Earning Money
By taking on a part-time job, you earn some extra cash, get to know Germany better and you make friends. Here are some of the things you should bear in mind when you look for a job.
For many students in Germany, it’s quite normal to work part-time while studying. A part-time job can help students make career decisions, it’s a welcome change from phases of intensive academic work, and it supplements incomes. As an international student, you are also allowed to work in Germany. However, certain rules do apply.
How much am I allowed to work?
European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) nationals have the same status on the job market as Germans.
Are you a citizen of one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland orUnited Kingdom ? (Group 1)
Then you are allowed to work as much as you wish without a permit. However, you should remember that you should not work for more than 20 hours a week during the semester (the same applies to German students). Otherwise you will be required to pay pension insurance contributions. Furthermore, you wouldn’t have enough time for your studies.
Are you from Romania or Bulgaria ?
Then the following applies: You do not have rights of access to the German employment market until 2014. Until then, you may work only 120 whole or 240 half days a year and you are subject to the limitations that apply to students from other countries (see below).
Do you come from another country?
Then you are permitted to work only 120 full or 240 half days a year. This also includes voluntary work placements. If you wish to work more, you need a permit from the „Agentur für Arbeit“ (Federal Employment Agency) and the foreigners‘ authorities. Whether or not you are granted a permit depends on the employment situation in your university town. You will have less chance of obtaining a permit for more working days in regions with a high level of unemployment.
Important to know:
• You may exceed the 120-day limit if you work at your university as a student or graduate assistant. However, even in this case, you must inform the foreigners‘ authorities.
• You are not permitted to work in a self-employed or free-lance capacity, for example as a translator. If you are unsure about what kind of job you have been offered, consult your university’s welfare department or the „Agentur für Arbeit“.
• Regulations are particularly strict for participants of language courses or „Studienkolleg“ students: You may only work in lecture-free periods and only with the consent of the foreigners‘ authorities and the „Agentur für Arbeit“. Contact the International Officeto find out how to obtain this permit.
It is essential that you comply with labour laws for international students. You may be expelled from Germany if you break these laws. The advisers for international affairs at the„Studentenwerk“orInternational Officeat your university will be glad to advise you.
IMPORTANT: You will not be able to finance yourself entirely by working part-time while studying! And it is not easy finding a part-time job in all towns.
What are typical part-time jobs for students and where do I find them?
Many students work part-time as waiters in cafés, as hosts at trade fairs, as bicycle couriers, office assistants, cleaners or babysitters. Offers for this kind of job can be found in the small ads of regional or local newspapers, but also online with the Agentur für Arbeitand job service offered by the „Studentenwerk“ at your university. Many universities and „Studentenwerk“ services also list job vacancies on their websites. One ideal and popular way of supplementing incomes while studying is by working at university institutes, in libraries or at other university facilities. If you’re interested in this kind of job, contact your department secretary about vacancies for student or graduate assistants and tutors. Also check postings on notice boards outside libraries, lecture halls and the canteen. You will find plenty of job vacancies advertised here.
What do students earn?
How much you earn in your part-time job depends heavily on your experience, the sector and the employment situation in which you are working. In cities like Munich and Hamburg, student wages are usually higher, but so is the cost of living. Five to ten euro an hour is usual.
Suggested links :
- Comprehensive information about part-time jobs is available in the DAAD leaflet on international students in employment.
- You can find the address of the „Agentur für Arbeit“ in your town under www.arbeitsagentur.de.
Now you know what you have to bear in mind if you want to earn some extra cash while studying. We have compiled some useful information about gaining initial professional experience under work placement.
Completing an internship
By completing an internship, you get to know the German job market and you can familiarise yourself with professional requirements. Here, we introduce you to the different kinds of internships and we offer you some tips about finding an internship.
What is an internship?
When you do an internship, you work for several weeks or months in an institution or business and gain practical experience in the working world. Internships are part of virtually all study programmes in Germany. They are a useful way of finding out whether you are really suited to your course of study and chosen career. There are paid and unpaid internships. An internship usually lasts between two months and one year. The exact length depends on the study regulations for your course, your own personal wishes and those of your employer.
Advantages of an internship
An internship helps you decide on your future career. You get to know yourself and the professional world better. You may also meet potential employers and can build up a network of contacts. An internship helps you develop your social skills, such as the ability to work in a team, deal with conflicts and assert yourself. Every internship improves your career prospects because employers expect applicants to have practical professional experience. If you’re really lucky, your internship may even lead to a job offer.
Here are the different types of internship:
Compulsory internships are a required part of many academic courses. Inquire in good time at your department’s Internship Office about internship requirements. These can vary according to subject and university.
For some courses of study, you have to complete a pre-study internship to qualify for admission(for example for technical subjects and applied social sciences).
In some subjects, such as engineering, practical semesters of 20 to 26 weeks have to be completed. You cannot register for examinations unless you have successfully completed a practical semester.
A voluntary internship is completed out of personal interest, in other words it is not required by the study regulations.
A further training internship follows on directly after a degree course. For more information, see „Internship without studying in Germany“ below.
Internship checklist
- Work permit
For compulsory internships you do not require a work permit.
For voluntary internships, the following applies:
- If you come from Europe, you have free access to the German labour market and you do not require a work permit. Exception: for students from Romania and Bulgaria, this will not apply until 2014.
- If you are in Germany on a student visa (or you have a residence permit), you are entitled to work for 120 full or 240 half days a year. Every internship day is deducted from the 120 days that you are permitted to work by law. If you have already worked for 120 days, you will need permission from the foreigners‘ authorities and the „Agentur für Arbeit“ (Federal Employment Agency) to do an internship. This also applies if you are not being paid for your internship. To obtain your work permit, you must prove that you have approx. 700 euro a month to live on. If you earn less in your internship or your internship is unpaid, you need proof that you can support yourself financially.
For all important information about work permits, see „Side Jobs„.
· Insurance
To take part in an internship programme, you need to have health insurance. Your student health insurancepolicy is sufficient . If you are not registered at a German university at the time of your internship, you must take out your own health insurance. You should also find out from your internship coordinator/employer before you start your internship whether and with which company you are covered by accident and personal liability insurance.
· Internship agreement
Before signing an internship agreement, be sure to have it checked by an internship coordinator in your department or ask to see standard internship contracts.
· Knowledge of German
A knowledge of Germanis always useful, and actually necessary if you are interning with a German company or institution. If you are working in an international company or institution, proficiency in English is usually required.
What makes a good internship?
- It usually lasts at least two to three months.
- An internship plan is prepared for you.
- You have a supervisor who instructs you. In this way, you learn a lot without having to assume sole responsibility.
- You get to know different areas/departments in your company/institution.
- You work on specific projects and perform tasks which are appropriate to the qualifications you will obtain through your course. You are not just asked to make coffee, do photocopying or odd jobs
How do I find an internship?
The Internship Office in your department will help you look for and apply for an internship. Start looking well in advance, if possible before you arrive in Germany. The internet offers numerous platforms. Here are some of them:
• TheIAESTE programme (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) helps students studying technical and scientific subjects find international internships with companies, research institutes and universities. You apply to the national IAESTE committee in your country or to Referat 514 „International Internship Exchange“ at DAAD.
• The law student associationELSA runs the international internship exchange programme STEP (Student Trainee Exchange Programme). Vacancies are advertised in the STEPnewsletter.
•AIESEC is the biggest international student organisation with local committees in 107 countries. Contact your local committee which will help you find a placement and support you before, during and after your internship.
• Send an unsolicited application to German companies and institutions. Check out their respective websites for information and contact persons.
Internship without studying in Germany
You can complete an internship in Germany even if you are not studying at a German university or have just finished a course. The only condition is that your work placement should relate in some way to the subject of your course.
Students who are not from EU or EEA countries as well as students from Romania and Bulgaria need a permit from the German International Employment Agency „Zentrale Auslands- and Fachvermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit“ (ZAV) (http://www.zav.de) to do an internship in Germany. With this „Confirmation of approval“, you must apply for avisa at the German embassy/consulate in your country or for a residence permitat your local foreigners‘ authorities if you are already in Germany. Your prospective employer may also submit an internship application for you to the ZAV.
Useful links:
- Detailed information about study-related internships is provided by the „Bundesagentur für Arbeit„
- You can find out whether you need a visa for your internship on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
FAQs
Is it easy to get into German taught Masters? ›
Thus it is easier to get into the German taught programs than the English taught ones. For non-restricted courses, it does not matter what grades you have. As long as your Bachelors's is equivalent to the German Bachelors of the university you are applying to, you will get directly admitted.
What's the easiest German university to get admission to? ›- Schiller International University. ...
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences. ...
- Ludwig-Maximillian University. ...
- University of Freiburg. ...
- University of Heidelberg. ...
- Free University of Berlin. ...
- University of Leipzig. ...
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen.
Gap limit for some courses in German Universities outlines 5 years for pursuing engineering and a maximum gap of 3 years for medical. Pursuing a law degree enables the student to take a gap of 3 years as well prior to applying, while an individual can take 7 years gap before applying for a commerce degree in Germany.
Which German public university is easiest? ›University Of Bonn – Easiest Universities To Get Into In Germany. The University of Bonn is a public university established in the year 1777. The university is home to over 30,000 students, out of which, 12% to 15%of them belong to the international population.
Is B2 enough for German taught program? ›As a rule of thumb, German universities require you to present a proof of upper intermediate to advanced German language skills (level B2/C1) to study in German.
Can I do MS in Germany with 60 %? ›The minimum CGPA required to do an MS in Germany is 7 or 70%. However, if you want to get admission to a world-class university, you need the best score in IELTS, and your CGPA must be around 8.5.
Which German university has highest acceptance? ›- Schiller International University. Acceptance Rate: 60% ...
- Berlin International University Of Applied Sciences. Acceptance Rate: 60% ...
- Ludwig-Maximillian University. Acceptance Rate: 55% ...
- Free University Of Berlin. Acceptance Rate: 15% ...
- University Of Freiburg.
Admission requirements are set very high by the German Universities. For UG courses as much as 90% is expected for admission.
How long do German universities take to respond to applications? ›Students can expect to receive a response within 4-6 weeks of the application deadline, be it July or January. If all goes well, they'll have gained a place at the destination of their choice.
What are the chances of German student visa rejections? ›What are the chances of German student visa rejection? Ans. Despite having a 92% selection rate, German immigration officers might reject your visa based on the above-mentioned pointers. So ensure to avoid them regardless and not become a part of the Germany visa rejection rate percentage (8%.)
Why do student visas get rejected? ›
Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
Candidates would be required to know both the German language as well as be fluent in English providing proof of language proficiency for both. This is a major factor and a reason why German student visas are rejected.
Can I study in Germany without ielts? ›Course in the German language: You can also seek admission to a German university without IELTS by taking admission to a German language program. However, to pursue this program you will need to submit a certification in the German language. A C1 to B1 level certificate will serve the purpose in this case.
Which university is free in Germany? ›Study for free in Germany - even at Top Universities
Front of the Humboldt University in Berlin. In Germany, all public higher education institutions are free, even the highest ranked universities in the country!
- University of Cologne.
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU)
- Goethe University Frankfurt.
- RWTH Aachen University.
- University of Münster.
- Ruhr University Bochum.
- University of Duisburg-Essen.
- Universität Hamburg.
If you're opting for a German language course, then learning the B1 level is necessary to be eligible for the course. Along with this, you'll have to clear German language exams like DSH, DAF, and C1 level exams to prove your proficiency.
Is A2 German enough? ›It defines the following levels of language competence: Levels A1 and A2: These levels provide you with basic knowledge of the German language. If you have no previous knowledge, attending an A1 course is highly recommended. Levels B1 and B2: Here is where you will learn German at an advanced level.
Is B1 German enough? ›The third level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages is level B1. It is definitely a step beyond the A1 and A2 exams. Passing a level B1 exam means that you are entering the intermediate level of your journey through the German language.
Can I get admission in Germany with 55%? ›In general, the admission requirements are as follows: at least 55% marks or CGPA 2.5 (out of 4.0) in 4 years Bachelor degree from Nepal or India. an overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent test. some basic knowledge of German language (A1 level is highly recommended)
Is a 2.4 GPA good in Germany? ›1.0–1.5 sehr gut (very good: an outstanding achievement) 1.6–2.5 gut (good: an achievement which lies substantially above average requirements) 2.6–3.5 befriedigend (satisfactory: an achievement which corresponds to average requirements)
Which masters degree is most in demand in Germany? ›
Engineering: By far the most popular and one of the top courses to study in Germany, engineering mostly translates into an MS degree. Some of the engineering specializations that students opt for are Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Electrical Engineering, among others.
Which German university is best for international students? ›- Technical University of Munich.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
- Humboldt University of Berlin.
- Free University of Berlin.
- RWTH Aachen University.
- Berlin Institute of Technology.
- University of Munster.
- Hamburg University of Technology.
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
This university has around 45,628 students, with 11,280 of them being international students arriving from all over the world.
Here is what students have to say about some of the most international universities in Germany: Free University of Berlin. Technical University of Munich.
Is German degree valid in USA? ›Yes, It is valid as much as a degree from US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, France or Netherlands. German education system is very strong and a close to 4% of GDP spends on providing free education.
Which degree is best in Germany? ›- Medicine and Dentistry. Doctors and dentists are valuable professionals throughout the entire world. ...
- Law. Lawyers are also highly important. ...
- Industrial Engineering. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Mathematics and Computer Science. ...
- Natural Sciences. ...
- Business and Economics. ...
- Architecture.
A model of academic excellence, an affordable country, and a cultural hub, Germany attracts international students like very few countries in the world can. Top Bachelor's programmes, scholarships, and employment opportunities are some of the "culprits" behind Germany's reputation as an international study destination.
Do universities tell you if you are rejected? ›It could be a matter of days or months before you hear back from a university about your application, whether that's an offer, invitation to an interview or rejection (hopefully not). It all depends on when you applied and how that university course chooses to make offers.
When should I apply for fall 2023 Germany? ›For most universities, the application deadlines for the summer semester begin in early December and end on 15 January. Whereas the application deadline for winter intake runs from early May and ends on 15 July. The academic year in Germany generally begins in the winter semester.
How do German universities get selected? ›- Choose a university. ...
- Check the admission requirements. ...
- Get your finances in order. ...
- Apply! ...
- Take out health insurance. ...
- Get a German student visa. ...
- Find accommodation. ...
- Enroll.
Which country rejected visa most? ›
According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Why do German universities reject applications? ›Financial Instability. Weak financial background is the most common reason for German student visa rejection. Despite the fact that several public universities do not charge tuition fees, a sound financial background is necessary to survive.
Is interview compulsory for Germany student visa? ›In addition to simply getting into their university of choice, students must gather all the necessary paperwork for the German student visa application. Then, they must complete the study visa interview.
Is it hard to get German student visa? ›The application process is pretty simple if you have all the required documents. However, you should make sure to go prepared. Here's how to apply for the Germany Student Visa: Go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Which is the most difficult visa to get? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
If you can get a letter from your employer, or indicate a date that you will return to work, this will help your application. If you are not employed, provide a plan for how you will use your new diploma or degree to start a job. This also helps convince the visa officer that you have a reason to return home.
Why are German student visas delayed? ›After the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the number of visa applications has increased in all the countries which has led to a delay. Thus, Germany is not the only country facing challenges. The ambassador acknowledged the disappointment and has expressed his wish to issue the visas as quickly as possible.
Why does German student visa take so long? ›This is because the German authorities are quite strict when it comes to who enters their country, thus they have a thorough list of requirements regarding the student visa application process, which you must meet.
How long does German embassy take to process visa? ›The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
Which country gives scholarship without IELTS? ›If you want to study abroad without IELTS then you could go to Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the top-most countries in Asia after Singapore for studies. There is no compulsory need for English test proof for studying Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.
Which country give student visa without IELTS? ›
Apart from this, many European countries like Germany, Holland, and Norway also allow international students to apply to their universities without giving IELTS.
Is studying in Germany cheap? ›Not only can you study for free in Germany, but it is also a pretty affordable country. The average costs of living for students range between 700 - 1,000 EUR/month, including accommodation. Find out more about expenses (including health insurance) for students in Germany.
Does a baby born in Germany get citizenship? ›Yes. A child born in Germany (on or after 1 January 2000) can acquire German nationality, even if neither of the parents is German. The only precondition is that one of the parents has been legally and habitually resident in Germany for eight years and has a permanent right of residence.
Is postgraduate free in Germany? ›Affordability - The majority of postgraduate education in Germany is free. Most German universities do not charge any tuition fee for Masters courses.
How much money do I need to study in Germany? ›Therefore, the regular cost of living and cost of studying in Germany for a student sums up to € 850 - € 1200, based on the city you choose to live in. Therefore, the cost of studying in Germany for Indian students would be 72,000 1,00,000 INR per month.
What is the cheapest university in Germany for international students? ›- Technical University of Munich. ...
- Ludwig Maximilians University. ...
- Heidelberg University. ...
- Karlsruher Institute of Technology. ...
- Humboldt University of Berlin. ...
- Technical University of Berlin. ...
- Georg-Augusta University of Göttingen. ...
- University of Hamburg.
Getting Great at German
German might not be as familiar to English speakers as Spanish, but it's still one of the easiest languages to learn. Like Spanish, it's also a phonetic language, which makes pronunciation easy to figure out.
Germany, due to its high academic level and free public universities, is one of the most popular destinations for students to study abroad in in the world. There are hundreds of universities in Germany that have free or very low-fee tuition programs available for international students.
What level of German is required for German taught masters? ›This course, which is held at facilities at universities and universities of applied sciences and lasts approximately two semesters, prepares you for your degree programme. It requires a good command of German (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference ) and a successful entrance examination.
Is German easy or tough? ›With plenty of straightforward rules, German is not actually as hard to learn as most people think. And since English and German stem from the same language family, you might actually be surprised at the things you pick up without even trying! And on top of it all, it's definitely a useful one, too.
Is German language necessary for MS in Germany? ›
Language Requirements to study MS in Germany
Programs in English will not require German language tests or certificates. But, if you are a non-native English speaker, then you will be required to take English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE.
Knowledge of German is not a must
There are a large number of international degree courses at German universities. As a result, you do not need to know German to study in Germany.
It defines the following levels of language competence: Levels A1 and A2: These levels provide you with basic knowledge of the German language. If you have no previous knowledge, attending an A1 course is highly recommended. Levels B1 and B2: Here is where you will learn German at an advanced level.
Is B1 German enough? ›The third level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages is level B1. It is definitely a step beyond the A1 and A2 exams. Passing a level B1 exam means that you are entering the intermediate level of your journey through the German language.
Is B1 German enough to study in Germany? ›Students, after the completion of A2 level, go for B1 level, which is of course the advanced and more skilled level of the German language. Most universities in Germany ask for at least a B1 level, so undoubtedly, B1 can be the ultimate test for students to get admission to Germany.
How many hours learn German? ›German is rated as a category 2 language and considered to be similar to English. The FSI estimates that German takes approximately 30 weeks, or 750 classroom hours to learn. This study was conducted on a group of language students who spent 25 hours per week in class, and three hours daily on individual practice.
What is the hardest part of learning German? ›The 'r' sound is, to me, the most difficult in German and often the dead giveaway of a native English speaker. If we take a simple word like aber, the tendency of a native English speaker is to say, 'abER', pronouncing the hard 'r' as one would in English.
What is the hardest language in the world? ›Mandarin
As mentioned before, Mandarin is unanimously considered the most difficult language to master in the world! Spoken by over a billion people in the world, the language can be extremely difficult for people whose native languages use the Latin writing system.
- Free education. ...
- Working limits. ...
- Strong economy. ...
- Language barrier. ...
- Good Institutions. ...
- Lack of educational facilities. ...
- Apply to German universities with Rostrum Education:
To talk of the Germany student visa rejection rate, despite having a 92% success rate for student visas, the German Government may reject your application for a number of reasons.
Can I study in Germany if I only speak English? ›
Germany is extremely popular among international students even if German is not that easy to learn. That's because even if you don't speak any German you can still go for a Bachelor's here thanks to the numerous English-taught Bachelor's.
Which degree is best in Germany? ›- Medicine and Dentistry. Doctors and dentists are valuable professionals throughout the entire world. ...
- Law. Lawyers are also highly important. ...
- Industrial Engineering. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Mathematics and Computer Science. ...
- Natural Sciences. ...
- Business and Economics. ...
- Architecture.
In short: yes, there are English-speaking jobs in Germany. Foreigners who look for jobs in tech startups or digital departments have a higher chance of finding work in Germany without speaking German.
Can you survive in Germany with English? ›There's no doubt that you can survive in Germany without knowing German. Every German usually studies English from the age of 5 and especially the younger generation watches British or American series.