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.
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.
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.
Start your career in Berlin
International, dynamic, and progressive, Berlin is set to become Europe’s leading start-up hub and entrepreneurial capital. With a multinational population of around 3.5 million, the city is a powerhouse for networking and collaboration.
The IU campus is right in the heart of Berlin, with around 2000 students studying in the cultural hotspot. Students have access to libraries and facilities across the city and we are happy to support in finding accommodation in Berlin.
Explore Berlin Campus
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.
Useful resources for students
Here's a list of links to help you learn more about studying and working in Germany.
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
Do you have any questions?
Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors.
