Newsletter Nr. 2 / 2026

Newsletter Nr. 2 / 2026: International students – an asset to the German labour market

Dear Readers,

International students are an important factor in securing skilled workers in Germany. No other non-English-speaking country attracts as many students from abroad. Many remain in the country after graduation, with around 45 % staying long term – a benefit to the German economy. For companies facing skills shortages, one aspect is particularly interesting: more than half of all international students choose engineering or natural science subjects.

The example of Sina from Iran illustrates the potential of international graduates: he came to Germany as a student and now works in an engineering office in Cologne. His story is told in the new video from “Make it in Germany”.

In practice employers often ask themselves: Are international students allowed to work during their studies? What rules apply after graduation? This newsletter provides a concise overview.

Your “Make it in Germany” team

Updates on “Make it in Germany”

Video: Sina's path into the German labour market

How can the transition from university to the workplace be successfully managed? In the new video by “Make it in Germany”, Sina from Iran talks about his studies and his first role as an energy efficiency expert. Additionally, his team leader explains what is essential for international talents to get off to a good start at the company. (Subtitles available in German, English, Spanish & French)

Watch now

New PDF: Financial Requirements by Purpose of Stay

Counsellors and employers wishing to hire international skilled workers from third countries can now make use of a table on “Make it in Germany” that outlines the proof of financial means required for the visa process. It shows at a glance what financial security (e.g. minimum salary) skilled workers and apprentices must provide in order to obtain the relevant visa – clearly structured and ready to use in HR processes. Please note: The minimum amounts stated are for guidance only and do not replace an individual assessment by the German embassy or consulate.

English

German

Spanish

French

Video: Comparing university degrees with anabin

For skilled workers who wish to have their foreign university degree recognised in Germany, “anabin” is an important resource: the database of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) is free of charge. Users can independently check how their degree and university are classified within the German system at any time and from anywhere in the world. But how exactly does it work? You can find out in the explanatory video.

English video

German video

Webinars: recordings available

Did you miss one of the latest webinars? No problem! You can watch the recordings on YouTube. International skilled workers can learn how to register online with the Federal Employment Agency to start their careers in Germany. Find this webinar and more recordings on the “Make it in Germany” YouTube channel.

E-Services Federal Employment Agency

Did you know...?

420.000

international students and doctoral candidates were enrolled at German universities in the 2025/26 winter semester – around 4 % more than in the previous year.
(Source: German Academic Exchange Service)

From university to the workplace: what employers need to know

Employing international students

Good news: Employers can hire students and interns from all over the world. Students from EU and EFTA countries are subject to the same rules as German students. For students from non-EU/EFTA countries with a residence permit for study purposes (Section 16b of the Residence Act [AufenthG]), there are two options: a) up to 140 full days or 280 half working days per year are permitted. Voluntary internships generally count towards the 140 days, while compulsory internships are not counted towards this quota. b) Alternatvely, it is possible to work up to 20 hours per week as a working student.During the semester breaks, full-time employment is also possible within the framework of working student positions.

About the rules

Employ interns

Hiring graduates

Many international students like to stay in Germany after graduation, which often makes it easier for them to get in touch with German companies. Graduates from EU and EFTA countries can be employed in the same way as German graduates. For those from other countries, the following applies: after completing their studies, they can apply for a residence permit to seek employment for up to 18 months and take on any kind of job during this period. Or – if they already have a qualified job offer – they can apply directly to the relevant foreigners authority for a residence permit for skilled workers.

Learn more

Attract International Talent – with the DAAD Campus Initiative

The DAAD’s “Campus Initiative for International Talents” supports German universities in preparing international students and graduates specifically for the German labor market. Through the programs “FIT” (Promotion of international talents for integration into studies and the labour market) and “Pro Plus” (Academic Training for the German Labour Market), more than 100 university projects are funded nationwide. International talents are prepared not only professionally, but also linguistically and culturally for a successful transition into the German workforce. Employers can connect with a participating university in their region (see interactive map) to get to know international talents.

Interactive map

Testimonial Video

Information for international students

Do you know international students who already live in Germany and would like to work here, or people abroad who are planning to study in Germany? “Make it in Germany”, offers a concise overview of visas, working during studies and career prospects after graduation. Please feel free to pass the following information on to anyone who may be interested.

Visa for studying

Study and work

Prospects after graduation

Do you have individual questions?

You can seek advice from experts by calling the Hotline “Working and Living in Germany” or using the contact form! Ask your questions about the transition from studying to working, visas, German language support and more.

For skilled workers

For employers

Did you know...?

6 years

ago, the first German Skilled Immigration Act came into force on 1 March 2020.

On behalf of the

Issued by

German Economic Institute
Make it in Germany
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 21
50668 Cologne
Germany

Editors: Vanessa Pohlmann and Marlene Schimpf
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