Working in Germany during and after your degree
Working during your degree
140 full days or 280 half days a year (about 20 hours a week in term). Wages: €12.82 an hour minimum wage (2025).
Working after you graduate
Residence permit for job seeking (Section 20 AufenthG): 18 months. Any job is allowed while searching. Move to an EU Blue Card once you have a qualifying offer.
After graduating you can extend your residence permit by 18 months to look for a job matching your qualification, and work any job meanwhile. Once employed you can move to an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit; permanent residence is possible after 21 to 27 months on a Blue Card with German language.
Sectors hiring graduates
| Sector | Demand |
|---|---|
| Mechanical, automotive and electrical engineering | High |
| Software and IT | High |
| Healthcare and nursing | High |
| Renewable energy | High |
| Logistics and supply chain | Medium |
| Finance (Frankfurt) | Medium |
Subjects that lead to these jobs
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Is education really free in Germany for international students?
At most public universities, yes: no tuition, only a semester contribution of €150 to €400. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester and some master's programmes are classified as continuing education and charge fees. Private universities charge full fees.
Do I need to speak German?
Not for admission to an English-taught programme, but daily life, part-time jobs and most graduate roles reward at least B1 German. We recommend starting a course before you fly.
How much is the blocked account?
€11,904 for the 2025 cycle, which releases €992 a month. The figure is updated most years in line with the student loan rate.