Big News for International Students in Germany: Work Limit Doubled!

Key Highlights:

1. International students in Germany will now be able to work up to 20 hours per week, up from 10 hours previously.
2. The Skilled Immigration Act includes provisions to ease labour market access for IT specialists, nursing aides, business founders, and foreign short-term employees.
3. Germany recorded a high foreign enrollment for 2022/23, with international student numbers reaching 367,578. 

Starting from Mar 1, 2024, apprentices and international students in Germany have new regulations regarding their Germany work hours. The rules have been simplified, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week, an increase from the previous limit of 10 hours. As per the Germany news, these changes apply to various situations, including students and apprentices working alongside their studies or training. It also applies to those looking for training or a study place, participating in language courses, or engaging in preparatory measures for university.

These adjustments aim to provide more flexibility for students and apprentices to earn a living while studying or training. This makes Germany a more attractive destination for those seeking education and career opportunities. Additionally, the Skilled Immigration Act includes provisions to ease labour market access for IT specialists, nursing aides, business founders, and foreign short-term employees for up to eight months.

“This creates flexibility, makes it easier to secure a living, and makes the transition into the labour market easier. This makes it even more attractive to come to Germany to start studying or vocational training and to stay here as a skilled worker after graduation,” notes an accompanying statement from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

As per the Germany news, these measures are expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness in international student markets, similar to other study destinations where work rights have been expanded. An early 2023 position paper from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) suggested increased collaboration between higher education institutions and the government to double the retention rate for foreign graduates in the country, highlighted the German news. 

“In Germany, we have been heading towards an ever-increasing gap in skilled workers on the labour market for several years. At the same time, the Federal Republic is becoming increasingly popular as a place to study,” said Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of DAAD. He further added, “We need to think about both developments together and show international students more effectively and in greater numbers the path to a professional career in Germany. As the DAAD, we see politics, universities, and industry as having a joint responsibility in this regard.”

The measures introduced on March 1 closely follow a joint announcement between DAAD and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in December 2023, highlighted the Germany news. It outlined funding of up to €120 million through 2028 to facilitate the transition to work for international students in Germany. The country reported a record-high foreign enrollment for 2022/23, with international student numbers reaching 367,578 that year, a 5% increase over the previous year. Non-EU enrollments, particularly students from India and China, were significant drivers of this growth.

In a nutshell, the recent changes in Germany’s regulations for apprentices and international students signify a big step towards providing more opportunities for students to work and support themselves. These changes enhance the appeal of Germany as a study destination and facilitate a smoother transition into the labour market for skilled workers. Stay updated on more such student-related news by following amber news.