FAQ
The questions people ask most
Short answers first, with the official source and a link to the full guide. Most of these come from comments under Qaiser's videos.
German and jobs
Do I need German for an engineering job in Germany?
Usually yes. Site and office roles work in German, and most job ads say which level they expect. Plan for B1 at least and B2 to be comfortable. Start with the free courses.
How long does it take to learn German?
It depends mostly on how many hours you study each day. Qaiser learned German in about a year, and his A1 to B1 courses are free. How he did it.
What does a civil engineer earn in Germany?
It varies by region, employer and experience. The Federal Employment Agency publishes salary data by occupation in its Entgeltatlas. The EU Blue Card minimums on our engineers page are thresholds for the permit, not typical salaries.
Can I use the title "Ingenieur" in Germany?
"Ingenieur" is a protected title under state law. With a foreign degree you may need permission from the responsible authority in your federal state. See the recognition guide.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
How many points do I need for the Opportunity Card?
At least 6 points, plus the basic requirements: a degree or vocational qualification recognised in its home country, and German A1 or English B2. If your qualification is fully recognised in Germany, you need no points. See the table or work out your points.
Can I apply for the Opportunity Card after a DAE?
A vocational qualification of at least two years can count if it is state-recognised in the country where you earned it. Read the DAE guide.
How long is the Opportunity Card valid, and can I work on it?
Up to 12 months. You may work up to 20 hours a week on average, and do trial work of up to two weeks with an employer. Source: § 20a AufenthG · checked 7 Nov 2026
Is there an age limit?
For the Opportunity Card, age earns points (35 or younger, or 36 to 40), but older applicants can still qualify through other points. See the table.
Studying in Germany
Is IELTS mandatory for a Master's in Germany, or is an MOI letter enough?
It depends on the programme. Many English-taught programmes accept a medium-of-instruction (MOI) letter; others require IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or a Cambridge certificate. German-taught programmes need a German certificate. Master's requirements and documents.
What documents do I need for a Master's admission?
Passport, attested bachelor's degree and transcript, a professor's recommendation letter, language proof or MOI letter, a Europass CV and a motivation letter. GRE or GMAT only if the programme asks. Indian applicants usually also need an APS certificate. The full checklist.
Does my CGPA matter?
For a Master's, each university sets its own grade requirement, often on the German scale where 1.0 is best. For the Opportunity Card, grades are not part of the points table; recognition of the degree is what counts.
When do German universities admit students?
Twice a year: the winter semester starts in October, the summer semester in April. Most programmes admit only for winter, so apply for winter if you can. Search programmes in the DAAD database.
Is studying in Germany free?
Tuition is free at most public universities. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and some Bavarian universities such as TU Munich also charge non-EU students. Everyone pays a semester contribution (70 to 430 euros) and their own living costs. The real cost.
What happens after I graduate in Germany?
You can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job that fits your degree, as long as you can support yourself. Source: § 20 AufenthG · checked 7 Nov 2026
Money, part-time work and tax
How much money do I need in a blocked account for a student visa?
For 2026, €992 a month, which is €11,904 for a year. A formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) or a full scholarship can replace it. Source: pakistan.diplo.de · checked 7 Nov 2026 The student visa guide.
How much money do I need for the Opportunity Card?
Proof that you can cover your living costs while you search, by blocked account, formal obligation or a part-time job contract. Proof of funds links the mission checklists; amounts change each year.
Can I work on a student visa in Germany?
Yes: 140 working days a year. A day of up to 4 hours counts as half a day, and student assistant jobs at your university do not count. Source: § 16b AufenthG · checked 7 Nov 2026 Rules and earnings.
What is the minimum wage in Germany?
€13.90 an hour in 2026, rising to €14.60 from January 2027. Source: Federal Government · checked 6 Nov 2026
Do students pay tax in Germany?
Students are taxed like everyone else. In 2026 the first €12,348 of yearly taxable income is tax-free (€24,696 for married couples assessed jointly). Source: § 32a EStG · checked 7 Nov 2026 Explained.
How much is the German visa fee?
The national (D) visa fee is €75, paid in local currency. Source: pakistan.diplo.de · checked 7 Nov 2026
Without a degree
Can I go to Germany after Matric or Intermediate?
Yes, through Ausbildung: paid vocational training in a company plus vocational school, in German. It is open after 10th or 12th grade in any subject. The Ausbildung guide.
What is Ausbildung?
Ausbildung is vocational training: you work in a company and attend vocational school, in German, usually for two to three years. The official Make it in Germany portal explains how international applicants apply. Genuine training companies never charge you for a place.
Can nurses and paramedical staff work in Germany?
Yes, and they are in demand, but health professions are regulated. You need recognition of your training and a licence from the responsible state authority, usually with German at B2. More in the diploma guide.
Agents and visas
How do I apply for a German visa?
Through the German mission responsible for where you live, following its current checklist for your visa type. We explain the process in general, but we cannot assess your individual case; only the mission can.
Do I need an agent or consultant to go to Germany?
No. As Qaiser says in his videos, you can do the whole process yourself with the official portals. Never pay anyone who promises a job or a visa. How to spot a fake agent.
Can CareerBahn get me a job or a visa?
No, and nobody can honestly promise that. We help you prepare: German, recognition, your CV and a plan. How we work.
More detail in the guides.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the official source linked above; for your own case, the German mission decides.