Bank. The IU campus is also a short distance from Cologne, where a booming automotive industry lies, and Bonn, which offers a modern research-oriented scientific environment with an average salary of €65,000 a year.

Explore Bad Honnef Campus

Work and study in Germany

Strict work-life balance and labour laws

Germany is known for its strong labour laws and benefits in the high employment standards set out by the EU. The Working Time Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz) limits the working week to a maximum of 48 hours.

Some industries and companies will require longer hours but, in general, you can expect a working week of 36-40 hours, with a minimum daily break of 30 minutes. Part-time jobs usually involves working under 30 hours per week. Read on to find out more about working as an international student in Germany.

Student jobs in Germany

As a student, you can work up to 120 full days (8 hours per day) or 240 half days (4 hours per day) every year. If you learn on campus in Germany, you’ll get to enjoy the flexibility of attending a mix of online and in-person lectures. This will free up some of your time if you’d like to take on a part-time job to meet the cost of studying in Germany.

Mini Job

This is perfect for those looking to earn some side income to fund your living expenses in Germany. You’ll find tons of mini jobs as waiters/waitresses, retail staff, babysitting, and more.

It’s essentially minimum-waged part-time work and you can only earn a maximum of €450 per month. This means you don’t need to contribute to taxes or social and health insurances.

Working Student Job

This is ideal for those who want to kickstart a career in Germany while studying. You’ll work in a large company in a field related to your studies, for instance in marketing or human resources. This allows you to:

apply the knowledge acquire in the classroom in practice
gain relevant work experience and industry networking
potentially have a job offer at the same company after graduation
get better earnings than at a mini job

You’ll typically work 20 hours per week at an average of €14 per hour. These jobs will cross the tax threshold, but as a student you can claim the taxes back at the end of the tax year.

Discover our Career Office

Useful resources for students

Here's a list of links to help you learn more about studying and working in Germany.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has a comprehensive list of articles to help you learn more about studying in Germany as an international student. Here's a quick guide on the first steps you need to take when you've arrived in Germany.
Student job sites: Here are some useful websites where you can find a job as a student in Germany:
stellenwerk job portal
LinkedIn
Indeed.com
Berlin startup jobs
IU’s guide to getting a job in Germany: How to get a job in Germany as a foreigner: a step-by-step guide

How to get a visa

How to get a student visa in Germany

Planning to study in Germany as an international student? Chances are you'll need a student visa, and potentially an APS Certificate for Germany. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to get started:

Visa types

First, figure out the type of visa you’ll need.

Depending on your study programme and duration, you may need a:

National Visa (D-Visa) for full-time degree programmes, or
Schengen Visa for short-term study programmes (less than 90 days)

Requirements

Then, you’ll have to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

In general, to qualify for a German student visa, you will need:

proof of admission to a German university
sufficient financial means to cover living expenses in Germany
health insurance coverage in Germany

Important documents

Next, gather all the necessary documents. The following should be submitted with your visa application:

a valid passport
proof of health insurance
proof of financial means
letter of admission from a German university

Remember to check the specific requirements for your visa type and country of origin.

Application process support

Once you’ve completed your IU application and paid your one-time on-campus fee, we will connect you to our visa application partner, who will take care of the entire process for you – for free.

Visa processing time

Now all you need to do is sit tight and wait for a decision. On average, visa processing can take between 4-12 weeks. It can vary depending on your country of origin and the visa type.

Once your application is processed, you'll receive a notification about the decision.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for studying in Germany as an international student?: Admission requirements can vary depending on the degree programme and university. Generally, you'll need to have a recognised high school diploma or bachelor's degree, meet language requirements, and provide proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies.
Do I need to know German to study in Germany as an international student?: It depends on the programme and university you choose. At IU, our programmes and materials are 100% in English.
How much does it cost to study in Germany as an international student?: Tuition fees are generally low or non-existent in Germany, but you'll still need to budget for living expenses such as accommodation, food, and health insurance.
You'll need also to show proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay. As of October 2022, international students need to set aside a minimum of €934 per month for living expenses, so you must have at least €11,208 in your bank account before applying for a German student visa.
How can I apply for a student visa to study in Germany as an international student?: You can apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa requirements and application process may vary depending on your country of origin.
Where can I get more information on German student visa?: Check the website of the German embassy or consulate in your home country for detailed information on visa requirements and application procedures.
Will IU support my visa application process?: Yes! We will connect you to our trusted visa application partner, who will take care of the entire process for you – from start to finish, 100% free of charge.
To receive this service, you’ll need to be officially enrolled first – so it’s important that you pay your one-time on-campus fee as soon as your study contract and admission documents have been uploaded.
The sooner you finish the IU application process, the quicker you can begin the visa application process – and start your studies.
Can I work while studying in Germany as an international student?: Yes, international students in Germany can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. However, it's important to note that part-time jobs may not cover all living expenses and may require German language proficiency.

Work smart towards your dream job!

Apply by December 5th to save up to 1444 € on your on-campus tuition.

Study flexibly on-campus in Europe & boost your career with an international degree. Take advantage of IU degrees available in a variety of hot-topic industries & pick up skills to take on sought-after job roles, successfully! Meet the application deadline to join our upcoming January intake.

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