Study and Work in Germany

If you´d like to work in Germany, you´ll get by if your German is on level B1/B2 (online test). The GLS certificate is recognized by many employers and even some universities in Germany. More about the GLS certificate.

1. Study in Germany

• Visa Information:

As an Israeli you can come to Germany first without a visa (for 90 days) and then get a residence permit once you are in Berlin. The residence permit will allow you to study at a university in Germany. To get a residence permit you need the acceptance letter of a German university (or, if you are still doing the language course, a confirmation of your status as a language student by GLS). More information about studying in Germany

Knowledge of German (or English*)

If you want to study at a university in Germany you will have to document your knowledge of German with a language certificate (TestDaF or DSH or - for arts & music - Goethe B1). GLS prepares you for all language certificates (more about preparatory courses), that are necessary for university studies.

* Recently some universities in Germany started to offer some (not all) courses in English - Germany is trying to attract an interntional student body. Read more in this BBC article: "Germany top for foreign students". If you opt for university studies in English, you will not need TestDaf or any other German language certificate, but it is highly recommendable to learn at least a bit of German: it will help you to get along better, as not every landlord or shop keeper in Germany will speak English as well as you do. You can find university courses taught in English via this DAAD website.

How to apply at a German university:

1. First step for you if you just finished high school: check, if your secondary school diploma is accepted by German universities: you can do so on this DAAD website. If it is, you can apply to a university directly. If it is not, you will have to study at least a year at a pre-university "Studienkolleg" and pass an exam called "Freistellungsprüfung" or Assessment Test. You can avoid that by starting university at home and then moving to Germany after the first year.

2. Make sure, your German is on level B2/C1 (GLS online test), as this is the level you will need for TestDaF = the German language exam German universities expect you to pass. The only exception: for art and music the exam Goethe B1 will be enough. GLS prepares for both exams.

3. Go ahead and apply: at www.uni-assist.de you can apply centrally at 125 German universities with just one application form. If you have a certain university in mind, check their website to find out what they want you to hand in. If you are interested in Berlin, here is a list with all universities and art/music/media colleges in Berlin.

2. Working in Germany

a. Working in qualified jobs in Germany

Germany has a skilled worker shortage in some professional fields - if you are a skilled worker and interested in working in Germany, have a look at this website for recommendations and tips.



b. Internships in Germany

If you´d like to get a taste of what working in Germany is like, GLS can place you as an intern in a German company or institution. The internships are unpaid and always in Berlin - more about the GLS internship program in Berlin