Member

DammySWOT

Studying & Working in Germany 2025

21 hours ago

Studying & Working in Germany (2025)

Full Article:https://jobs.scrolls.com.ng/how-to-study-and-work-in-germany-for-international-students-in-2025


1. Admissions & Visa Essentials

Program Selection & Entry Qualifications: Choose a degree program that fits your background. Your secondary school certificate must be recognized as equivalent to the German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB/Abitur), often verified through Anabin or DAAD listings. Students whose qualifications fall short may need to attend a Studienkolleg or pass the TestAS .

Language Requirements: For programs taught in German, you must provide DSH or TestDaF results. For English-taught courses, standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL are needed. GMAT or GRE may also be required for some business schools .

Visa & Residence Permits: If your study exceeds 90 days, you must apply for a national (D) visa and later, a residence permit. Required documents include university acceptance, proof of financial means (via a blocked account—currently €11,904 per year or €992 per month), health insurance, and language certificates .



2. Financial Planning

Tuition & Fees: Germany’s public universities generally charge no tuition fees for international students, though semester contributions (€150–€350) apply .

Blocked Account Requirement: As of late 2024, the required annual amount has been raised to €11,904 (or €992/month) to support your living expenses .

Cost of Living: Expect to pay around €850 to €1,100 per month for rent, food, transport, insurance, etc., depending on the city .


3. Working While Studying

Part-Time Work Rules: You’re allowed up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year of work without special permits .

Minimum Wage & Mini-Job Regulations: The minimum wage is set to increase to €12.82 per hour in 2025, while the threshold for mini-jobs (less social security) stands at around €556/month .

Practical Tips: Successfully balancing studies and work involves realistic schedules, clear communication with employers and lecturers, choosing relevant job roles, and maintaining mental well-being .



4. Post-Graduation Opportunities

Job Seeker Visa & Blue Card: Graduates can apply for a job seeker visa (up to 18 months) to find work in their field. With a qualifying job, the EU Blue Card is an option, offering up to four years of residency and work privileges .

Immigration Reforms: Germany’s new Skilled Workers Act introduces a "chance card" allowing qualified graduates job-search time, faster visa processing, relaxed Blue Card requirements, and improved paths for family reunification. Additionally, the opportunity card lets German-educated graduates stay and work after graduation .

Long-Term Residency and Citizenship: Naturalization eligibility has been shortened to five years (from eight); dual citizenship is now permitted in most cases .



5. Additional Support & Resources

University Aid via Studentenwerk: These local student services offer dormitories, cafeterias, BAföG financial aid, counseling, and support for international students .

Scholarships – DAAD & Erasmus+: Funding programs like DAAD grants and Erasmus+ are available for eligible international students, often coordinated through university international offices .

Explore DAAD and Erasmus+ scholarships

Germany continues to be an attractive destination due to its quality education, affordable (and often tuition-free) universities, clear visa pathways, and post-study opportunities. Feel free to ask if you need help with specific universities, application timelines, or scholarship options!
Full Article:https://jobs.scrolls.com.ng/how-to-study-and-work-in-germany-for-international-students-in-2025