If you’ve recently moved to Germany and feel stuck – whether it’s finding work, building connections or simply feeling settled – new research suggests the issue may not be your ability, but your starting point.
A recent report from Stifterverband (a non-profit focussed on promoting innovation) and the German Association for International Students (DEGIS) – based on a survey of more than 6,400 international students and workers – has found that those who study in Germany are three times more likely to find a job than those who arrive directly to look for one.
The findings could help explain why many skilled migrants struggle to integrate – and why others seem to transition more smoothly into life and work in the country.
For the researchers, this isn’t just about individual success stories – it’s about whether Germany can hold on to the talent it attracts.
They argue that better support during studies, stronger links to employers and easier pathways into work could make a decisive difference – not just for internationals trying to build a life here, but for the country’s long-term economy.
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Why students have an advantage
At first glance, it may seem reasonable to assume that international graduates simply have better qualifications. But researchers say that’s not the real story.
“The three-times gap isn’t really about intelligence or ambition,” explained Jonas Marggraf, managing director of DEGIS, in comments to The Pie.
Instead, the difference appears to come down to what happens before people even start applying for jobs.
Because by the time graduates from German universities enter the job market, they are likely to have spent years in the country already. During that time, they will have been able to improve their German, make friends and professional contacts, and gain hands‑on experience through internships.
The real ingredients of integration
The report breaks down what actually makes the biggest difference when it comes to finding work in Germany.
Language is one of the clearest factors. Even when jobs are in English, German proficiency remains a strong predictor of getting hired.
Yet there’s a catch: most international students study in English – and only about 15 percent have mandatory German classes built into their degree. This means that many people effectively have to learn the language on their own, often while also dealing with work and bureaucracy.
Practical experience is just as important. Internships, project work and company‑linked theses significantly improve job prospects.
Then there’s networking. According to the data, having professional and social connections with Germans is one of the strongest predictors of successfully finding a job. Around one in five respondents to the survey reported finding their job through their personal or professional network, rather than a standard application.
And networking isn’t just about who you know, but also about how well you understand how Germany’s job market really works.
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The hidden trap
One of the more surprising findings may nonetheless feel familiar to those already living in Germany.
Students who gain experience in their field, through internships or Werkstudent roles, can increase their chances of finding work by more than 80 percent, according to the report.
But students who are obliged to take on part-time jobs outside their field – for example in hospitality or delivery work – are actually around 28 percent less likely to successfully enter the labour market.
This means that students who don't have to take on part-time work are in a privileged position, not only financially but also because their competitors tend to graduate with less relevant experience and weaker connections in their chosen field.
Why so many still leave Germany
For all the opportunities, the report also highlights how difficult the transition from studying to working in Germany can be.
Among those surveyed who had already left Germany, almost half said it hadn't been entirely by choice. Often, they pointed at obstacles including visa complications, financial pressure, language barriers and limited career prospects.
Some also described difficulties integrating socially, including feeling excluded or disconnected from German society.
These findings come at a time when Germany faces a shortage of around 148,500 skilled workers in STEM fields, with as many as 1.85 million set to leave the workforce in the coming decade.
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Why finding a job changes everything
Despite these challenges, one turning point stands out clearly: getting a job.
Once internationals enter the labour market, their outlook often shifts. According to the report, those who initially planned to stay only temporarily are around 60 percent more likely to decide to remain long‑term after finding employment.
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