Employability of Foreign Higher Education Graduates in Germany

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The number of foreign students in German higher education has steadily increased, with 128,500 new enrolments and a total of 440,500 students in 2022. Up to 80% of these students consider staying in Germany for work after graduation, which could help alleviate the ongoing labour shortage. However, actual employment outcomes are disappointing, with only 25% remaining in Germany for work, and the reasons for this remain unclear. This study investigates the perspectives of various stakeholders on enhancing foreign graduate employability in Germany. It goes beyond common barriers like German language proficiency and personal circumstances, interviewing three key groups: the students and graduates, the academics who educate them, and the employers seeking to hire them. Through 28 interviews, the research identifies three dimensions of employability development: the journey of foreign students from their home countries to German universities and beyond, individual factors affecting employability, and stakeholder strategies that support employability growth. The integrated findings not only clarify the constraints on employability but also offer a practical framework for initiatives aimed at improving employability in education and the job market.