Study in Germany

Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe with the continent’s largest economy. This is fuelled by the largest population in Europe, of over 83 million people. Once known as the “Land of Poets and Thinkers”, Germany has played an historic role in education. The first research universities in the world were in Germany and many are still open today. 

The United Nations Development Programme places Germany as 6th on the Human Development Index. This is ahead of more popular study abroad destinations the USA, United Kingdom and Canada. 

The German Government reports that there are around 375,000 international students enrolled at university there. That is over 12% of the total number of university students in the country. Around 18,000 African students each year choose Germany for university abroad. 

The German education system is particularly strong in the STEM Subjects  – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. No surprise as the country is home to famous engineering and manufacturing brands. STEM subjects are popular course choices with African study abroad students. 

Top 5 reasons why you should study in Germany

High Quality Education

Germany is known for excellent standards in engineering, manufacturing, financial services and many other industries. ‘Made in Germany’ is also a seal of high quality education.

If you are looking for the very best then Germany should be one of the countries you consider for study abroad. 

There are 45  German universities in the QS World University Rankings 2021. Only the USA and UK have more universities listed. In the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings top 500, there are 41German universities. Seven are ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. 

Low, or no, Tuition Fees

The rumours are true: University tuition is free in most German states. In 2014 the German government got rid of university tuition fees. It is a strongly held belief of the German people that education should be available to all. 

This extends to international students from all around the world. African students really can attend university in Germany and save tens of thousands of dollars! Of course, there are still other costs involved in studying in Germany.

In 2017 tuition fees for non-EU students were reintroduced in the state of Baden-Württemberg in the South West. The fees are 1500 EUR per semester for undergraduates and 650 EUR per semester for postgraduates Still a fraction of tuition costs in many other countries. 

Of course private universities, often teaching in English, do charge tuition fees and sometimes these are comparable to the tuition fees in countries such as the USA or Canada. Unsurprisingly, most African students opting to study in Germany opt for a public university. 

Remember, Bachelor degrees in German public universities are typically taught in German so, while you will benefit from free tuition at university, you will almost certainly need to spend money on a German language course to meet your chosen university’s entry requirements.

35% of all international students surveyed highlight low fees as their top reason for attending higher education in Germany. It is clear that the tuition costs are tiny when compared to the fees for the USA or UK. We are sure it is clear why so many African students choose to study in Germany. 

Work opportunities for African Students in Germany

Foreign students in Germany are entitled to work during their studies. Similar to other countries, Germany has lots of part-time jobs available to students, mainly in service sectors. 

International students can work for 240 half-days, or 120 full-days per year. Werkstudent positions are a part-time job in a company. Scholarship students may find part-time jobs known as HiWi, a Research assistant. 

Post-study opportunities are good for African students in Germany. It is possible for all international graduates to apply for an 18-month residency permit. This allows time to look for a job in their field. It is also possible to work in any kind of job to support yourself during this period. 

This approach allows graduates to take advantage of the low unemployment rates in Germany and search for their dream job. Candidates with excellent German language skills can often find great positions. 

Manufacturing, engineering and science graduates in particular can find many options. Germany is leading the world in environmental technology. Robotics and nanotechnology are other sectors with great opportunities. 

Learn One of Europe’s Most Dynamic Languages

Learning German is a great opportunity for African students. Many students will speak English natively or to a good standard already, adding German is a sensible choice. German companies operate all over the world and speaking their language increases the chances of a job. 

The German language can seem challenging at lower levels, but students quickly advance. Of course, taking a German language program at Seed partner school, EIIE Eurasia, will be necessary for most students. This will allow international students to adapt and develop, to integrate and immerse themselves fully into the language and culture. 

It is possible to follow degree programs in English in Germany, mainly at Master’s level. However, graduate work opportunities are significantly increased if you have perfected German language skills before and during university studies. 

A Beautiful, safe country

Germany is a large country with beautiful landscapes as diverse as the culture. In the North are the Baltic Sea and North Sea coastlines. Though rugged and windswept, there are many beautiful beaches. There are forests and vast plains in central Germany. Rivers cut through the countryside as mountain ranges rise up towards the Alps in the South.

The history of Germany as a country is long and complex. There are many historic reminders of the past to visit. Stunning architecture from throughout history can be found in villages, towns and cities of all sizes. Schloss is German for castle and there are many to visit around the country. 

German cities, both old and modern, are home to a wealth of impressive architecture. Cities also offer a wealth of exciting entertainment opportunities. From the cutting-edge art and music scenes of Berlin or Dresden, to the beer halls of Bavaria. There is a lot going on in Germany.

German cities are known for also being very efficient places to live and to visit. Everything is punctual. This can often be something of a culture shock to international students.  

Germany is also one of the safest countries in Europe, and the world. Less than 1% of the 83 million population are victims of a crime of any sort. This is one of the reasons nearly 70% of international students surveyed plan to stay on in Germany after graduation. 

The Higher Education System in Germany 

The higher education system in Germany offers African students a range of degree qualifications at different types of institutions. Tertiary education, including universities, is organised at a state and not national level. A German university degree is very well viewed by employers around the world  – as is speaking the German language fluently. 

In Germany university qualifications are generally considered in semesters, as opposed to terms and years.  Each academic year is equivalent to two semesters. Courses will generally begin in the Winter Semester, from the 1st of October through to the 31st of March. Summer Semester then starts on the 1st of April and runs until the 30th of September. 

Lectures at German universities usually take place from mid-October until mid-February (the Wintersemester) and again from mid-April until late-July (Sommersemester). Exams, thesis writing and work-placements take place during semester breaks, or vorlesungsfreie Zeit. 

Higher Education study in Germany requirements

Admission to university and other higher education institutions usually requires one of two qualifications. The Allgemeine Hochschulreife or, Abitur, permits study at any higher education institution in any subject. The Fachgebundene Hochschulreife allows entry into specific courses.

Many institutions and degree programs will also have a separate admission test. Generally, these aptitude tests are common for sports and arts courses. 

International students are required to have qualifications that would allow them university in their home country. The German Ministry of Education maintains an online database. It can be used to check if an international Secondary School certificate is equivalent to the German one. 

There is also a database that can be used to check university qualification equivalency. This may be useful for graduates considering a Master’s degree in Germany. Of course, the websites are in German – also an important consideration for university admission. 

Individual institutions and Länder, the individual German states/regions, may have further specific requirements for university entrance. Often, an assessment test at a Studienkolleg will be a necessity. Students will, of course, also need an official recognised German language test. 

There are many degree courses taught in English in Germany. However, these are usually at Master’s level and in the area of business. These programs are very competitive so a strong academic performance at Bachelor level will be essential. 

If you are coming to Germany to study at Bachelor degree level, then you will almost certainly need to speak, read and write German to a very high standard. This is especially true if you are targeting a public university but is also often the case at private universities too. In general, only fee-paying private universities offer some Bachelor degrees taught in English. On some degree courses it may also be a requirement to have an official English test.

For African high-school leavers looking to study a Bachelor degree in Germany, it is likely that a Foundation Year programme will be required. As degree courses require a high level of German language proficiency, you may need 1.5 – 2 years of preparation. 

Students applying from some countries in Africa, including Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tunisia and Uganda for example, only need to meet German language requirements – a Foundation Year is not required from them.

For African students looking to come to Germany immediately after completing high school in their home country, there are two routes into a Bachelor Degree, depending on where you completed your schooling:

Step 1: Pathway

German Language course only

German Language course and University Foundation Year

Step 2: Bachelor Degree

For African students looking to take their second (Master’s) degree in the Germany:

Step 1: Pathway

German Language course only

Step 2: Master’s or MBA (Postgraduate) Degree

For African students looking to gain a globally recognized German degree while staying in their home country:

Online Postgraduate Degrees

For African students looking to gain their third degree in Germany:

PhD or Doctorate degrees

Studienkolleg (Foundation Year) in Germany

All students looking to come and study in a public university in Germany at Bachelor degree level will first of all need to learn the German language. Seed’s partner school, EIIE Eurasia, accepts students from A1 level in German. Students work towards the German language exam that they will need to take to move to the next step. Most students will need 9 months of German language classes.

After completing a German language program, most African students will also then need to complete a Foundation Year, or Studienkolleg in German. This is so that academically they are considered to be at the same level as the German Abitur (their high school certificate). 

There are public foundation programs (which are tuition-free) and private, fee-paying foundation programs. Seed partner school, EIIE Eurasia, can help students who need a Foundation Year to select and apply for their chosen Foundation program.

Here is a table showing which students will need a Studienkolleg:

Students following the French Baccalaureat, International Baccalaureate or UK A-levels will also not need the Studienkolleg.

The table above applies only if a student is looking to come to study in Germany immediately after completing high school. If a student has completed at least one year of university study in his/her country, then they will be able to join a Bachelor Degree program directly after achieving the required German language exam score – no Foundation Year is required in such cases. 

Seed therefore recommends that, if you come from a country where a Studienkolleg/Foundation program would normally be required, you are best advised to complete one year of university in your home country and then apply to come to Germany.

Bachelor degrees in Germany 

Bachelor’s are a relatively recent introduction to the German higher education system but are now the standard first degree. The usual duration of a bachelor’s is for 6 semesters, or 3 academic years. This varies depending on the field of study and if any periods of practical work are part of the course. 

In Universities of Applied Sciences bachelor studies will last 6 or 7 semesters. Bachelor’s are 8 semesters long in German Colleges of Art and Music. In Professional Academies they last 6 semesters as at universities. In Fachschulen you can find 4 semester, or 2 academic year, bachelor courses.

The academic content at German universities is modern both in terms of course delivery and structure. Bachelor’s programs are aimed at creating educated individuals ready to face global challenges. Course content is always up-to-date with the latest scientific developments. 

Students can take one major or two, it’s also possible to mix a major with a minor subject. The first four semesters give a wide range of options, with students specialising more in later years. 

The most common Bachelor’s degrees are 

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.).
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.).

Bachelor titles issued by the College of Arts and Music:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.).
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
• Bachelor of Music (B. Mus.)

Bachelor titles issued by higher education institutions educational studies:

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).

Some courses did not change when Bachelor’s were introduced in Germany.  Law, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and food chemistry lead to the Staatsexamen, state examination. This is required to be able to work in the chosen profession. There are also similar Staatsexamen for teachers, judges, and other civil service professions. 

Students following these programs will generally be at university for between 4 and 8 years before the First Staatsexamen. It is equivalent to a Master’s and permits doctoral studies.  Depending on the state, the Second Staatsexamen, is taken after one or two years of professional experience. This tests students’ practical abilities in their profession. 

Master’s degrees in Germany

Master’s programs in Germany last between 2 – 4 semesters (1-2 years). 1-year Master’s programs tend to be in Business-related areas and often taught at private business schools; most students should expect their Master’s program to last 4 semesters (2 years).

Student’s completing a German Master’s degree at Universities or Universities of Applied Science will usually receive one of the following qualifications:

• Master of Arts (M.A.).
• Master of Science (M.Sc.).
• Master of Engineering (M. Eng.).
• Master of Laws (LL.M.).
• Master of Education (M.Ed.).

Students completing a German Master’s at a College of Art or Music are more likely to receive one of the following qualifications: 

• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.).
• Master of Arts (M.A.).
• Master of Music (M.Mus.).

There are also Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs available in Germany – these are usually offered at private business schools such as Cologne/Koeln Business School.

It is important to note that, if you plan to study a Master’s degree in a different field of study to your Bachelor degree, you may need to gain one year of relevant work experience first, before applying.

Online degrees with German Universities in 2021

There are a few universities offering Master’s programs online: for more information about possible options, go to https://www.fernstudiumcheck.de/fernhochschulen.  However, it is important to note that most of these programmes are not entirely online. Some modules and exams may have to be completed on campus.

Universities in Germany

In Germany there are different types of Public university;

• Universities: Universitäten
• Technical Universities: Technische Universität (TU) or Technische Hochschule (TH)
• Colleges of Education Pädagogische Hochschule (PH)

Universities and Technical Universities mainly deliver theoretical degrees with a strong academic focus. They are often large traditional institutions with many students. It is not uncommon to have lectures with up to 200 students in an amphitheatre. 

At most universities you can find Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Law and Economics. Some institutions may focus on a particular subject area, such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Education.

As is typical in Germany, Universities focus on more general subjects in earlier years. In later years students specialise in their chosen subject and courses involve more research. 

It is possible to follow PhD studies at Universities and Technical Universities. This is not normally possible at Universities of Applied Sciences. 

• Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachshochschulen)

Universities of Applied Sciences (or Fachhochschulen) were originally created to prepare students for the professional demands of competitive international markets. The teaching methodology is strongly focussed on preparing students for future jobs. These types of universities have been very popular with German companies throughout the years. Universities of Applied Sciences now make up 50% of all Universities in Germany. 

Lecturers will often have experience in the field they teach and prepare students very well for employment. There will often be practical phases of degrees when students complete work placements or projects. 

Universities of Applied Sciences are often an excellent starting point for international students as they tend to have much smaller class sizes than Universitäten. Most classes in a University of Applied Science will have 30 – 40 students in it.  

These institutions are strong in Engineering and other technical disciplines, Economics and Business related courses, Social Work, Media and Design.

• Universities of Art/Music Kunst- und Musikhochschulen 

Colleges of Art and Music focus on a wide range of skilled disciplines. Architecture, Fine Arts, Music, Performing Arts and Design. There are courses in specialised fields of the arts, such as writing, production of directing. 

It is competitive to get a place at Art College in Germany. Students must usually take an entrance examination, which may be practical, to gain entrance. It is possible for exceptionally talented students to be admitted without an entrance exam, but this is rare.  

Germany is renowned internationally for its contribution to the arts throughout history. There are very many world renowned Art Schools and Art colleges.

Recommended German Colleges for African Students

If your goal is to apply to study at one of the many, excellent public institutions in Germany then a strong grounding in the German language is essential. This is especially the case if you plan to study in Germany at Bachelor degree level as nearly all Bachelor degree programs in public universities in Germany are taught in German. Seed has therefore chosen to partner with EIIE Eurasia Institute, located in Germany’s capital city, Berlin.

EIIE Eurasia Institute specialises in intensive German language programs for academic purposes. Over the years it has developed strong links with different Germany Universities and Universities of Applied Science so, depending on your grades and your intended field of study, EIIE Eurasia Institute will be able to help you select and then apply to your dream institution.

Costs of Studying in Germany 

Can you study in Germany for free? 

In general, yes you can study for free at public universities in Germany. This is true at both Bachelor and Master’s degree levels! The exception to this is in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. which does charge tuition fees to non-EU students. 

Currently these fees total 3,000 EUR per year and so still represent excellent value for money. There are approximately 50 public higher education institutions in Baden-Wuerttemberg where these tuition fees apply. However, in the other 15 states of Germany, no tuition fees apply. 

Private higher education institutions also charge tuition fees. These do vary by field of study and language of tuition. English taught degree programs are much more expensive in Germany than German-taught programs. However, by international standards, even tuition fees at private higher education institutions in Germany represent very good value for money, especially when comparing to leading destination countries such as the USA, Canada and the UK. 

It is important to remember that each semester students in Germany have to pay a Semester Fee to the university. This is not a tuition fee. It covers administration, student services Studentwerk, and the student union or council AStA. Fees vary by university between 50 and 250 EUR per semester.

You will receive a special student card after paying the semester fee. With this card you will get discounts in cinemas, theatres, opera and other entertainment. You will also get discounted services, such as gym memberships. You may also find discounts in shops. The key benefit is that you get free use of public transport in many states. This may cover the town or city you are studying in, or even the whole region. 

Scholarships for African Students to Study in Germany

As tuition fees are not charged at public institutions in Germany, scholarships are limited! Private higher education institutions will often offer a limited number of partial scholarships, perhaps totalling around 25% of tuition fees, to outstanding candidates.

The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD, or German Exchange Abroad Service in English) does fund scholarships at Master’s and PhD level in public higher education institutions – these are highly competitive and cover living costs as tuition fees are already free. Further information can be found at www.daad.de. 

Language Requirements for German University

As you would expect, German Universities teach in German. It is true that there are many master’s degrees taught in English. Also that there are private universities that teach in English. However, Bachelor’s students and anyone who would like to gain work experience in Germany will need to speak German. 

There are several official German language examinations that are accepted for university entry

• TestDaF Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache für ausländische Studienbewerber – 

Test of German as a Foreign Language for foreign applicants. Seed partner Eurasia  Institute is a listed TestDaF examination centre.

• DSH Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber – German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants. Usually taken at the university itself.  
• The Telc Deutsch C1, the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 examination and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (level II) are normally also accepted. 
• Feststellungsprüfung assessment test taken at a Studienkolleg will include a German language examination

Living Expenses while at University in Germany

All students from outside the European Union will have to set up a blocked bank account as part of the German visa process. This sets aside 10,332 Euros for a year of anticipated living expenses, or 861 Euros per month. 

There are restrictions on how much can be withdrawn each month from a blocked account to ensure that all international students are able to successfully manage their finances through the academic year.

As part of the Semester Fee Semesterbeitrag a travel pass is included for students. This covers use of public transport through the city, town and often region you study in. Students are also able to get a lot of discounts for services and shops with their student union card. 

Exact living costs will vary from city to city and state to state. DAAD estimates monthly expenses for international students at 725 euros per month to cover housing, local transportation, food, insurance and money for clothing, phone and internet fees, and for entertainment. However, as mentioned above, you will have to set aside 861 euros per month for living expenses in a blocked bank account.

Of course, expenditure will also vary depending on your personal life-style. Remember that you have the right as an international student to seek part-time work to help cover some of these monthly expenses. 

Health insurance

African students will require health insurance as it is a requirement for all international students in Germany. 

Prior to university admission (for example, if you are taking a German language program at our partner school) you will need to take out private travel insurance, which costs approximately 50 EUR per month and covers health, accident and liabilities. With private insurance, you may be asked to pay upfront for your medical treatment and then claim that money back from your insurer. 

Once you have been admitted to a university, you can access the public insurance scheme costing about 80 euros. This covers everything incl. pre-existing conditions and no cash payments  are required.

How to Apply to Study in Germany  

https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/how-apply-study-germany

When to apply to University in Germany

Here is our recommended timeline for African Students who hope to study in Germany though, depending on your nationality, we may recommend starting the process earlier in some cases.. The estimated timeline below shows the time before your intended start date that we recommend starting each step:

Phase 1: Preparation for Departure

– 9-12 months Research universities and courses yourself and/or contact Seed for 

our recommendations to make your selection.

– 6 – 9  months Gather all documents required for the application process and apply.

– 4-5 months Submit visa application

Phase 2: German Language course

9 – 12 months Intensive German language course 

While we recommend taking the German Language course at the EIIE Eurasia Institute Center in Berlin, Germany, for those students who commence Step 1 a little late, it is also possible to begin your German language classes online while you are going through the German student visa process. 

Phase 3: Academic Studies

+1 year University Foundation Year or Direct University Admission*

*the exact route will depend on the student’s past academic background

The above timeline is only a guide and there may be variations depending on the university and field of study that you are interested in. For example, some institutions do offer a Summer Semester (April) start for certain fields of study though in most cases your university study will begin in October. We recommend starting your Intensive German language courses at least one year before your intended university start date so, if you are targeting October 2022, you should be starting your German language courses no later than October 2021 (as noted above, this may mean starting your classes online if you are still waiting for your student visa).

8 Steps for African Students to University in Germany 

Do some research:

You have already started your research by reading this guide. Read the profile of our partner institute and look up some German universities. 

Think about the degree subjects you are interested in. Research the requirements for careers that you find appealing. Note it all down and also list your questions about any aspect of Study Abroad. 

Contact Seed for your initial assessment:

Our friendly team can answer your questions. We are qualified and experienced Study Abroad counsellors.  We will have some questions for you about your academic history, ambitions and personal background. Our team assesses you and provides personal recommendations. 

Make your decision – being mindful of deadlines:

Choosing where and what to study abroad is an important decision for students from Africa. It is important to take time and seek family advice. It is also important to consider the experiences of other students. You can find some on our blog and social media channels. 

It is important to keep in mind that there are deadlines. With Study Abroad it is always better to be early.

Secure funding

Make sure that you and your sponsor (usually your parents) have a clear idea of the budget and have the ability to prove their financial means in the form of a bank statement.   

Check your German level

There are minimum German requirements for every university degree course. You will likely need to take a German language course. It is a good idea to start with the basics as soon as you can. Online lessons are an option with Seed partner Eurasia Institute.   

Apply

Seed will work with you to prepare your application for university in Germany. We help you with everything. 

Our team ensures every aspect of your application is optimised. We will mentor your personal statement. Our service includes checking reference letters, application forms and financial documents. 

You may have an interview as part of your application. If this is the case, Seed will help you prepare. 

Accept offer

Applicants for university in the Germany receive two types of offers;

Conditional Offer – this means that you must meet requirements before you are accepted to the course. Usually these will be academic results and an official German examination.

Unconditional Offer – this means that you meet all admission requirements, including the language requirements, and you are accepted straight away for a place on the degree course of your choice. You can accept the offer straight-away. 

Apply for a visa

Seed will assist you at all stages. You can read all about the process in this section.

I have already started university studies in my home country – can I transfer?

Yes and, in some cases, it may even be preferable to start university in your home country in order to avoid the Studienkolleg (University Foundation Year) in Germany. If you followed the national secondary school system in one of the countries listed in the table above [hyperlink to table above], you will need a Studienkolleg (University Foundation Year) after completing a German Language course. The exception to this is if you have completed one year of university in your home country (or elsewhere) – in this situation, once you have completed your German language program, you are ready to directly commence your Bachelor degree course in Germany.

However, it is generally not possible to transfer university credits from abroad into your Bachelor degree in Germany and credit transfer at Master’s level is not possible.

How to get a German Student Visa for African Students 

Germany is a welcoming and popular country with international students. The country is part of the Schengen Area of the EU and as such has relaxed immigration with other European countries.

Student Visa types in Germany

There are 3 types of German student visa:

• German Language Course Visa
• As its name suggests, this is for students entering Germany to learn the German language.
•  
• Student Applicant Visa – Visum zur Studienbewerbung 
• This is used for students who complete their university admissions process while in Germany. Students are allowed to enter Germany for up to three months, up to six months with an extension. This is a step to a full student visa. Due to great interest from around the world, students with strong academic grades and a clear motivation for study will be prioritized.
•  
• Student Visa – Visum zu Studienzwecken 
• This allows students who have been accepted for a degree to enter Germany for up to three months. Once students are in Germany, they apply for their residence permit for the duration of their degree course.

Note that other German visas will not be appropriate for university study in Germany. 

It is possible to convert a Language Course Visa to a Student Applicant visa while in Germany. It cannot be used for entering higher education.   

African students may be able to apply for a Schengen visa whilst studying at university in Germany. This allows visa free travel throughout Europe for short stays during your time studying abroad. German has borders with nine countries – so lots to visit.

In order to apply for a German student visa, you will first need to apply to an institution and receive a letter of acceptance. Seed will work with its close partner in Germany, EIIE Eurasia Institute, to help arrange an acceptance letter for a German language program as well as a Conditional Letter of Admission to a University or University of Applied Science.

In summary, you will need to provide the following documents to the German Embassy in your home country:

• Passport
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds (you will need to set up a special blocked bank account with a minimum of 10,332 euros)
• Transcripts and diplomas showing evidence of previous studies
• Student visa fee – €60 ($74). 

The visa process can take up to six months so it is strongly recommended to begin the process as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment. Seed’s partner school, EIIE Eurasia Institute, does offer online German language courses so it is possible to begin your language learning while you are waiting for your visa to be granted.

Post-graduate opportunities for Africans in Germany

Germany has a very strong job market and graduates with excellent language skills are well prepared to search for a position. There are industrial hubs throughout Germany, with different sectors being strong in different states. 

Frankfurt is a world financial capital. Berlin is a creative and arts capital. Hamburg is also a startup hub, as well as being strong in media and business. Munich is famous for the automotive and manufacturing sectors, as is Stuttgart. Speaking German well is essential.

Graduates from German universities are able to spend up to 18-months searching for a job in their field. During this period you will have a special residence permit for this period. You are able to work in any job to cover living costs while job-hunting.