Anticipated prospects: Work chances for students from foreign lands
Germany is making significant strides in integrating international students into its job market, with initiatives from politics to universities aimed at fostering this integration. The Quality of Work Act and the Federal Government's quality of work strategy have led to a 20 percent increase in work permits issued to international students, a clear indication of their positive impact.
Half of the international students planning to stay in Germany after graduation are also interested in starting their own businesses. These students, upon completing a degree from a German higher education institution, bring high qualifications and country-specific knowledge to the job market. This international knowledge is valuable, contributing to the internationalization of their employers after completing their studies in Germany.
The University of Siegen in North Rhine-Westphalia, for instance, offers language courses and workshops to enhance professional skills. Similarly, Potsdam University provides employability workshops focusing on application, communication, and profile building. Augsburg University of Applied Sciences offers assistance with seat reservation, financial questions, follow-up qualifications, and job application training for international graduates.
Over 100 higher education institutions across Germany are being supported through the "Campus Initiative International Workforce," an initiative launched by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in 2024 with funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
The coalition agreement of the Federal Government also emphasizes the importance of retaining international students who have completed their studies in Germany to work in the country. In 2024, the German federal government launched several initiatives to internationalize the labor market, including the establishment of a digital agency for skilled labor immigration ("Work-and-Stay-Agentur") to streamline processes for foreign professionals and improve coordination with federal states.
Nearly two-thirds of international students in Germany, particularly those in economics, architecture, and computer science, plan to stay after graduation according to DAAD's latest survey. This is a promising sign for Germany's need for over 500,000 professionals, though detailed quantitative effects for 2024 are still emerging.
In conclusion, Germany is making concerted efforts to retain international talent, recognizing the value these students bring to the job market. From language courses and employability workshops to streamlined immigration processes and a desire to retain these graduates, Germany is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for international students seeking to build their careers.
