Requirements for studying Would you like to study in Germany? In this category, you will learn more about the requirements to be able to study in Germany. On this page On this page Step 1: does your qualification meet the requirements for studying in Germany? Step 2: gaining and providing proof of German-language proficiency Step 3: finding a place in university Step 4: securing funding for academic studies Step 5: applying for a visa to study in Germany Step 1: does your qualification meet the requirements for studying in Germany? If you would like to study in Germany, you need a university entrance qualification . To find out whether the qualification of your country of origin is sufficient or whether you need to take additional examinations for admission, please refer to the DAAD database on admission requirements (External link) . With My GUIDE (External link) , you can verify if your qualification is sufficient for your desired study programme, and you can create your own list of study programmes. No recognised school-leaving certificate? A preparatory course can help Even if your qualification from your country of origin is not equivalent to the German university entrance qualification, you still have the opportunity to study in Germany by completing a preparatory course before your academic studies, if need be. In the preparatory course, you will receive language lessons and subject-specific lessons tailored to your desired study programme. The course usually takes one

Study and work Many students work part-time during their studies to earn some extra money. Find out how to juggle studying and working here. On this page On this page Working during academic studies: regulations for international students Internships and self-employment during academic studies Switching to employment as a skilled worker before completing your academic degree Switching from academic studies to vocational training Working during academic studies: regulations for international students Many students in Germany have jobs in their spare time. Some may work as research assistants in universities, research institutes, or libraries, while others may work as waiters or babysitters. International students also have the opportunity to work in addition to studying. Students from third countries are permitted to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without requiring the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) . A working day of up to four hours counts as half a working day. Alternatively, both third-country students and students from EU/ EEA countries and Switzerland may work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period, just like German students. During the semester break, they can work without any restrictions. These restrictions do not apply to student auxiliary tasks (e.g., academic work at higher education institutions). Proof of funding through a student job As an international student, you must prove that you have sufficient resources to

Green Jobs In Germany, skilled workers in the field of Green Jobs are more in demand than ever. Whether it's in energy, transport or agriculture – your contribution to a sustainable future counts. On this page On this page What are green jobs? Green technologies: where skilled workers are in demand Working in green jobs: Do you need a visa? Your guide to a green job: the next steps What are green jobs? Are you looking for a job with a future? Then why not become part of the green economy in Germany and help build the sustainable world of tomorrow? Thanks to the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the economy, a wide range of new career opportunities are being generated in Germany’s key industries. This is why there is a high demand for international qualified professionals with an awareness of sustainability to fill “green jobs”. The energy transition, which aims to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, is a catalyst for new jobs – hundreds of thousands of people are already employed in this sector in Germany, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. Germany’s leading sector – the automotive industry – is also becoming greener: the Federal Government is promoting innovative approaches to the further development of e-mobility and the continued expansion of charging points. What is more, green technologies from Germany are in great demand worldwide, especially in the area of renewables. The environmental engineering sector in Germany is creating new innovation

Discover the German IT industry The IT industry is one of the biggest and most successful industries in Germany. Find out here why this is the case and how you can contribute. On this page On this page Germany can do IT too Innovative start-ups are also in Germany Artificial intelligence "Made in Germany" Germany can do IT too The technology sector is one of the most important economic sectors in Germany. With an annual turnover of 170 billion euros in 2026, the IT industry is a major economic driving force – and it is growing steadily. With over 1.5 million skilled workers at the end of 2025, the IT sector is also the second-biggest industrial employer. Increasing digitalisation generates tens of thousands of new jobs every year, but many positions remain vacant due to the shortage of skilled workers. That is why international IT specialists are particularly in demand. You, too, can become part of this dynamic and innovative industry in Germany! Initiative for cooperation and innovation The de:hub initiative (External link) connects SMEs and larger companies with innovation partners from the scientific and start-up communities at 25 centres of excellence in Germany. By joining forces, they seek innovative answers to the questions and challenges of digitalisation. To find out more about the network and its benefits, please refer to their website. Innovative start-ups are also in Germany Are you seeking unique challenges in the IT sector? When it comes to IT innovations, most

Job listings A multitude of job advertisements and offers for vocational training are waiting for you in our job exchange. Find the job that suits you the most. How to write a good application Have you found an exciting job? Then now is the time to apply! We explain which documents are required for an application in Germany and how you can write a successful application. Do you have questions about job application and job search? The Federal Employment Agency (BA) will provide you with personal support on all topics relating to working in Germany. Please don't hesitate to contact us anytime. Find the right visa for you! Would you like to find out what your chances are of working and living in Germany? Then learn more about your possibilities with our Quick-Check! Print page Share on LinkedIn Share on X (before: Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on WhatsApp Mail

How to write a good application Have you found an exciting job? Then now is the time to apply! We explain which documents are required for an application in Germany and how you can write a successful application. Do you have questions about job application and job search? The Federal Employment Agency (BA) will provide you with personal support on all topics relating to working in Germany. Please don't hesitate to contact us anytime. Find the right visa for you! Would you like to find out what your chances are of working and living in Germany? Then learn more about your possibilities with our Quick-Check!

How to get started in Germany Are you thinking about working as an IT specialist in Germany? Find answers to your questions on starting your journey to Germany down below. On this page On this page Career & job market Language requirements Job search & applications Visa & entry Career & job market What are my chances in the German job market as a skilled IT professional? Your chances in the German job market as a qualified IT professional are excellent. German companies are increasingly turning to other countries when searching for skilled IT professionals. Thousands of vacancies for IT specialists constantly remained open in recent years. Your job prospects are particularly good if you have extensive professional experience and expertise. Find some attractive areas of work in the IT sector here . What benefits does working in Germany as an IT professional offer? With a job in Germany, you enjoy many rights in your capacity as an employee: for instance, you are automatically medically insured as an employee, so there is no need to pay extra for health insurance . Your partner and children are included in the insurance. In the same way, you are covered in case of illness, as your salary will continue to be paid even if you are unable to work for a while. A note about salaries : skilled IT workers in Germany can also expect to earn above-average starting salaries . There are often other benefits on top of your salary, such as a fixed Christmas bonus, holiday pay or special bonuses

5 reasons Germany is an excellent location for your start-up plans. Here you can convince yourself of the country’s advantages. 1. Strong: a dynamic economy Significant spending power, the spirit of innovation, its location at the heart of a dense transport network in the centre of Europe and highly skilled workers – all of these are benefits offered by Germany as a business location. Science and research with a practical orientation and well-trained qualified professionals have generated an excellent environment for innovation – and as a result, Germany is one of the European leaders with 62,050 patent applications in 2025. Thanks to a per capita spending power of €31,168 in 2026, Germany ranks among the countries with the highest purchasing power in Europe – new ideas easily find a market here. Many of these are generated by what is known as the Mittelstand . The Mittelstand is formed by the scores of small and medium-sized companies which are characteristic of Germany’s economy . 2. Stable: a good home for your ideas As an entrepreneur in Germany, you can expect a stable political and economic environment for your ideas, which are protected by the law. Inventions, company logos and concepts – in Germany, your intellectual property is protected. The Copyright Act, Patent Law and Trademark Law are all designed to safeguard what is probably your most valuable asset. Economic policies also focus on protecting excellent ideas: Competition Law, for example, ensures that your

5 reasons to work in IT in Germany Are you using your skills where they can make an impact? Find out why the German ICT sector is a great place to work and advance your career. On this page On this page Germany as a lucrative location for innovations Thrive in a diverse and balanced work environment Many open job vacancies and high salaries in German IT Make an impact and participate in a modern industry Political support drives Industry 4.0 forward Germany as a lucrative location for innovations Germany stands out as a prime destination for innovation-driven businesses, thanks to its strong industrial base, world-class research institutions, and robust support for emerging technologies like AI and green tech. Success will follow: Germany is also one of the leading countries when it comes to patents. The European Patent Office (EPO) recorded more than 200,000 patent applications in 2025. Germany maintained its leading position in Europe with a total of 24,476 applications. This places Germany second worldwide, behind the United States. Thrive in a diverse and balanced work environment Germany offers a truly international working environment, especially in the IT sector, where global tech companies and startups collaborate across borders. With professionals from all over the world contributing to innovation, workplaces are shaped by diversity and inclusion. At the same time, Germany is known for its strong commitment to work-life balance: generous paid leave, flexible working

Finding a job Are you looking for a job in Germany? Here, you will find information on the different options of finding a job in Germany. Looking for a job Applying for a job Placement agencies