Study In Germany

Did you know that Germany offers free education in its public universities?

The German government funds all public universities in the country. This makes Deutschland one of the most ideal student destinations in the world.

Even if you don’t qualify for a public university (where most courses are taught in German), Germany also has top private universities offering affordable tuition fees and generous scholarships. And best of all, the employment prospects for international students in Germany are very strong!

In this article, we will cover all you need to know about studying in Germany, including why you should study there, top courses and universities, the best cities in the country, and the route to get permanent residency in the country.

More topics we will be covering in this article include;

• Study in Germany Statistics
• Why Study in Germany
• Top Universities to Study in Germany 2024
• Affordable Private Universities and Colleges in Germany 2024
• Scholarships in Germany
• Top In-Demand Careers in Germany 2024
• Top Courses to Study in Germany 2024
• Grading System in Germany
• Eligibility Criteria to Study in Germany
• Study in Germany Application Process
• Important Timelines for Study in Germany
• Cost of Living and Studying in Germany
• Student Life In Germany
• Best Cities to Study and Live in Germany
• Top Jobs in Germany for International Students
• Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Germany
• Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Germany
• Conclusion

Study in Germany Statistics

You’ve probably heard the phrase; Numbers don’t lie especially in the statistician circles. In the case of Germany, the numbers point to some interesting truths. For example, there were 458,210 international students as of the academic year 2022/2023.

There has been a steady increase in international students since the academic year 2015/2016 as shown by the figure below.

Here are other interesting facts about study in Germany.

• Germany is the third most popular country for international students, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This makes it the number one country for students amongst non-English speaking countries.  
• Germany had a goal of having more than 350,000 international students by 2020. It surpassed the goal in 2017, three years ahead of time with a record 358,895 students in 2017.
• With the introduction of free higher learning education in 2014, the international student population spiked from 301,350 in 2014 to 458,210 in 2023.
• In over a decade from 2013 to 2023, the international student population has risen by 52%.
• India leads as the country with more students (42,578) in Germany as of 2022/2023. China follows with 39,137 Syria with 15,563, Austria with 14,762, and finally Turkey with 14,732. Amongst African countries, Egypt, Cameroon, Morocco, and Tunisia send the most students to Germany.
• Most International students study Engineering in German Universities, followed by economics and social sciences.
• Germany is welcoming to international students even after their studies. Around 69.2% of international students prefer to continue living in Germany after their studies.

Why Study in Germany

With the statistics discussed above, it’s no wonder that international students like Germany. If you’re still wondering why Germany is a popular student destination, here are five more reasons.

a) Tuition-Free Education

Since 2014, university education has been free for local and international students. Germany hopes to attract talented students who may contribute to the country’s economy. The government is able to fund public universities through the taxes it collects.

This is great news for most international students. However, there is a catch.  Most public German universities teach entirely in the German language, so you must be able to read, write and speak German at the B2 level.

It is also highly competitive, so depending on your high school curriculum and grades, you may need to write a university qualification exam (the Feststellungsprüfung) or do a one-year preparatory course before beginning your degree. You may get a waiver from this exam if you received an IB diploma with a minimum of three Higher Level subjects and the others at the Standard Level.

You may also have to incur tuition fees in the following instances:

• Public universities charge a small administration fee of €150 to €250 per semester
• When you enrol in a private university, you’ll have to pay the tuition fee set by the institution
• When you enrol for a second degree in a new subject
• When you enrol in a masters program that isn’t in the field of study as your bachelors
• If you enrol in a public university in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It’s the only state in Germany that charges tuition fees for non-EU international students.

b) Globally Recognized Degrees

German universities are renowned globally, producing notable professionals in various industries. In addition, the country’s universities operate under unified reform, which ensures that all the institutions maintain a high-quality education that is standard across all universities.

Excellent infrastructure that is up to date with current technology facilitates efficient learning that contributes to a quality education. Most programs in German universities are taught on the principles of innovation and are also practical-oriented. This makes a German degree favourable in the job market.

c) Germany is Affordable For International Students

The cost of living in Germany is relatively low compared to other European Nations. It’s possible to live on a budget of €992 per month, covering your food, transport and accommodation needs. If you live in some German cities, this cost may go even lower. For example, affordable cities in Germany include:

• Dresden – €500 to €800
• Gottingen – €750
• Hamburg – €800
• Cologne – €850 to €934

Coincidentally, you can make applications through Craydel to universities that teach in English and are based in these cities. The universities include SRH University Dresden and Hamburg campuses, PFH Private University of Applied Sciences in Gottingen, and CBS International Business School in Cologne.

d) Plenty of Work Opportunities While Studying

Germany’s economy supports numerous industries, ensuring international students get jobs during and after their studies. Students get a chance to work in top companies like Porsche, BMW, BASF, Audi, Adidas, and Siemens.

In addition, Germany recently changed their policy to allow international students to work more hours while studying.  As of 1st March 2024, international students can now work up to 20 hours per week.

After you graduate from a German university, chances are you’ll get employed. German universities have a high employability rate, according to the latest QS rankings. 10 German institutions feature in the top 300 as shown below.

Employability Ratings After Graduation

Many of Craydel’s partner universities in Germany also have stellar post-graduation employment rates. They include:

e) A Powerful Student Visa and Available Stay Back Option After Studies

Here is a fun fact; International students under the German student visa can visit any of the 26 countries in the Schengen area.  And with visa success rates relatively high in many African countries, this dream visa can become a reality for many international students.

Migration laws in Germany also allow students to stay in the country for an additional 18 months after studies under the post-study work permit. It allows you to get a chance at employment with any of the top companies in the country.

Top Universities and Colleges to Study in Germany 2024

German university education is cheaper than most European nations, but that doesn’t mean that its universities compromise on quality. In fact, German institutions are highly rated in the world. According to QS, here is a list of 10 of the best universities in Germany.

Affordable Private Universities and Colleges in Germany 2024

Private universities in Germany also offer value for money. Here are the budget-friendly tuition fees for various Craydel partner universities.

Scholarships in Germany

Saving on education costs can mean less hustle to cover living costs when studying in Germany. Here is a list of scholarships available for international students.

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides several scholarships for undergraduates and graduates.
• Several foundations also offer scholarships to international students. For example, German Research, Friedrich Ebert, Friedrich Naumann, Konrad Adenauer, and Rosa Luxemburg Foundations.
• There are also scholarships funded by German states like the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung scholarship or the Bavaria – Max We­ber program.

You can also take advantage of the following scholarships in Germany through Craydel.

• CBS International Business School: Up to €3,000
• International University of Applied Sciences: Up to 67% for online courses
• Berlin School of Business & Innovation: Up to 50% for undergraduate and 35% for postgraduate
• Macromedia University: Up to 25%
• Gisma Business School, Berlin: Up to 30%  

Top In-Demand Careers in Germany 2024

Deciding to study in Germany is only the first step on your education journey. Next is deciding which career path suits you.

Fortunately, we have come up with a group of five careers that are in demand in the country and could serve as the basis for your search. 

1. STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Careers

According to a report by the German Economic Institute in 2022, the country has a shortage of 320,000 STEM professionals in the market.

This results from a growing need for the country to innovate to keep up with emerging technologies. At the same time, many of its skilled workforce in this area is entering retirement which is creating a gap in the STEM sector.

In response to the shortage, the government offers incentives to attract highly skilled workers in this sector. For example, you could get the EU Blue Card or a Settlement Permit if you’re skilled in the STEM areas. 

STEM careers also offer attractive annual salary packages. For example, a mechanical engineer can get around  €81,727, a computer programmer gets €87,240, and a Pharmacologist gets €107,596.

2. Business and Finance Careers

Germany is expected to have a skills shortage of 2.5 million workers by 2030. According to a report by Korn Ferry, 25% of the shortage will affect the financial sector of Germany’s economy. This indicates a need to train more professionals in German universities as the financial repercussions in unrealized revenues are huge.

So why not take part in solving these problems by training to be a financial professional?

In fact, you may like the fact that the profession attracts a decent annual salary. For example, Finance managers have an annual salary of €70,543.

3. Social Sciences and Humanities Careers

Germany has a shortage of skilled workers in the social science careers. An article in the DW reports that while the country has a 2 million shortage of skilled workers in all sectors, the social sector is the most hit. There is a need for preschool teachers, social workers, education workers, and even elderly workers.

If you love serving humanity on a direct basis, consider a career in the social sciences and humanities that pays generously. For example, the median annual salary for a social worker is €30,968, and a psychologist gets an average of €47,654 per year.

4. Health Science Careers

According to a report by the European Labour Authority, Germany is facing a shortage of doctors and nurses. The shortage is mainly felt in the country’s more rural areas.

Around 80,000 doctors are over 60 and nearing retirement, and around 150,000 nurses are needed in the country. These shortages present a severe problem for the health sector in Germany.

International students can utilise this opportunity by studying medicine or nursing in German universities. 

5. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Careers

Germany currently employs more teachers, but the demand for them is constantly increasing. An estimation by the association of German government ministers (KMK) puts the deficit at 12 million by the year 2035.

Another report by the German Education Report estimates that vacancies in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) will reach 652,000 by 2025.

If you’re passionate about working with children in the education sector, you can consider a fulfilling career in ECEC. The career pays an average of €2,800 per month or €33,600 per year.

Top Courses to Study in Germany 2024

 Here are the top three courses to study in Germany for international students in 2024.

1. Information Technology (IT)

IT revolves around using computer systems to process information in a way that is useful to solve common day-to-day challenges. The field is large and encompasses several subfields in which you could specialise like networks, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and data analysis.

In addition, Germany hosts several notable IT companies like Siemens, Bosch, and SAP. Graduate with honours in IT from German institutions and you may land a lucrative job in either of these companies.

2. Business Administration

Did you know that Germany has the third-largest economy in the world?

With a GDP of €4.121 billion, it comes first in Europe and third only after the USA and China. This means that the country is very business-friendly. In fact, several Fortune 500 companies have their operations in Germany. They include Volkswagen, BMW, Allianz, Bayer, Adidas, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and DHL.

Studying Business Administration opens you up for a chance to apply your business, finance, and management skills in these companies. Fortunately, German universities are renowned for their high-quality training in this field. Most institutions that teach business are accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration (FIBAA).

3. Psychology

Here is an interesting fact; Psychology as a field began in Germany in the 19th century.

Scientists like Wilhelm Wundt defined psychology as a separate science and even went ahead to set up the first psychology laboratory. Other notable German psychologists include Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

Psychology involves describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling behaviour in relation to brain processes and functions. If the study of the brain is something you’re passionate about, then you should consider this interesting course.

German universities offer world-class education in psychology. Currently, three of them feature in QS’s top 100 universities for Psychology. The universities prepare students for careers as psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, researchers, teachers, and human resources officers. 

4. Data Science

Businesses today rely on data to make strategic decisions and grow. Students studying data science in German universities learn how to use mathematics, statistics, and artificial intelligence to organise large amounts of data.

Studying a course in data science gives you the skills to use data to provide valuable insights for businesses. Data science professionals are highly sought after in the highly developed German economy, which supports many businesses. Organisations seek them due to the edge they give them over competitors.

5. Engineering

Engineering involves the design and assembly of machines and structures. Students learn to apply scientific and mathematical problems to solve real-world problems using machines.

The German engineering sector is thriving and renowned in the world for producing quality machines, vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure. Studying an engineering course in Germany will ensure you get a world-class engineering degree recognised in Europe and many countries as well.

Grading System in Germany

The German University grading system is based on a point system ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 as shown below.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Germany

Knowing the requirements to study in Germany ensures a smooth admission process so that you can have a successful start to your career journey. Here are the requirements you need to have met including the documents that you need to begin the application process.

• You need to have met the academic requirements of the course and institution you are applying to
• Official certified certificates of previous studies if applying for a postgraduate program
• Some universities may require you to do an aptitude test known as TestAS. Some business schools may also require you to take the GMAT test when enrolling for a business masters program. For public universities, you may need to write a university qualification exam (the Feststellungsprüfung)
• Statement of Purpose/ Motivation letter explaining why you want to study in a particular institution in Germany
• Proof of German language proficiency if you’re enrolling in a course taught in German. If the course is taught in English, you’ll need proof of English proficiency in the form of IELTS or TOEFL
• Some institutions will also request a letter of recommendation
• Photocopy of Passport
• Passport photograph
• Health Insurance
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• You must also provide proof of financial resources. To proceed with visa application, you must have €11,904 in a blocked account. While in Germany, you can withdraw up to €992 every month from the account to cover your living costs.

Study in Germany Application Process

Once you have checked the documents that you need, it’s time to begin the admission process. We understand that this can be challenging at times.

Fortunately, Craydel can walk with you every step of the admission process until you’re ready to board a Lufthansa aeroplane with Germany as its destination.

Contact Craydel today and follow a guided step-by-step with our counsellors to help you with your admission process.

1. Identifying the Institution and Program of Choice

This is an important step because you need to select a course that aligns with your career goals. This step is also essential because it sets the pace for other admission processes. A Craydel counsellor can guide you to choose an appropriate program suited for you. 

2. Organise Your Finances

You need to have money in a blocked account that covers study and living costs. Living expenses amount to €992. The total amount needed in the blocked account is €11,904.

The German Embassy in your country will need to see this monetary proof to ensure the success of your student visa.

3. Submitting Application Documents

Your counsellor will submit application documents to your university before the stipulated deadlines. 

4. Getting a Letter of Admission (LoA)

The LoA is the letter sent by the university offering you a place to study one of their courses in Germany.

Applying for a Germany Study Visa

Upon receipt of the LoA, you can now begin applying for the German student visa. The German embassy conducts a Visa interview that requires you to present yourself physically at the consulate in your country.

Requirements for the German student visa include;

• Proof of health insurance cover
• Proof of blocked account with enough money
• Letter of Admission from the institution
• Recommendation letter highlighting your previous works or academics
• An English proficiency test from IELTS, TOEFL
• The fee for visa processing is €75 and is not refundable with visa denials.

The embassy then verifies the documents submitted and returns the originals after processing your Visa.

It’s important to note that:

• Processing of the Visa takes about 6–12 weeks
• Incomplete visa applications lead to automatic denials
• You need to make the visa appointment and application online
• It can take many months and sometimes even more than a year to get a visa appointment, so you need to start planning early!

6. Travelling and Enrollment

If you reach this step, you’re one step closer to starting your journey as a German student. All you need is to avail yourself to the university in Germany for the Enrollment. Make sure to pack your personal effects and all documents that you need as you make your travel plans.

Important Timelines for Study in Germany

If you’re planning to have a hassle-free transition into Germany, getting familiar with timelines is key. It helps avoid last-minute rushes or missing out on an intake. Important dates in the German calendar for higher learning institutions include:

Popular Intakes for Study in Germany

There are two main intakes in Germany for international students.

• The Winter Intake – This is the primary intake and happens in September and October.

• The Summer Intake – This is the second intake and it starts in March and April.

When Should You Apply?

Because of how long it can take to get a Visa Appointment, we recommend you apply at least 9 – 12 months before your semester start date, or you may risk deferring your enrollment.

Some universities allow you to study online for one semester or one year and then join classes on campus after you receive your visa.

Course Duration for Study in Germany

Course duration may depend on the institution, course, or level of education. However, the general period for courses is as follows:

• Preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) take 1 year equivalent to 2 semesters
• Bachelor programs take 3 or 4 years depending on the institution and course. This is equivalent to 6 or 8 semesters
• Masters programs take 2 years, equivalent to four semesters

Cost of Living and Studying in Germany

Since 2014, higher education has been free in Germany after a campaign by students in the country. Previously students paid €1,000, but these fees were scrapped too. Currently, students in public universities only pay a small semester fee of €70 – €400.

Living costs are also generally low compared to other countries in Europe like Switzerland, Denmark, and Luxembourg. You will need around €992 every month or €11,904 per year to cover living costs in most German cities.

Student Life In Germany

Settling in a new country is always interesting and challenging at the same time. However, the German society is very welcoming to new students. International students have an easy time getting used to the fast-paced European country.

When it comes to the language barrier, most universities offer programs in the German language. Craydel partners with institutions that teach in English ensuring you get to benefit from the country’s quality education. However, we still urge you to learn the German language to have a wholesome experience in the country.

The most popular type of accommodation is the student halls of residence for the obvious reason that they are very affordable. They cost around €250 per month. Approximately 40% of international students choose these spaces as their accommodation.

One great thing about the halls is that you’ll make friends quickly because they consist of shared spaces. Most of them are also near the universities making them convenient for most students. However, you’ll have to book them early as they are usually in high demand.

Student life in the universities is far from dull with plenty of student-organised societies and clubs. When you’re away from class, the associations can prove to be a great way to learn more about German culture and society.

Germany also has a good infrastructure system meaning that you can escape the urban centres and visit the countryside within hours. There are plenty of charming landscapes and villages that will appeal to you if you love adventure. For example, the Middle Rhine has some picturesque landscape with plenty of castles dating from the Middle Ages.

Best Cities to Study and Live in Germany

Each German student city has its appeal to a wide range of students. One student may love the cultural heritage in Berlin and another may like the low crime rate in Munich. We have considered all the factors that matter to international students and came up with a list of the five best cities in Germany. 

Munich

Munich is Germany’s third largest city with a population of 1.5 million. It’s also the headquarters of the state of Bavaria. Munich is well known for hosting the famous annual Oktoberfest festival. Here are the reasons why students live and study in Munich.

a) It’s home to globally recognised institutions

Two Munich universities feature in the top 100 universities in the country; The Technical University of Munich and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

Other notable institutions in the city include Macromedia University and EU Business School, which you can apply to through Craydel.

b) It’s an economic hub

BMW, Allianz, Siemens, and other top companies in the country have based their operations in the city. This has the effect of creating jobs for the students who live and study in Munich.

c) It’s big on preserving culture and history 

Did you know that Munich is home to the world’s largest museum of science and technology? The Deutsches Museum is an important venue showcasing modern art in Europe. If you study in Munich, consider visiting the place and discover interesting pieces of European culture.

d) Attend sporting events and other festivals

The city is home to Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga title holders for the last decade. If you decide to live in Munich, take the time to visit the Allianz Arena stadium to witness an electrifying performance from the football team. 

Both locals and international visitors look forward to the Oktoberfest festival during autumn. The atmosphere is lively and filled with folk, current music hits, and of course a lot of beer.

e) Munich is safe

Compared to other German cities, Munich has the highest safety score of 79.01 indicating that it has low crime rates. International students can take refuge in the fact that they can walk around the city without worrying about criminal activities.

Berlin

Berlin Is Germany’s capital with a population of around 3,755,251 making it the country’s largest city. You’ll love Berlin for the following reasons.

a) It’s a green city

The city has over 2,500 parks and gardens. As a student, you don’t have to go outside Berlin to enjoy nature, you can find that close by in the urban yet leafy city. This makes it one of Europe’s greenest cities.

b) It has a rich history and culture

Berlin is a metropolitan city meaning that it has a mix of various cultures from all over the world. This contributes to the city’s unique character that enriches the way of life for its inhabitants.

In addition, the city was the epicentre for major events that changed the course of history. If you’re a history aficionado, you’ll enjoy exploring historical sites like the Berlin Wall. 

c) You can travel within Berlin for free

A good way to travel in the city is by public transport and the best part is that it’s completely free for students provided you have a semester ticket. This means you get to travel by train, tram, bus, and ferry.

c) You won’t get bored in the city

Berlin has a charming appeal that makes it look like something interesting is always happening. Whether it’s concerts, street festivals, shows, plays, and movie theatres, there is plenty for you to do in the city after classes. You can utilise this event calendar to check for events happening in the city year-round.  

d) The city has a great food scene

In Berlin, you can find almost everything that your tastebuds fancy. The good thing is that you can find restaurants that are friendly to your budget. Markets are also a good place to try out different foods. One such place is the Markthalle Neun which has vendors selling fresh vegetables and spices.

Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a population of about 1.7 million people. It’s a harbour city situated between the North and Baltic Seas. Here are some reasons why you’ll love living and studying in Hamburg.

a) The city has top-tier universities

Hamburg is home to Universität Hamburg which is the 10th best university in Germany according to QS rankings. Another notable university in the city that you can apply through Craydel is the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.

b) A great place for all water activities

The city borders two seas, a river flows through it and there is even a lake reservoir at its centre. This means that you have plenty of options to enjoy the water while you’re away from the books. One of the best ways to enjoy the city is by boat.

Another popular spot for the locals is the northern bank of the Elbe River which has a sandy beach stretching three kilometres.

c) There are plenty of employment opportunities

Hamburg’s economy supports many top companies in Germany making it one of the country’s main economic centres. Some of these companies include Airbus, Phillips, and Beiersdorf.

Hamburg also has the largest port in Germany, commonly referred to as the Gateway to the world. This is good news for students who usually find employment in Hamburg’s companies during and after their studies.

d) Hamburg has a thriving music scene

A popular music spot in Hamburg is the Elbphilharmonie. The concert hall is an amazing work of art with great acoustics and amazing architectural design. In addition, the city boasts iconic locations like Beatles Square and Indra Club where the iconic Beatles band first ever performed in the city.  

e) The city offers a great quality of life

According to a report by Mercers on the quality of living rankings, Hamburg ranks 25, well ahead of other German cities like Stuttgart, Nuremberg, and Leipzig. This indicates a decent standard of living for international students who study and live in the city.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a thriving city located in the southwest of Germany. It has a population of around 628,000 people. It’s popular with engineering students as the area around it has a strong presence of industries. Here are the reasons that attract students to Stuttgart.

a) It’s a highly industrialised city

The city and the areas around it are headquarters to the top industries in the country from construction, technology, and leading car brands. Engineering students can take advantage of studying and living in the city to seek employment in these renowned companies. 

b) Stuttgart is scenic

There are plenty of sights in and around the city. Get to enjoy amazing architecture ranging from castles to churches by taking a stroll in the city. You can also view a great deal of parks and structures from the viewing platform of the television tower.

c) Stuttgart is welcoming

The residents of Stuttgart are welcoming to international students. In fact, around 17% of the student population is international. The locals are friendly and like to meet up outdoors at Schlossplatz and Schlosspark. You can make some new friends here.

d) It’s known as the cradle of the automobile

Did you know that the first ever automobile was created in Stuttgart? Gottlieb Daimler invented the first vehicle, a Benz, in 1885.

In fact, the history of this great feat is documented in the Mercedes-Benz Museum which attracts thousands of people every year.

To date, Stuttgart is the headquarters of the Mercedes Benz group. In addition, another motoring giant, Porsche, has their headquarters in the city. 

e) Stuttgart also has its own “Oktoberfest”

The city hosts the Cannstatter Wasen. It’s a big festival that attracts around 4 million people every year in September and October. It was launched by King William 1 and his Russian wife Katharina in 1818. If you live and study in Stuttgart, make sure to attend the festival to appreciate German culture dating back to the 19th century.

Hanover

Hannover is one of Germany’s northern cities with a population of about 530,000 people. It’s known for being a green city and is in fact home to the largest forest near a city in Europe. Students flock to the German city for the following reasons. 

a) It has excellent educational institutions

Hanover universities are sought after by students because they are renowned for their world-class teaching. Leibniz University Hannover ranks highly as the 67th best higher learning institution in Europe.

If you’re looking to study in English, apply through Craydel to The University of Europe for Applied Sciences. The institution offers English-taught courses at its Hanover campus.

b) It’s a UNESCO City of Music

Since 2014, Hanover has had this title for its contribution to the music scene. For example, the city produced the world’s first record and also the first CD.

Concerts and festivals are also common in the city and they of course feature music. For example, in Fête de la Musique, musicians perform open-air concerts in different spots in the city. If you’re a lover of music, Hanover will be appealing to you.

c) It hosts the world’s largest trade fair

The Hannover Messe is one of the largest trade fairs in the globe attracting around 200,000 visitors every year. It showcases thousands of exhibitions that seek to promote industry development. You can benefit greatly from the trade fair as a student in engineering, technology, energy, and sustainability subjects. 

d) Hannover is green

There are very few places in Germany where you can find the mix of an urban setting with lush green everywhere. However, Hannover is one such place. A major reason for this is that it’s home to Germany’s largest city forest; the Eilenriede.

Once in a while, consider exploring this forest. It may do wonders for your academic mind to enjoy the serenity of a forest, especially one that is not far off from where you live.

e) The city is centrally located

From Hanover, it’s easy to visit most of the other German cities. Routes from the North, East, South, and West all converge at Hanover. You can travel to most cities within a few hours thanks to the impressive transport networks in Germany. For example, the capital Berlin is only 1.5 hours by train.

If you live and study in Hanover, consider taking advantage of the convenience of travel to explore as many cities as possible in the country. You’ll get to appreciate the German way of life even more.

Top Jobs in Germany for International Students

Tuition may be free in Germany, but you may still need some extra cash to complement your stay in the country.

Fortunately, with the German student visa, you can work part-time as you study but under certain rules stipulated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). They include:

• You can work up to 20 hours in a week. Working more hours breaks the terms of your residence permit leading to warnings, fines, or deportation. 
• An alternative is working 140 full days or 280 half days.

So how much should students expect to get remunerated while working in Germany?

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.41. It is set to rise again up to €12.82 on January 1, 2025, based on recommendations from the country’s minimum wage commission.

Here are jobs that international students can take up while studying in Germany.

On-Campus Jobs in Germany

These jobs are in-house and institution-specific. Most of them are exempt from the 20-hour rule. They include:

• Academic Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Library Assistant
• Tutorial Assistant

Off-Campus Jobs in Germany

These are roles that you can do outside your institution. They include:

• Catering
• Babysitter
• Cashier
• Office Clerk
• Sales
• Bartender

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Germany

Upon getting admission to a higher learning institution recognised by the government, you obtain a residency title. German authorities allow you to renew your residence permit after successful completion of your studies. You are allowed to extend it by 18 months as you search for a job in the field that you studied.

Another way to get PGWP in Germany is through the EU Blue Card. It’s a temporary residence title that can be used for a maximum of four years. Other conditions of the card include:

• You must have a degree from a recognized German university
• You must have a job offer
• The job has to have a minimum gross income of €48,400 or €37,752 for professions that have a shortage

For first-time applications of both the residence permit and EU Blue Card cost €110. Change of status attracts a fee of €90.

Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Germany

The Settlement Permit is the usual path to permanent residency in Germany for international students. Conditions you need to fulfil to get this permit as a person who has completed higher education in Germany include:

• You need to be a graduate of a recognized German higher-learning institution
• You need to show a strong grasp of the German language, preferably at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• You need to be a holder of a residence permit as a skilled worker for two years
• You need to have a job that matches the skills acquired during your academic program
• You need to have contributed to the pension scheme for two years
• You need to have ample living space
• You need to have a clean criminal record with German authorities
• The fee to get the Settlement Permit is  €150

So, what privileges does the Settlement Permit give you?

• Allows you to live with your family in Germany
• Allows you to work as an employee or even be self-employed in Germany
• After holding this permit for 5 years, you can acquire German citizenship by naturalisation

Conclusion

Deutschland is truly the ideal student destination no wonder the growing number of international students. From free university education, world-class studies, a thriving economy, an excellent student visa, many Fortune 500 companies, and great cities to live in; Germany seems like it has it all for a student.

Take advantage of the stellar education in the country when you enroll in a German university today through Craydel. We’ll make sure you realise your dream of studying in one of Europe’s great countries.