Future Job Opportunities for Foreign Students Abroad

Germany is making significant strides to retain qualified professionals who have completed their education within its borders, as part of a broader initiative to internationalise its workforce.

The federal government's goal is to retain these skilled individuals, and initiatives such as the Skilled Workers Immigration Act and the Federal Government's Qualified Professionals Strategy are aimed at integrating graduates into the job market. One of the key drivers behind this push is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which launched the "International Professional Campus Initiative" in 2024. This initiative provides funds for projects at over 100 universities in Germany, offering support to students before and throughout their studies.

International students and researchers, upon graduating from a German university, bring high qualifications and valuable knowledge about their home country. This internationalisation of employers is considered a positive outcome of the presence of international students and researchers in the German university landscape.

Potsdam University, for example, offers workshops on employability, applications, communication, and profile creation. Augsburg University of Applied Sciences assists with financial and residence rights issues, as well as additional qualifications and training for job applications for international graduates. Siegen University in North Rhine-Westphalia offers advanced language courses and workshops to enhance professional competencies.

The increased number of work visas issued to third-country students suggests a growing emphasis on integrating international graduates into the German job market. The reforms and facilities provided by the Skilled Workers Immigration Act and the Federal Government's Qualified Professionals Strategy have had an impact, with the number of work visas issued to third-country students increasing by more than 20 percent recently.

Half of the students who plan to stay in Germany after graduation are interested in starting a business. This entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged, with universities offering resources and support to help these graduates turn their ideas into reality.

The integration of international graduates into the job market is seen as beneficial to the job market in Germany. Two-thirds of international students in Germany, particularly those in the fields of economics, engineering, and computer science, plan to stay in the country after graduation. This influx of talented individuals is expected to contribute positively to Germany's economy and workforce.

In conclusion, the federal government and German universities are working together to make it easier for international graduates to integrate into the job market. This collaboration is a testament to Germany's commitment to retaining and nurturing the talent it attracts from around the world.