International
For international students, studying in Germany and entering the German job market comes with special challenges. We would like to support you in successfully managing your studies, your internship and your transition to the working world. Whether through one-to-one advising sessions or through workshops, we are happy to give you tips and practical information on all topics related to entering the career world and the cultural specificities of applying for jobs in Germany. The same applies for students who are going abroad: we are happy to help you with your application to go abroad, whether for an internship or for a job.

Incoming students: a guide to looking for jobs in Germany
Are you about to complete your studies or have already graduated successfully and are interested in staying on and entering the German job market? We can support you with tips and practical information to help you successfully enter the German work world.
Job search and job applications in Germany
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You can find tips for applying for a job in Germany here!
Workshops on preparing for the German job market
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Do you want to prepare for the German job market? We offer numerous workshops especially for foreign students and alumni to help you get ready for looking for a job and working in Germany. These include the following:
For orientation:
- Information events on the labour market in the Hamburg metropolitan region
- The 'Working in Germany' series (which includes the module 'Working with German colleagues')
For language-related preparation:
- German as a foreign language in the application process / interview training
- Writing emails in German
- Pronunciation training for on the job
- The application process for students with DaF/DaZ
Advising / Application check
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If German is your foreign or second language and you mostly need language-related support with writing your CV and cover letter, the DaF/DaZ application check is the right choice for you.
If you completed your studies in English and need help with your English-language CV and cover letter, you can sign up for the CV and cover letter check. The advising session can take place in German or English.
Employment during your job search
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After completing your studies with a visa granted under section 16 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Federal Residency Act), you are required to prove that you have adequate financial resources to support yourself while you search for a job that matches your qualifications. This means that as a graduate you are permitted to take up any kind of employment.
Visa
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Once you have successfully completed your Bachelor's or Master's degree, you are required to inform the Immigration Office responsible for your file. If you have a visa under section 16 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Federal Residency Act), you then have 18 months to find a job that matches your qualifications. The 18 months begin on the date of issue in the written notification informing you that you have successfully completed your examinations and providing your final grades. The date of de-registration or the day the transcripts are awarded are not relevant for this deadline.
Once you have found a job, the previous visa can be changed to a residency permit for the purpose of employment.
Are you planning to stay in Germany permanently? You can find out more about the privileges and benefits of the EU Blue Card here.
Legal information
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Services provided by 'your way: make it in Hamburg'
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The ESF project 'your way: make it in Hamburg' is aimed at foreign workers, university graduates and apprentices who want to live and work in Hamburg, as well as refugees with professional qualifications and good prospects of staying.
The project team provides support in searching for jobs, making contact with employers in Hamburg and in issues relating to careers. As well as integrating skilled workers into the employment market, 'your way: make it in Hamburg' also promotes complete integration into everyday life.
'your way: make it in Hamburg' provides information on the following
- Opportunities in the employment market
- Study opportunities
- The education and training system
- Opportunities for further training
- Application strategies
Contact information

Johanna Ludwig
Alexanderstraße 1 / room 2.24 / 20099 Hamburg
T +49.40.428 75-9214
Johanna.ludwig (at) haw-hamburg (dot) de
Outgoing students: a guide to looking for jobs abroad
Are you interested in completing an internship abroad or working in another country after your studies? We can support you with tips and practical information about cultural specificities to help you set off successfully.
Whether you are applying in an English-speaking country or somewhere else, you need to adjust the language and content of your job application documents to the application standards of the country in question. You can find some helpful links on the topic here.
Workshops on preparing for the international job market
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Do you want to prepare for the international job market? We offer numerous workshops especially for students and alumni to help you get oriented and ready for the international labour market. These include:
For orientation:
- Applying internationally: English-language countries
- Applying internationally: Denmark
For language skills:
- English for socialising
- English for negotiation
- English for emails and business writing
- International business etiquette
- Interview training
Advising / Application check / CV and cover letter check
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Do you need help creating your application documents for jobs abroad? Then sign up for the CV and cover letter check ! Your advising session can take place in German or English. Together we can assess whehter your documents meet the country-specific criteria.
Applying for a job abroad
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Applying in English - Tips for your English-language job application abroad
International job portals / job sites
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German Chambers of Commerce Abroad provide the addresses of German companies operating in other countries
European Job Mobility Portal
