G-Race

How to work in Germany while pursuing your studies ?

◉ As an aspirant of non-european union, you need to do part time job to support your life in Germany

While doing preparatory college(studienkolleg), you are allowed to work during the semester break only, as per the permission of FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OR OTHER FOREIGNERS AUTHORITY.

If you are studying for bachelors, masters, P.G or any other program, you can work upto 120 full days(8 hours of work) or 240 half days (4 hours of work).

NOTE: It is really important to know, that how much time you’re investing in your part time job.

◉ It is good to do one, but one should not exceed the limit because just to earn few euros more, you can’t drag your career into risk.

You can take a job as a student assistant or research assistant at your own university.

You can do internship program during semester break, this will be counted as normal work, even if it’s unpaid. There are some mandatory internships programs are there as per the requirement of the course.

NOTE: The students of non- union are not permitted to work in a self -employed or free- lance capacity but European students can work without any work permit.

◉ Now the question arises, what kind of jobs you can do to finance your studies. It is essential to keep one thing in mind, you must have good knowledge of the German language/ preferably to complete your internship during your studies to survive there.

You can work at cafes, restaurants, at shops, newspaper companies which is well known in Germany, named as MITTLE DUETSCHE ZEITUNG.

If your schedule is really busy and do not allow you to go and look up for part time jobs, then you have some option. You can take a job as a student assistant or research assistant, which suits your schedule at your university.

There are some ways to earn money at your university.

◉ You can earn money by tutoring: you can make good use of your expertise to do so If you play some musical instrument, or speaking some other languages etc. It will be going to pay more than minimum wages.

If you are interested in sports, this will surely be going to support your expenses. You can become Sport coach for the youth.

◉ By working as teacher assistant: Most of the PhD and master’s students works as teaching assistant in the Germany. It is reasonably paid. With this you can improve your professional academics along with earning.

◉ You can be paid to take surveys: There are some companies which conduct research about marketing campaigns. To do this, they use polling websites, through which you can get paid to take surveys.

◉ Use the university bulletin board: you can do bulletin board, by putting up a flyer you can demand for job, usually jobs with comfortable hours along with high pay scale are offered.

Note: You can earn up to 520 EUROS per month without paying taxes with these part-time jobs.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics is an engineering branch that integrates electronics, electrical systems, computer science, and mechanics. German universities offer various programs in Mechatronics:

  • Diploma programs
  • Bachelor’s programs in Mechatronics (Engineering and Technology)
  • Masters programs in Mechatronics (Engineering and Technology)
  • Post-graduate and internship programs

Diploma holders in Mechatronics can pursue higher education courses like a Post-Graduate course in Mechatronics or a Bachelor of Engineering/Technology in Mechatronics.

In order to take admission to a bachelor’s program in Germany, one has to enroll in a Studienkolleg because of the difference in education systems (10+2 in India and 10+3 in Germany). To complete the (10+3) system, students are required to first enroll in a Studienkolleg and then become qualified for admission to German universities.

What is Studienkolleg?

Studienkolleg is a college that prepares foreign students who wish to study in Germany to meet the requirements of the German education system. It aims to develop the necessary skills related to the chosen university subjects.

Duration: The Studienkolleg course lasts for 4 academic semesters or a full academic year.

To enroll in Studienkolleg, you must have a proficiency level of B1 in the German language or an IELTS score according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is advisable to complete at least B1 level of German in India to avoid any challenges during admission to Studienkolleg.

Students often overlook the idea of attending Studienkolleg, but we suggest taking advantage of this opportunity. During the preparation phase of one year, you will improve your German and English language skills significantly.

Studienkolleg offers specialized courses as preparation for studying at the university. The specialized courses vary depending on the program you choose.

Types of Studienkolleg:

  • Public/State-run: To enroll in a public Studienkolleg, you must have a B1 level proficiency in the German language. There is usually no tuition fee for attending a state-run Studienkolleg, but there may be a fee between 100 and 400 Euros per semester. It is recommended to have at least 700 Euros per month for living expenses and health insurance. During semester breaks, you can work part-time with the consent of the Federal Employment Agency or the Foreigners’ Authority.
  • Private: Studying at private universities in metropolitan cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich may incur higher costs.

Here is a list of Studienkollegs in Germany:

Bundesland (State) Kollegname (Name of College) Stadt (City) Status (Specialized Course) Kurse (Courses) Homepage/Kontakt (Website Link)
Bayern Studienkolleg bei den Fachhochschulen des Freistaates Bayern (in Cob urg) Coburg FH/staatlich (TI, WW) www.studienkolleg-coburg.de
studienkolleg@hs-coburg.de
Berlin Studienkolleg an der TU Berlin Berlin Uni/staatlich (M, T, TI, WW, W) www.studienkolleg.tu-berlin.de
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Studienkolleg an der Hochschule Wismar Wismar FH/Staatlich (TI, W, WW) https://www.hs-wismar.de/international/aus-dem-ausland/studienkolleg/
Rhineland-Pfalz Internationales Studienkolleg der Hochschule Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern FH/Uni/Staatlich (TI, W, WW, T) http://www.hs-kl.de/internationales-studienkolleg

Now, the question is how to apply for Studienkolleg. Here are the steps:

  1. Confirm the university you intend to choose and gather information about the required documents and deadlines.
  2. Apply directly to the Studienkolleg or, if not possible, apply via Uni-assist (www.uni-assist.de).
  3. Apply for a visa at the German embassy in your home country.
  4. Prepare for the entrance exam. Each Studienkolleg has different entrance exams, so it is important to find information and mock exams on the respective Studienkolleg’s websites.
  5. Take the entrance exam.

If you pass the entrance exam, you will be admitted to a one-year specialized course at the respective Studienkolleg. After completing a year in Studienkolleg, you will need to take the final exam called FESTSTELLUNGSPRÜFUNG. Upon succeeding in this exam, you can apply for the bachelor’s program of your choice.

Both bachelor’s and master’s programs are taught in English as well as in German. For English-taught programs, the tuition fee is around 310 Euros per semester. To enroll in this program, you must be fluent in English at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference. IELTS scores are also required.

For German-taught programs, a B1 level of German language proficiency is required. Having a B2 level of German proficiency is advantageous as you can apply for German-taught programs, which are comparatively cheaper.

German universities offer affordable education and provide 18 months of stay-back options to search for jobs.

Regarding work opportunities, if you’re interested in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Automation, Robotics, and Manufacturing, you can find job prospects in India as well as abroad.

In India: Companies like Tata Motors, Hero Motor Corp, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and others hire mechatronics engineers at competitive pay scales. To work with these companies in India, an A2 level proficiency in German is required. With A2 level proficiency, you can earn around 25,000 to 30,000 INR per month. If you have additional degrees and higher proficiency in German, you can earn between 35,000 to 60,000 INR per month.

Abroad: Companies such as BMW, Volkswagen, Avigilon Corporation, Ballard, Bosch, Canadian Space Agency, Dettwiler, Teleflex, Westport Innovations, and many more MNCs hire mechatronic engineers. Higher proficiency in German (B2 level) can also be advantageous for job opportunities abroad.

If you are planning to work in Germany, you will need a Job Seeker Visa. The requirements for a Job Seeker Visa are:

  • At least A2 proficiency in the German language
  • 5 years of work experience
  • 6 months of survival funds
  • Valid passport

The amount of funds required depends on the city you plan to reside in. After residing in Germany for 24 months, you can apply for a Blue Card, which has the following conditions:

  • B1 proficiency in the German language
  • A salary above 50,000 Euros

These are the general guidelines and requirements. It’s always recommended to check with the specific university or Studienkolleg for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Automobiles

Studying automobiles in Germany offers four programs: bachelor’s, master’s, internship, and Ph.D.

For admission to a bachelor’s program in Germany, one must first enroll in a studienkolleg because India follows a (10+2) education system while Germany follows a (10+3) system.

To complete the (10+3) system, students are required to first enroll in a studienkolleg and then become eligible for admission to German universities.

Two types of studienkolleg exist:

  1. Public: Admission to public studienkolleg requires B1 level proficiency in the German language. Tuition fees are minimal.
  2. Private: Private institutes require 4800 euros for studienkolleg.

These programs are offered in both English and German languages.

For English programs, the tuition fee is 16,640 euros along with the requirement of a block account for funds.

For German-taught programs, tuition fees range from 2500 to 9000 euros. Fluency in German is necessary for admission to German-taught programs.

Once you complete studienkolleg, you can apply for a bachelor’s program. Both bachelor’s and master’s programs are taught in English and German.

For English-taught programs, fluency in English is required along with an IELTS certificate.

For German-taught programs, B1 level proficiency in German is required.

If you have B2 level proficiency in German, you have an advantage as you can apply for the cheaper German-taught programs, especially if you have completed your b.Tech degree with B2 level proficiency.

German universities also offer internships, Ph.D. programs, and short-term programs.

Work Opportunities

In India, leading companies like TCS, BS Extra, and Deutsche Bank offer opportunities to work with them.

A minimum A1 level proficiency in German is required for working with these companies in India. A2 level is required for higher-paying positions, earning around 25,000 to 30,000 per month. Additional degrees are advantageous.

If you have B2 level proficiency in German, you can earn between 35,000 to 60,000 per month in India, depending on your skills.

Some companies may require B1 level proficiency in German.

Working Abroad

If you plan to work in Germany, you will need a Job Seeker Visa.

The conditions for a job seeker visa include:

  • At least A2 proficiency in German
  • 5 years of work experience
  • 6 months of survival funds to reside in Germany (amount depends on the city of residence)

After residing in Germany for 24 months, you can apply for a Blue Card, subject to the following conditions:

  1. B1 level proficiency in the language
  2. A salary above 50,000 euros

Note: If you are married and want to bring your spouse along, you can apply for a Spouse Visa. Your partner should have A1 level proficiency in the German language.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The IT sector is a globally attractive domain that lures millions of job seekers in India and abroad every year. Having a good understanding of technology and linguistic skills can provide you with opportunities to work for the world’s leading companies.

In India:

  1. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) – Prominent IT company in India.
  2. TCS has established itself as one of the most valuable IT services brands in the world economy. Consulting and business organizations seek aspirants with a strong command of technology and language competence to ensure smooth communication with clients. If you possess language proficiency in foreign languages and are seeking a job in the IT industry, your search ends here as this can be a jackpot for you in your native country.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Strong knowledge of technology
    • B1 or B2 level proficiency in French, German, Spanish, or Italian (e.g., Zertifikat Deutsch for German, CILS or CELI for Italian, DELF/DALF for French, DELE or SIELE for Spanish).

  3. Infosys
  4. Infosys is a well-known multinational corporation in India, established in 1981. It hires individuals based on their language proficiency in India. Therefore, if you are unable to go abroad, there are ample opportunities to work and utilize your skills in your home country. Clarity in languages, along with technical skills, is required. Possible job roles include IT service desk analyst, service desk administrator (French, German, Spanish), technical architect, team leader, software support analyst (French or German language), and more.


  5. Renowned companies like HCL and WIPRO
  6. These companies also provide opportunities to enhance your business skills alongside expertise in foreign languages through digital technology.

    Language Requirements:

    • Minimum 2+ years of experience in French, Spanish, or German to ensure the implementation of financial data/reporting and other operational skills to support technical operations.

  7. ACTS
  8. ACTS is a famous technology consulting firm focusing on linguistic expertise. They are actively seeking German experts to carry out business processes and social media management.

    Language Skills Required:

    • A2 or B1 level German language competency.

If you possess linguistic abilities in addition to technical skills and are seeking a platform to showcase your capabilities, Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan offers numerous opportunities.

POINT TO BE NOTED:

If you have A2 proficiency in German, this company provides an opportunity for employees to improve their language skills. Furthermore, if you pass the German exam, the company covers the exam fees.

Job Opportunities for Commerce Students

If you have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Commerce and are interested in pursuing Chartered Accounting or Company Secretary roles, but have faced challenges in passing the exams, there is a solution. By developing linguistic abilities alongside your studies, you can increase your chances of working with outstanding organizations in India.

There are companies that prioritize language proficiency along with business skills when hiring candidates:

  • AXA Business Services (AXA BS): AXA BS, a leading corporation, seeks candidates with excellent linguistic skills and marketing expertise to promote and implement business improvement ideas.

Language Requirements:

  • Good communication skills
  • B2 or C1 level proficiency in French (Certified) for handling daily tasks and company policies
  • B1 or B2 level proficiency in German to meet daily targets and maintain high-quality standards

By showcasing your skills, you can work as an Investment Accountant, Finance Consultant, or in areas such as transaction reporting and other finance operations, earning attractive salaries.

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