Germany is grappling with a critical labor shortage and aging population, with projections indicating a deficit of seven million skilled workers by 2035.
With some 700,000 vacancies currently unfilled, Germany’s economic growth potential has dropped to about 0.7% now from around 2% in the 1980s, and is set to fall further to 0.5% if the country fails to resolve this problem, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has said, stressing the importance of migration in bridging this widening gap.
Engaging Germany’s Indian student population in the workforce may be part of the solution.
According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, there are around 43,000 Indian students enrolled in German universities.
International students make up around 14% of all students in the country, Michael Flacke, spokesperson for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), told DW. International students are often the “so-called ideal immigrants” because they have already lived in Germany and learned the language, Flacke said.
“At the same time, we know that learning the German language, finding one’s way in the German university system, which is very much geared towards independence, and the transition to the labor market, poses particular challenges for international students,” he said.
Enzo Weber, an employment research specialist at the University of Regensburg, told DW that tapping into international talent pools becomes essential as Germany faces an aging population and a shortage of skilled workers.
“By providing opportunities to international students, the state not only aims to attract skilled individuals but also to cultivate a pipeline of talent for the workforce,” he said.
Work alongside studies
Germany’s recent Skilled Immigration Act would also allow international students to work 20 hours per week — double the previous limit.
Suryansh is pursuing his PhD in computational materials science and theoretical nanophysics at TU Dresden. Speaking to DW, the 35-year-old student said the new laws are in favor of students working.
“If you have the right skills and certification, with a decent salary, life becomes easier. Also, there are options for permanent residency,” he said, adding that opportunities can be found in a range of fields, including high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and quantum computing.
“From what I have seen, the placement rate is quite good,” and many people in his lab received a job offer within two-three months, he said.
Though the Skilled Immigration Act in Germany prioritizes qualifications, challenges remain due to the complexity of the German education system, according to Professor Weber.
“The law’s effectiveness depends on factors like digitalization and practical integration support,” he said.
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