Germany is one of the leading countries when it comes to high-end engineering, world-class medical services, and sky-rocketing businesses. Any student in Germany has many job opportunities just waiting to be grabbed. After the pandemic, the whole world started anew, and Germany opened more jobs to revive the economy. Hence, students had even more opportunities than before, consequently increasing cultural diversity in universities and workplaces.
The German government has various initiatives throughout the year to aid the students and make their lives easier. After obtaining a degree from a university, new graduates can stay in the country for up to 6 months and look for a job with a valid visa. If the job pays above the standard, they can apply for an EU Blue Card, but indeed there are some important points to look at and some precautions to take because not all students have the same imposed restrictions by the German government when it comes to working.
In order to continue working in Germany or if you want to look suitable job, you need to know which sector is hiring the most and which industry can have potential career growth. This article will explain how international students can find work and the top five working opportunities in Germany after graduating.
Do You Need a Visa to Work in Germany?
Yes, as an international student from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a visa to work in Germany after your student visa expires. A European student visa is for two years, after which you need to apply for an extension on your current visa to complete your studies or apply for work-related visas. If you hold a student visa, you are also not allowed to generally work more than 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week during holidays. Fortunately, once you graduate, there is no limitation on the allowed hours of work per week.
There are two types of visas that you are eligible for:
- A visa for work purposes when you already have a job
- A visa for job-seeking when you want to find a suitable job
All non-EU/EEA students are eligible for these visas. The process would go smoothly if, while commencing your degree, you already have a job aligned for yourself. You can apply for a work visa as soon as you have completed your studies. If this is not the case and you need to look for a job, you will need to apply for a visa for job-seeking purposes, in which you will have around six months to find a job if you wish to stay longer in Germany. Both of these visas are extendable under certain conditions. If you have worked in Germany for eight years after you got your work visa, you will also be eligible for German citizenship.
Of course, all of this is only possible when you have a job opportunity in hand. Germany’s job dynamic and culture are not that different from the rest of the world. The only difference is that the German language is a priority in most workplaces, and for you to work in the country, you will need to be well-acquainted with their language. Now that we have covered the basics, here is a list of the leading work opportunities in Germany for international students after graduation.
In-Demand Job Opportunities in Germany
1. Researchers / Professors
Any work related to academia is in high demand in Germany. Whether you are a lab technician, a fresh graduate, or an established researcher, you can find a good-paying job in the academic sector. Another important thing to consider here is that these jobs pay well, but you must have formal training and a degree to be eligible. For example, to become a researcher, you should have taken a significant research component in your last degree and should have a good publication record. The median salary of a researcher in Germany is around €73,100 per year.
For professors, you will need to have a Ph.D. degree and also some significant research and publication records. The average salary of a professor in Germany is around €74,200 per year.
You will need to obtain associated degrees for these high-paying professions. Career growth will depend highly on your capabilities, so evaluate yourself before you pursue these careers.
2. Doctors and Nurses
Germany has some of the world’s best hospitals and medical practitioners. One of the best employment opportunities the country offers is to hire doctors and nurses worldwide. The median salary of a doctor is €72,000, while a nurse is €33,654 per year. Both professions require you to have relative degrees, undergo various screening tests, and have an exceptional professional track record.
To get into this profession, you will need to study medicine and pass the exam: German Medical Licensing Examination. Some of the German institutes that offer this degree are the University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH), Heidelberg University, Lübeck University, and Münster University.
3. Engineering Professionals
The engineering professions are some of the highest-paying jobs in Europe. The average salary for any engineer in Germany is around €68,900 per year, and this can increase exponentially as you get more and more experience. Whether your field is in software, mechanical, electrical, or civil, you will surely get a sweet deal in whatever company you start working in.
The major universities that offer engineering degrees and are acknowledged throughout Germany and around the globe are the Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the Technical University of Berlin. You will need to become a full-time student in these universities and fulfill the required credit hours to get the degree. If you are a graduate of one of Germany’s technical universities, you will have the advantage of securing career opportunities from some of the top companies in the country.
4. Hospitality and Tourism Professionals
Hospitality and Tourism are one of Germany’s most significant assets. The breathtaking German landscapes attract a big crowd each year and bring a lot of business for the locals. This is why this sector is rich in jobs and growth potential. There are numerous employment opportunities in this sector, and if you want to pursue this profession, you can get hired with or without a degree. All you really need is enthusiasm for nature and a business mindset. The median salary of Hospitality and Tourism professionals lies anywhere from €65,900 to €68,900 per year.
5. Financial Accountants
The Germans are prominent in finance and accounting and are known for their money-keeping and making habits. Financial accountants are in huge demand in the country and these career possibilities are even open for international students who have graduated from reputable universities. The average salary of a financial accountant is €69,100 per year and has potential growth of up to €80,000. You will need formal training and a degree in the sector if you wish to be employed at big companies.
Here we come to the end of the article. After reading this piece, we hope you will have a good idea of all the wonderful professions you can get into after you graduate as an international student in Germany. Keep in mind that everything is difficult at the start because if it weren’t, everyone would have been doing it, so keep going. For prospective international students, you can explore the various program options available in Germany by checking out these open courses! You will also gain more insights on how to prepare for your international studies on our Study in Germany Page!
