Do universities in Germany or France offer post-study work permits, and how long are they valid?
Yes, both countries offer post study work permits. Germany's Job Seeker Residence Permit lasts 18 months and lets you work any job while you search. France's RECE or APS permit lasts 12 months, non renewable, though some agreements extend Indian graduates to 24 months, tied to your field.
Yes, if you graduate from a recognized university in Germany or France, you get a dedicated post study permit that lets you stay and search for work. Germany's version runs longer than France's, and the work rights attached to each differ in an important way you should plan around.
Germany Versus France Post Study Permits
| Country | Permit Name | Validity | Work Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Job Seeker Residence Permit (Section 20) | 18 months | Any job, full or part time, not necessarily tied to your field |
| France | RECE or APS | 12 months, non renewable (up to 24 months under some bilateral agreements) | Must be connected to your field of study |
What Happens After The Permit
- In Germany, once you land a job meeting the salary threshold, you can transition to an EU Blue Card or a Skilled Worker Residence Permit.
- In France, before your 12 months run out, you must move to a standard employee permit or a Passeport Talent, often easier if your job pays at least 1.5 times the French minimum wage.
- Eligibility in Germany covers bachelor's, master's, and PhD graduates; in France it generally requires a master's level degree or equivalent.
My Advice
Start job hunting the moment your permit begins rather than waiting, and in France specifically, check whether your home country has a bilateral agreement extending your window past 12 months, since that extra runway can make a real difference to your search.
How long can you stay and work after a France master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
More Post-study work questions
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- What are the career prospects in Singapore after completing an MPH at NUS as an Indian student?
- Which Master's programs in Europe would be most suitable for someone with a B.Com (69%) and MBA (70%), given my interest in management-focused roles and lack of extensive work experience?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
- After completing my studies, can I stay back in Ireland and apply for permanent residency for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- Can an Indian student get a job in Germany after a master's without prior work experience, especially with good German skills?
More France questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?