Main content
Top content
Employment in Germany

© Universität Osnabrück / Uwe Lewandowski
Internationals Welcome!
Are you an international student of the UOS? Do you have any questions about finding and applying for a job in Germany and would like to learn more about the regional job market?
We are looking forward to hearing from you
Rouven Brinkmann
Phone: +49 541 969 4625
career4internationals@uos.de
Whether you are looking for a part-time job to finance your studies, need an internship or want to start your career in Germany after graduation, we will show you different ways to find the right employer in Germany - from the first orientation to research on the Internet to the job interview.
Topic Overview
- Project Study and Stay @OS
- Events
- Online course "Bewerben ins Deutschland" for international students (in German)
- Knowledge databases on working in Germany
- Working during your studies
- Internship Search/Job Search
- Study financing
- Legal advice and discrimination during studies
- Career and vocational counseling
- Dropout/doubts
- Doctorate/PhD Programs
- Founder Consulting/Founder Coaching
- Visa and residence matters
- Translations
- Networks and Networking
- Further contacts persons and advisory services
Project Study and Stay @OS
Within the framework of the DAAD-funded project Study and Stay @OS, we seek to support foreign graduates of Osnabrück University in their transition to the regional job market.
On the basis of surveys of regional employers, experts and foreign students and graduates, we will develop specific services to meet the requirements and needs of the region: a new information platform (currently being set up) will identify the expectations and needs of graduates and employers and communicate best practices. In cooperation with regional company representatives and multipliers, such as the Sprachenzentrum and the Agentur für Arbeit as well as the Wirtschaftsförderung Osnabrück and the WIGOS Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land, we will provide needs-oriented advice and organize events for students, convey skills and knowledge about the German labor market and thus facilitate their career entry.
Foreign graduates of Osnabrück University are characterized by their multilingualism, intercultural competence and networking as well as their independence and motivation. They offer companies in our region a way to counteract the shortage of skilled workers and set the course for the future in a sustainable way.
Events
Webinar: Working while studying/How to finance your studies
1 April, 2022, 10-11.30 a.m., Online, in German
The International Office of UOS and the Social Counseling Service of the Osnabrück Student Services invite international students to discuss questions about financing your studies and part-time jobs. This online event will provide an overview of the legal framework for part-time student jobs, search strategies and other financing options. After the short talk, there will be a Q&A.
How to join? Log in at https://webconf.uni-osnabrueck.de/b/ann-zxt-ggj-d0j.
Language? The lecture will be held in German, the presentation slides will include an English translation and questions can be asked and will be answered in English.
What do I need? Camera and microphone.
Who are the lecturers? Rouven Brinkmann (Project "Study and Stay @OS", International Office) and Kristin Delfs (Social Counseling, Osnabrück Student Services)
How to Apply for a Job or an Internship in Germany
4 May 2022, 3-5 p.m., Room 01/114
Perhaps you are thinking of staying in Germany after graduation, but are not yet sure how to start your career or what to look out for in your application. In this event, you will learn how the German vocational employment system is structured and what this means for applications in the German job market. Experts from the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) will explain the specifics of the German education and labor market, and how to successfully apply for jobs. After the talks, the speakers will answer your questions on the topic in a Q&A session.
The event will be held in English.
Registration via Stud.IP in the course “Study and Stay@OS: How to Apply for a Job in Germany” or via email at career4internationals@uos.de.
13 May, 2022, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Room 41/105
This workshop aims at enabling international students to take personal career planning and career entry into their own hands. We give you tools and insights to pursue your career goals in an active, self-determined and sustainable manner.
The first step is the assessment of your individual personality traits, values, and strengths with the help of science-based methods from positive psychology. On this basis, individual strengths will be activated to clear the way for your self-determined career. With the help of the empowerment strategy, we will then direct what has been developed beforehand towards your specific goals (e.g. a job interview).
In the workshop, you will work on your individual questions concerning career planning and career entry both in interactive group settings as well as in individual work settings.
The event will be held in German.
Speaker: Marita Bestvater
http://job-nachhaltig.de/marita-bestvater/
Registration via Stud.IP in the course “Study and Stay@OS: Laufbahnplanung und Berufseinstieg” or via mail at career4internationals@uos.de.
Event: Campus Quiz with Osnabrück Businesses
24 May, 2022, 6-9 p.m., Caprivi Lounge (Campus of the University of Applied Sciences)
The initiative „Typisch Osnabrück“ invites all students to a pub quiz with Osnabrück businesses to enable networking in a low-key, relaxed atmosphere and pave the way for potential future employment. This Campus Quiz will take place in the Caprivi Lounge (CaLo) at the University of Applied Sciences and will last roughly three hours. Snacks will be provided, beverages can be purchased at the CaLo.
More information and registration (German only) at: https://typisch-osnabrueck.de/campusquiz-anmeldung-fuer-studierende/.
Caprivi Lounge: https://www.hs-osnabrueck.de/caprivi-lounge/.
Training for Job Interviews
15 June, 2022, 1-5 p.m., Online
Many international students at Osnabrück University are considering a career in the region or in Germany. But how does a selection process work and how can you impress potential employers in an interview? With a mixture of input and practical exercises, you will acquire skills for conducting an interview for an internship or job in Germany.
Contents:
Preparation for job interviews
• Job interviews in Germany
• Digital job interviews vs. face-to-face interviews
• What skills are important to companies in 2021?
Selection methods in job interviews:
• The most important questions in job interviews
• Self-presentation
• Case Studies
Practical exercise:
• Mock interviews
• Reflection & Feedback
Speaker: Nazife Sarcan, Diversity Training & Consulting
The event will be held in German.
Binding registration via Stud.IP in the course “Study and Stay@OS: Training für Vorstellungsgespräche“ or via mail at career4internationals@uos.de.
Successful First Contact with Employers
29 June, 2022, 10.15-11.15 a.m., Room 41/101
How do I contact German employers via email? What do I say to them on the phone? And how can I get in touch with them in the first place?
In this short talk you will receive advice on how to start the conversation with employers, what language and what phrases to use to establish contact. After this you’ll have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice through mock exercises.
Registration via Stud.IP in the course “Study and Stay@OS: Kommunikation mit Arbeitgeber*innen“ or via email at career4internationals@uos.de.
Company Contact Fair CHANCE
Save the Date: November 9 + 10, 2022
The company contact fair CHANCE is scheduled live on site in the auditorium and foyer of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences on Nov. 9 and 10, 2022. Students and graduates have the opportunity to visit booths and to participate in a comprehensive lecture program. The companies who are present at the fair will give you insight into organizational structures, corporate culture, and career opportunities. You can also learn about general career topics and many companies give you the opportunity to apply for one-on-one interviews with a recruiter.
More information about the program is available at CHANCE online!
Knowledge databases on working in Germany
Make it in Germany
The multilingual website of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad
Make it in Germany is the German government's multilingual website for qualified professionals from around the world who want to work in Germany. It offers information starting with making preparations in the country of origin, to arriving and taking the first steps in Germany. Prospective international students gain insight into studying in Germany. Graduates learn about work opportunities in Germany, how they can best organize their job search, and what German application procedures entail.
The website provides a compact guidebook for download on topics such as job search, visa, application, etc:
-
Ratgeber: Arbeiten in Deutschland (PDF in German; limited accessibility for people with disabilities)
-
Guide to Working in Germany (PDF in English, limited accessibility for people with disabilities)
The website’s media library contains experts’ and explanatory videos as well as webinars on working in Germany.
In addition, Make it in Germany offers an overview of important partner networks that allow you to access additional and more in-depth content:
Study in Germany
The official campaign by the Federal Government for Germany as a study location
The Study in Germany website also offers tips on how to successfully start a career in Germany
WelKMU
Highly qualified migrants for small and medium-sized companies
The project "WelKMU - Highly Qualified Migrants for Small and Medium-Sized Companies" aims to prepare students and young university graduates with a migration background for the German labor market at an early stage, to integrate them into companies, and to employ them permanently. The website offers a wide range of information on starting a career at small and medium-sized companies.
An excellent, comprehensive brochure on finding employment in Germany is available for download (German language only). The brochure describes in detail all relevant topics, from orientation and planning, to job search, application, and interview:
-
Brochure: Make it work! (PDF in German, limited accessibility for people with disabilities)
Working during your studies
Students from non-EU countries enrolled in a regular study program are usually allowed to work 120 full or 240 half working days per calendar year without approval by the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde).
Barring the 120 approval-free days, students may pursue jobs as research or student assistants without approval and without any time limits.
Please note: Internship and work placements (paid or unpaid) are regarded as gainful employment and therefore require approval by the Foreigners' Office. Only compulsory internships that are mandatory components of a study program do not require approval.
Students from EU member states have the same employment privileges as German students. They may work up to 20 hours per week. They may also be self-employed.
Internship Search/Job Search
Many jobs are offered on the University’s “Schwarzes Brett” (notice board), so keep your eyes open. There is also an online notice board, where local businesses regularly place “help wanted” ads.
The search engine and database of the Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) or (industry-specific) online job databases and meta-search engines (e.g. Indeed.com; also see brochure WelKMU p. 17) provide useful information on job searches and applications. In addition, employment ads/postings can often be found directly on company websites. A visit to job fairs can also be worthwhile.
In addition, EURES, a European cooperation network of employment agencies promoting the free movement of workers, offers an overview of job postings throughout Europe: EURES - The European Job Mobility Portal.
On the website of Osnabrück University’s discontinued Career Service project you will find further information.
Study financing
The explanatory video of the “Deutsches Studentenwerk” (German Student Services) explains requirements and options for financing your studies as an international student, legal restrictions for short-term and marginal employment, and gives practical tips for planning your studies in Germany.
- YouTube-Video: Tipps für internationale Studierende – Wie finanziere ich mein Studium in Deutschland (German)
- YouTube-Video: Tips for International Students - How do I finance my studies in Germany? (English)
Legal advice and discrimination during studies
The department for foreign students of the AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) advises on all questions regarding studies, residence in Germany, visa matters, housing, general questions about the city of Osnabrück, and related concerns. For all student legal problems and questions, the AStA legal advice is the right place to go.
In case of unfair disadvantage and discrimination, the Equal Opportunity Office will advise you:
Career and vocational counseling
The staff of the Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) will advise you in all matters pertaining to starting a career in Germany.
- Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
“Fachstudienberater*innen” (specialized academic advisors) are representatives of a subject or a degree program (usually academic staff or professors). They advise you in all subject-related concerns for your study/degree program of choice .
A list of contacts for each subject can be found under the keyword "Fachstudienberatung" on the website of the Central Student Advisory Service:
The individual Schools, the International Office, and the ZePros will advise you on the topic of doctoral studies.
For diversity-sensitive job and career counseling, you can contact the Equal Opportunity Office:
Dropout/doubts
If you are thinking about dropping out of your degree program and finding a job, the following s services will prove useful to you:
-
„Netzwerk Neustart“ (Network New Beginning) advises on finding employment despite having dropped out
- „Projekt Neustart“ at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Osnabrück - Emsland -Grafschaft Bentheim
- „Projekt Neustart“ at the Chamber of Commerce Osnabrück - Emsland - Grafschaft Bentheim
Doctorate/PhD Programs
The individual Schools, the International Office and the ZePros will advise you on the topic of doctoral studies.
Founder Consulting/Founder Coaching
Transfer and Innovation Management (TIM) is a joint institution of Osnabrück University and the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, and is the central contact point for all members of both universities who are interested in founding a company.
Visa and residence matters
As a graduate of a German university, you can accept a job in Germany that corresponds to your studies. You can obtain the necessary residence permit from the relevant Foreigners' Office. If you have not yet found a suitable job after completing your studies, you can obtain a residence permit from the Foreigners' Registration Office for 18 months to search for a job that matches your qualifications. During this time, you may take up any activity to ensure your livelihood. (Source: Guide: Working in Germany)
You can obtain further advice and support from the relevant immigration authorities:
- Foreigners' Office City of Osnabrück (Ausländerbehörde Stadt Osnabrück)
- Foreigners' Office County Osnabrück (Ausländerbehörde Landkreis Osnabrück)
Translations
If you are looking for interpreters and translators, the following database can help you:
-
Interpreter and translator database of the state judicial administrations (Dolmetscher- und Übersetzerdatenbank der Landesjustizverwaltungen)
Networks and Networking
The Federal Association of Foreign Students (Bundesverband ausländischer Studierender BAS e. V.) represents the interests of foreign and stateless students as well as students with migration experiences in Germany. BAS is the nationwide association of foreign student representatives at German universities. Members are the student bodies (AStA, StuRa, StuVe etc.).
-
Federal Association of Foreign Students (Bundesverband ausländischer Studierender)
Further contacts persons and advisory services
The following institutions can advise you:
You may face a number of challenges during your studies. The German Student Services (Studentenwerke) offer you help and support in all questions concerning your studies, family, housing, and finances. You will receive individual, free, and confidential advice:
- Osnabrück Student Services (International Students Department)
- Osnabrück Student Services (Social Counseling Department)
- German Student Services
From language development courses, to occasional studies and leisure activities: students and teaching staff at Osnabrück University have developed a range of offers and initiatives in a bid to, support and welcome refugees in and around Osnabrück:
STUBE Niedersachsen is a policy-oriented development program accompanying your studies. It is a forum for questions of sustainable education and development as well as personal future planning. STUBE offers educational, counseling, and support services primarily to students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America who are studying at universities in Lower Saxony:
Survey of international students at UOS on the topic of job search and career entry in Germany
At the end of 2020, the project "Study and Stay @OS" conducted a survey among international students of the UOS on the topic of job search and career entry in Germany. Based on these results, various offers and measures catering to the needs of international students will be derived within the project period in order to support the target group in the transition to the regional job market.
Survey results (download with limited accessibility for people with disabilities) (PDF, 667 kB)