Prospects after graduation

Once you have successfully completed your studies in Germany, there are many options open to you - from starting a career straight away to a doctorate, self-employment or alternatively vocational training. Find out here about your options after graduation, how you can organise your stay in Germany and what legal requirements apply.

If you come from the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland, you do not need a visa or residence permit to live and work in Germany. You can find more information on this topic in the section “Information for EU citizens”.

If you are from a third country, you have the possibility of obtaining a residence permit valid for up to 18 months to look for qualified employment. During these 18 months, you are allowed to take up any type of job. Please note that this type of residence permit is not renewable. The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a residence permit for 18 months:

• Proof of successfully completed studies
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Proof of being able to secure your livelihood

Before submitting your application, find out from the competent foreigners authority what documents you need to submit. Some foreigners authorities also offer relevant information on the internet.

To be successful in your job search, you need to put together an attractive application portfolio to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. You can find out how to write applications and other tips for jobseekers in the "Looking for a job" section. You can also search and apply for jobs directly from our job listings.

If you are from a third country and have an offer of a qualified job, you can apply for a residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card. Note that your job does not necessarily have to be related to your qualifications (with the exception of the EU Blue Card). However, you will need a licence to practise if you want to work in a regulated profession. You will need to present the following supporting documents:

• Proof of successfully completed studies
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Concrete job offer

As the choice of residence title depends largely on your personal situation, you should seek advice from your foreigners authority when applying. You can also obtain a residence permit if you have been offered a part-time job, as long as the expected salary is sufficient to cover your living costs. The foreigners authority is the sole decision-making body in this matter.

There are many reasons to become self-employed in Germany. If you are interested, you might want to contact a start-up advisory service.

If you come from a third country, you will need the appropriate residence permit, according to your business venture. Read more about this topic in the "Visa for self-employment" section.

Another option for university graduates is to do a doctorate. Germany’s universities, research institutions and research companies welcome international researchers – and the German doctorate is highly regarded around the world.

The Research in Germany  portal provides key information on doing a doctorate in Germany, including funding and support opportunities. In Germany, most doctoral students either work at a university or receive a grant for their research.

If you are from a third country and want to do a doctorate in Germany, you will need either a residence permit for study purposes, a residence title for research purposes or an EU Blue Card, depending on how much you work and earn during your doctorate. You can apply for a residence permit at your local foreigners authority. Before you apply, find out from them what documents you need to submit.

Do you want to continue learning while gaining more practical experience in a company? Then vocational education and training could be an option for you. Germany has an excellent vocational education and training system. Dual training involves learning a specific trade in a company and attending vocational school. Read more about this in the “Vocational training in Germany” section.

If you are from a third country, you must apply for a residence permit to complete vocational training. The foreigners authority will decide on your application. Before you apply, find out from the foreigners authority what documents you need to submit.

Many universities support their (international) students free of charge as they embark on their careers. Career centres/services or the International Offices provide tips for applications, organise job fairs and establish contacts with companies in the region.

Find out from your university's student services which programmes are available to you.

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) also offers many free job search support programmes.