Prospective students from non-EU countries can now apply for the “Visum zur Studienbewerbung,” allowing them a nine-month stay in Germany to prepare university applications. During this time, they can engage in language courses and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week to support their stay, a significant change from the previous restriction on work.

Third-country nationals seeking apprenticeships in Germany now have similar benefits. With B1-level German proficiency and age below 35, applicants can stay for nine months to secure apprenticeship positions. Once enrolled, they can continue working part-time alongside their training.

To address the financial challenges faced by international students, the new law extends the permitted working hours from 120 to 140 full days per year, equivalent to 20 hours per week. This adjustment aims to alleviate the burden of financing living expenses during studies.

German university graduates seeking career changes now have alternative visa routes. Under the German Skilled Worker Visa rules, applicants with recognized qualifications and two years of relevant work experience can pursue employment in different fields, providing greater flexibility in career choices post-graduation.

The new regulations offer international students graduating in Germany more diverse career options. For instance, individuals with prior work experience unrelated to their field of study can still apply for visas aligned with their desired job roles, eliminating the need to secure employment strictly related to their academic background for residency.