Finding jobs in Germany as an international student can be daunting, especially if you solely speak English. However, for those who have completed their education in Germany and/or are well-versed in the language, the chances of landing a high-paying are improved. International students are suggested to start working while they are still pursuing their education at German universities if they wish to find a job post-completion of their degrees.
Germany, being the largest economy in Europe and ranking fifth globally, presents abundant job opportunities for international students with specialized skills after they graduate. There are several prominent German companies that have a strong international presence, including Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and BMW. In addition, there are opportunities to work for global brands such as Amazon, BCG, Google, and SAP in Germany. Working with leading recruitment agencies in Germany typically results in an average annual salary of around 60,000 EU to 99,000 EU (equivalent to 52 lakhs to 87 lakhs INR).
Students from outside EU/EEA countries must apply for an extended residence permit to work in Germany. You can extend your residence permit to find jobs in Germany by 18 months to apply for the same you will need:
- Passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of finances
- Proof of completion of studies from the respective college/university.
- Recognition of the educational qualifications in Germany
- German language proficiency of B1 level as per CEFR is preferred
|
Table of Contents |
Jobs in Germany: Top Recruiters
The country boasts of having one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. As of December 2022, the annual unemployment rate for Germany was recorded at 3%. Some of the largest employers in Germany include Volkswagen, Daimler, Allianz, BMW, Siemens, Bosch, and Deutsche Telekom. Let us look at the salary packages offered by these firms:
| Company | Salaries (EUR/year) | Salaries (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 67,900 | 59.68 lakhs |
| Bain & Co | 99,500 | 87.45 lakhs |
| PwC | 47,600 | 41.83 lakhs |
| Bosch | 66,700 | 58.62 lakhs |
| Delivery Hero | 83,600 | 73.48 lakhs |
| Volkswagen | 70,000 | 61.52 lakhs |
| Allianz | 67,000 | 58.89 lakhs |
| Deloitte | 57,000 | 50 lakhs |
| Zalando SE | 61,200 | 53.79 lakhs |
| HSBC | 73,300 | 64.42 lakhs |
| Morgan & Stanley | 76,000 | 66.80 lakhs |
| Siemens | 68,700 | 60.38 lakhs |
| Deutsche Telekom | 82,700 | 72.69 lakhs |
In addition to the big players in the industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up approximately 90% of the businesses in Germany, providing two-thirds of all employment opportunities in the country. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the influx of international students, the job market in Germany still welcomes highly skilled foreign workers with language proficiency for top-level employment opportunities.
In 2023, there are several promising start-ups in Germany that offer job opportunities for interested individuals. These include Orora Tech, Coya, Penta, Wandelbots, Ecosia, Research Gate, Babbel, and more.
Vacancies of Jobs in Germany
Low unemployment rates are suggestive of the lack of skill shortages in the labor market of Germany. However, sectors like healthcare and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management) have their fair share of a shortage of skilled workers. As per the statistics of 2023, Germany has over 764,000 vacancies including skilled professions and casual work ranging from hospitality to English teaching. The wage growth during this period is recorded at around 0.40%.
Jobs in Germany after Graduation
Pursuing higher education from top German universities can land you with lucrative offers owing up to 200,000 EU (1.7 crore INR) a year. Discussed below are ROIs of top universities in Germany
| University | Range of Salary Package(Euros/year) | Salary Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bonn University | 52,000-100,000 | 45 lakhs to 88 lakhs |
| Darmstadt University | 47,000-111,000 | 41 lakhs to 97 lakhs |
| Dresden University of Technology | 53,000-180,000 | 46 lakhs to 1.5 crore |
| Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | 59,000-200,000 | 52 lakhs to 1.7 crore |
| Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | 53,000-165,000 | 46 lakhs to 1.4 crore |
| Free University | 55,000-110,000 | 48 lakhs to 96 lakhs |
| Freiburg University | 46,000-180,000 | 40 lakhs to 1.5 crore |
| TU Munich | 51,000-184,000 | 44 lakhs to 1.6 crore |
| Heidelberg University | 52,000-138,000 | 45 lakhs to 1.2 crore |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 40,000-89,000 | 35 lakhs to 78 lakhs |
| Hamburg University | 76,000-240,000 | 66 lakhs to 2 crore |
| LMU | 79,000-152,000 | 69 lakhs to 1.3 crore |
| Stuttgart University | 76,000-138,000 | 66 lakhs to 1.2 crore |
The base salaries are set each year. Germany is currently ninth among EU countries with a minimum wage of 12 EU (1,055 INR) per hour. The average annual salary is around 22,000 EUR (19.35 lakhs INR). This varies from sector to sector and level of hierarchy at which you are placed in the industry. In case your employer pays you less than the minimum standard wage set, heavy penalties are charged on them by the German government.
High Paying Jobs in Germany
Some of the highest-paid job roles belong to automobile, mechanical and Automotive engineers. Apart from these Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Construction, Electrical and Electronics, Medical, Healthcare, IT and Telecommunications, Energy and Environmental Technology, Medical Technology, Mechanics, Mechanical, and Business Administrators, Nanotechnology, Precision Engineering and Optics, and Steel and Metal are some of the other high paid roles. The table below discusses some of these roles and salaries offered:
| Job Role | Salary (Euro/year) | Salary (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | 50,000 | 43.97 lakhs |
| Financial Manager | 66,000 | 58.40 lakhs |
| Aerospace Engineer | 58,000 | 51.05 lakhs |
| Architect | 52,000 | 45.67 lakhs |
| Business Development Manager | 54,000 | 47.46 lakhs |
| Civil Engineer | 43,000 | 37.81 lakhs |
| CEO | 137,000 | 1.2 crore |
| IT Manager | 74,000 | 64.97 lakhs |
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | 95,000 | 83,.19 lakhs |
| Automotive Assembly Manager | 70,000 | 61.55 lakhs |
| Automotive General Manager | 90,000 | 79.14 lakhs |
| Automotive Project Manager | 72,000 | 63.05 lakhs |
| Automotive Purchase Manager | 74,000 | 64.97 lakhs |
| Automotive Branch Manager | 80,000 | 70.35 lakhs |
Jobs in Germany: Top-Paying Industries
Some of the sectors in the country offer better salary offers than other. Discussed below are some of the highest-paying industries and sectors for working in Germany as an international student:
| Industry | Salary (Euro) | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Banking and Finance | 46,000 | 40.47 lakhs |
| Insurance | 57,000 | 50.15 lakhs |
| Consulting | 54,000 | 47.51 lakhs |
| Telecom | 46,000 | 40.47 lakhs |
| IT | 56,000 | 49.27 lakhs |
| Transport | 58,000 | 51.03 lakhs |
| Medicine | 100,000 | 88 lakhs |
| Utilities | 64,000 | 56.31 lakhs |
| Engineering | 52,000 | 45.75 lakhs |
| Legal | 67,000 | 58.95 lakhs |
| Graphic Designer | 34,000 | 29.91 lakhs |
| Aerospace Engineering | 58,000 | 51.03 lakhs |
| Architect | 36,000 | 31.67 lakhs |
| Business Analyst | 53,000 | 46.63 lakhs |
| Project Manager | 65,000 | 57.19 lakhs |
| Civil Engineer | 43,000 | 37.83 lakhs |
| Mechanical Engineer | 50,000 | 44 lakhs |
| IT Manager | 74,000 | 65.11 lakhs |
Working in Germany after Studies
If you have a German university degree, it will be much easier for you to obtain a residence permit with the right to engage in the German employment market.
After finishing your studies in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit which will be valid for up to 18 months for the purpose of finding a job. In order to be eligible, you have to produce proof that you can cover your living costs and you are sincere about seeking employment corresponding to your level of academic qualification.
While seeking a permanent position, you are permitted to work part-time for as many hours per week as you want. If you are successful in finding a job within the stipulated time, you can continue to stay in Germany.
Salary Statistics in Germany
Your pay scale or salary may also vary depending on multiple factors. Some of these are listed below:
- City of Employment: Berlin, Hamburg, Munchen, and Frankfurt are top cities as per the average salaries offered.
- The Sector of Employment: Highest paying sectors in Germany are medical, IT, legal, and sales and marketing.
- Government or Private Employment: Average salaries in the private sector in Germany are around 5% higher than in the government or public sector.
When looking for jobs in Germany, another factor that will contribute to the alterations in the salary package is the location. Discussed below are average salaries drawn in various regions of Germany:
| City | Salaries (Euro/Year) | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 52,000 | 45.75 lakhs |
| Dresden | 41,000 | 36.07 lakhs |
| Dusseldorf | 51,000 | 44.87 lakhs |
| Essen | 48,000 | 42.23 lakhs |
| Frankfurt | 59,000 | 51.91 lakhs |
| Hamburg | 53,000 | 46.63 lakhs |
| Leipzig | 45,000 | 39.6 lakhs |
| Koln | 40,000 | 35.19 lakhs |
| Munchen | 55,000 | 48.39 lakhs |
| Stuttgart | 59,000 | 51.91 lakhs |
| Hannover | 45,000 | 39.6 lakhs |
| Bremen | 43,000 | 37.83 lakhs |
Careers in Research in Germany
Working in the research department of a company or as a research project member for a university, there are hundreds of research career opportunities in Germany. There are three ways in which you can make your career in research in Germany:
- Visiting professor in a university
- Permanent teaching posts with German universities
- Applying for R&D of various companies
The highest demand is in the engineering and IT sectors of the German labor market.
International students can also explore the research and partnership research projects that are organized at the level in Germany.
How to Find Jobs in Germany?
You can search for jobs in Germany through various portals like Expatica jobs, EURES, Federal Employment Agency, International Placement Service, Monster, Jobstairs, Jobooh, Kimeta, kununu, etc. Some of the job portals for English-speaking jobs in Germany are Craiglist, English Jobs, The Local, and Toplanguage Jobs.
You can find recruitment agencies through German yellow pages. Look for agencies that are members of the Federal Employer’s Association of Personnel Service Providers.
Steps to Getting a Job in Germany
- Getting your qualifications recognized: If you have graduated from a different country, getting your qualifications recognized and you can work in Germany.
- Writing applications to companies: This basically means that you have to develop an outstanding resume and cover letter. Cover letters should not be general and should be ideally written in accordance with the job and company you are applying for. Companies in Germany will not only focus on your merit and educational background but also focus on your cover letter before offering you a job role.
- Obtain health insurance: Having health insurance or your medical expenses covered is mandatory when looking for jobs in Germany. Your health insurance should apply from the very first day of your stay.
- German language proficiency: Having German language skills is always an added advantage. The number of opportunities open for individuals who are proficient in the German language is higher than those who are looking for jobs available to English language speakers.
Checklists for finding and getting jobs in Germany
- Checklist for international qualified professionals to get a job in Germany
- Checklist for international graduates looking for jobs in Germany
EU Blue Card
Offered to non-EU citizens, EU Blue Card allows highly qualified candidates to live and work in Germany.
Eligibility: Recognized university degree and an employment contract with a gross annual income of around 58,400 EU (51.37 lakhs INR). If you are employed in the IT, natural science, mathematics, human medicine, or engineering sector, your gross annual salary should be around 45,552 EU (40.07 lakhs INR) a year.
Benefits:
- Allows you to stay in Germany for 3 additional months on your job contract.
- It is limited to 4-years of stay
- Holding an EU blue card for 33 months makes you eligible for a settlement permit for Germany.
Still unclear about how to find yourself a job in Germany after graduation, let us have a quick review with the given video:
You can visit www.make-it-in-germany.com to avail of extensive information and guidance on living and working in Germany as a foreign professional.
Despite a language barrier, international students looking for jobs in Germany can explore a lot of opportunities with global leaders and the automotive industry and make lucrative salaries. Getting a work visa if you have pursued higher education in Germany is slightly easier than those who directly look for jobs with their foreign education degrees. It can be summed up that for those who plan of studying in Germany, plenty of offers for jobs and opportunities are opened within the country.
Comments