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Between Graduation & Career Entry: New Discussion Paper on International Talent in Germany

Download the full publication: English version | German version
Internationals Employability Framework: How immigration through higher education facilitates the labour-market entry and retention of international STEM professionals

Berlin, 7th May 2026 — Germany’s long-term competitiveness depends on its ability to attract, support, and retain international talent. The new discussion paper Between Graduation and Career Entry by Stifterverband and DEGIS shows that immigration through higher education is one of the most effective pathways for international STEM professionals to enter the German labour market and stay in Germany long-term.

Based on survey data from more than 6,400 international students, graduates, job seekers, and working professionals, the discussion paper examines which factors support successful labour-market entry, workplace integration, and long-term retention in Germany.

The findings are clear: internationals who come to Germany through higher education are three times more likely to find employment than those who come directly for job search. They also integrate more easily into German workplace culture, report higher job satisfaction, and are more likely to extend their intention to stay in Germany.

At the same time, the discussion paper highlights the scale of Germany’s skilled-worker challenge. Around 1.85 million STEM employees over the age of 55 are expected to leave the labour market within the next ten years. Without the growth in foreign skilled workers, Germany’s current STEM skills gap would be 3.2 times larger.

“Germany’s competitiveness depends on international talent, and the data leaves no doubt: students who come through a German university are three times more likely to find a job here. I am convinced universities are our most powerful lever — and policy must now follow the evidence: invest where the impact is highest, and embed language, practical experience, and networks in every programme. We now know what works — and that’s the path to success: for the students who chose Germany, and for Germany itself.”

Jonas Marggraf
Managing Director, DEGIS

At a time when many negative stories around studying and working in Germany are circulating, the discussion paper offers a clearer picture: we now have a recipe for success. German-language proficiency, self-efficacy, academic performance, and practical experience during studies emerge as key factors for entering the German labour market.

Field-related student jobs are especially relevant, with internationals who gain work experience related to their field of study having an 84% higher probability of finding employment, while unrelated side jobs reduce the likelihood of successful labour-market entry.

Successful employment is also closely linked to long-term retention. Internationals who originally planned to stay in Germany only temporarily are 75% more likely to want to stay permanently once they find a job.

For DEGIS, the findings underline the importance of supporting international students not only during their studies, but throughout their transition into the German labour market. Universities, companies, and policymakers all have a role to play in strengthening Germany’s position as a destination for international talent.

Recommended actions include giving immigration through higher education greater political priority, expanding university support structures for international students, embedding German-language learning and practical experience more firmly into study programmes, and strengthening cooperation between universities and companies.

With the right support structures in place, international students can become one of Germany’s strongest pathways to skilled-worker retention, integration, and long-term competitiveness.

Read the full discussion paper:
Download English PDF
Download German PDF

The findings will also be discussed in a Stifterverband online session on May 11, 2026, as part of the “ZMB Deep Dive” series on the sustainable labour-market integration of international students.
Find out more & register here

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Statement: Ensuring Access for Iranian Students to Study in Germany

Thousands of Iranian students who have been admitted to German universities currently have no way to apply for their student visa. The German Association for International Students (DEGIS) calls for immediate action.

Due to the current diplomatic and security situation and the ongoing closure and restricted operations of the German Embassy in Tehran, many admitted Iranian students, including those applying for Bachelor’s programmes and preparatory pathways (Studienkolleg, studienvorbereitende Programme), cannot currently submit their student visa applications. For these students, the situation is not simply a delay; it means expired university admissions, lost Sperrkonto deposits, housing contracts that cannot be taken up, and, in many cases, a full year’s delay before they can reapply.

In 2026, an estimated 5,722 Iranian students are expected to begin their studies in Germany. Without an accessible pathway, many of these students will lose their university place entirely.

Experience has shown that practical solutions exist: during earlier disruptions, the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) enabled visa applications through German embassies in third countries. A similar mechanism is needed now—urgently.

DEGIS calls on the Federal Foreign Office to implement the following measures without delay:

  • A formal temporary mechanism allowing affected students to apply for student visas outside Iran, with processing timelines aligned to university intake deadlines
  • Designation of German embassies in accessible third countries as substitute processing posts for Iranian student visa applications, with adequate staffing and capacity
  • Timely, multilingual communication to affected students and German universities, including clear timelines, alternative application procedures, and guidance to universities on extending admission validity for students affected by processing delays

Germany’s Fachkräftestrategie and coalition agreement both recognise international students as essential to the country’s economic future. Iranian graduates are among the most likely to remain in Germany and enter the skilled workforce. Blocking their path to study undermines a policy priority that Germany itself has set.

We call on German universities to extend the validity of admissions for affected Iranian students and to communicate proactively with applicants. We encourage student organisations, Studierendenwerke, and members of the Bundestag to support this effort by raising the issue with the Federal Foreign Office directly.

Sincerely,
DEGIS
Deutsche Gesellschaft internationaler Studierender

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How Volunteering with DEGIS Became My Anchor in Germany

Finding My Initial Footing with DEGIS

When I first arrived in Germany as an international student, I joined DEGIS as a beneficiary of their buddy program, and with volunteering set in mind. If this is the first time you’ve heard about DEGIS, it is Germany’s coolest community of international students and talent, and the buddy program is one of the first support systems offered to newcomers.

You get paired with someone who has been here longer and can help you figure out bureaucracy, city life, and where to actually meet people. 

It was more useful than I expected initially. My buddy helped me navigate the early chaos of settling in. From Anmeldung to bank account, it helped me overcome all the hurdles. More importantly, Germany started to feel a little less unfamiliar with that.

 

Saying Yes to Volunteering!

However, just a few months later, I got the opportunity to volunteer for the DEGIS Berlin team. I joined as a volunteer in the partnerships team. I had a vague idea of what it would look like, filled with meetings, tasks, reaching out to universities and like-minded organisations, a hectic undertaking. The reality, however, was more demanding, and also more rewarding. 

I worked with a team of international people who were also figuring out Germany, being part of the same Berlin community, and also putting real effort into building something meaningful for the community. The shared context reduces a lot of friction. There’s less performance, more actual collaboration.

In those six months, I learnt: Collaboration in an international environment, how to pitch ideas and approach stakeholders, how to build things from scratch, and how to function in a team where everyone’s a volunteer with their own lives running in parallel.

The Jump to the National Team

After six months with DEGIS Berlin, I got a chance to work with the DEGIS national team as a Community Operations Working Student. 

I still think about the arc of it. From someone needing help navigating the landscape of Germany, to now helping run the infrastructure that supports people in the exact same situation, I have treaded an amazing path. It has been a surreal experience and a truly amazing journey. 

The national team is different in scope. More moving parts, wider reach, being part of a much bigger picture. But the core of my journey in DEGIS has remained the same, i.e., making Germany more accessible for international students and talent trying to settle here, helping them find a community. 

What Volunteering has Actually Given Me

Through DEGIS, I’ve met amazing people across Germany, including students, working professionals, people building their own organisations, and people searching for a community to belong to. Some of them are now friends. Others have opened doors I did not know existed when I first arrived here.

The skills I learned surprised me. Being part of the Partnerships team in a volunteer organisation pushed me to think outside the box, work with limited resources, and still produce meaningful results. You cannot fake your way through that. It sharpens your thinking and your instincts.

Working with a larger team and collaborating with presidents of various City Chapters helped me understand the ground realities in different settings. It trained me to identify problems, develop actionable solutions, and adapt to different situations.

And then there is something harder to put into words. You could call it confidence, breaking out of your shell, or simply a sense of place. Taking on real responsibility in a country that is not your own, in a setup where nothing is guaranteed, changes how you carry yourself. I noticed it gradually, but the shift in perspective is real.

Why You Should Consider Volunteering With DEGIS

I am not going to tell you it is always easy. There were weeks where I was balancing my volunteering responsibilities with hectic coursework, and everything else that comes with student life in a new country, even more so after joining the national team. It takes actual time, effort, and energy. 

But here‘s what I would say to any international student and talent in Germany trying to find their footing: DEGIS is one of the best places for you to start; it has been for me. You start as someone who benefits from the community. If you stay and put in the effort, you become the part of the engine that runs it. 

You build a network that spans cities and fields. You pick up skills that your syllabus doesn‘t teach you. And you figure out slowly that you belong here too.

That shift has been groundbreaking for me, and I really think it would be for you as well! 

Not only do you get all these valuable benefits, you also get a certificate after just 2 semesters of volunteering which demonstrates your impact! Perfect for your CV and future employers.

So are you ready to volunteer? Find out more and click here to register!

Can’t wait to see you soon 🙂

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Finding Your People in Germany: How DEGIS Supports Students Everywhere This Winter Semester 2025

Written by Aarushi Goel
 MSc. International Business Management
 DEGIS Head of the Network

The start of the 2025 Winter Semester marked one of the most ambitious volunteer recruitment seasons in DEGIS history. As international student numbers continued to rise across Germany, DEGIS set out with a clear mission: to expand its presence, strengthen leadership in every type of city, big, small, and everything in between, and build a truly connected nationwide network.

This semester, DEGIS reached an active presence in over 60 cities, driven by volunteers committed to creating spaces where international students can survive, thrive, and vibe.

Each city comes with its own challenges for international students and thus you can find tailored solutions as a DEGIS volunteer as well as provide them to your fellow international students.

Big Cities, Bigger Networks: Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart & Beyond

Moving to a big German city sounds exciting, but many students quickly realize it can feel just as lonely as it is lively. Even though cities like Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart are full of events, opportunities, and endless things to do, it’s still hard to know where to begin. Students often arrive and feel lost in the crowd, unsure of where to meet others or how to build a real social circle. Do you feel the same?

DEGIS works to change that by creating warm, welcoming spaces where making friends doesn’t feel like another task on your to-do list. Through meetups, cultural celebrations, casual hangouts, and city explorations, students get a chance to settle in, meet people organically, and feel supported from their very first weeks. A big city can feel overwhelming, but with DEGIS, it becomes a place where students can thrive, not just survive

Small Cities, Big Ownership: Schmalkalden, Bonn, Magdeburg, Bochum

Small cities come with their own challenges. Students often say their city is quiet, that there aren’t many events, and that it’s hard to meet fellow internationals. Without the buzz of a metropolitan area, many feel disconnected from campus life and from each other.

But small cities also have something powerful: the opportunity for students to take real ownership.

DEGIS chapters in these places often become tight-knit communities where students create their own activities, bring their cultures forward, and develop leadership skills along the way.

These chapters turn quiet cities into vibrant environments shaped by the students themselves. What they lack in size, they make up for with creativity, initiative, and community spirit.

The In-Between Challenge: Trier, Hof & Cities with Strong Universities but Limited Community Flow

Cities like Trier, Magdeburg and Hof have universities that offer helpful programs, cultural activities, and support systems. Yet many students still feel that their social life stays trapped inside the campus walls.

Even with good resources available, finding friends outside your faculty, connecting with students beyond your degree, or getting involved in wider initiatives can be difficult.

This is where DEGIS steps in by offering leadership roles, city-wide events, and intercity connections, DEGIS helps students break out of the campus bubble.

Students begin to interact across departments, collaborate with nearby chapters, and become part of a much wider national network. These chapters complement university offerings by opening doors to opportunities and friendships that go far beyond what campus alone can provide.

A Sustainable Network for the Future

Across all types of cities, DEGIS remains focused on building a long-lasting, supportive, and empowering network for international students. Volunteers aren’t just organizing events; they’re learning time management, leadership, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, essential skills that help them navigate both university and future careers.

Collaborations with international offices and external organizations strengthen this support system, giving students guidance and opportunities they might not have found on their own.

Students who stay active for two semesters receive certificates, exclusive webinars, and partner resources that recognize their growth, contribution, and dedication.

So come join DEGIS, where connections meet belonging and opportunities meet learning.

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Volunteering for DEGIS & Making an Impact on Student Life in Germany

Introduction

Studying in Germany can be both exciting and challenging – new culture, new systems, and a lot to figure out. That’s where DEGIS comes in. As one of the largest international student & talent communities in Germany, DEGIS helps students, both international and national, connect, grow, and make the most of their time here.

My DEGIS Journey

Mansour BadawiMy name is Mansour Badawi, I’m 22 years old, and I came to Germany at 18 right after graduating from high school. I first started volunteering for DEGIS in Wuppertal as an Expansion Manager, supported by nearby chapters like Düsseldorf, Bochum, Essen, and Duisburg to build a stronger DEGIS NRW network.

When I later moved to Schwäbisch Gmünd in the Stuttgart region, I found the local DEGIS City Chapter inactive. That’s when I stepped in as President of DEGIS Stuttgart, working to reactivate the chapter and create a vibrant community again. From hosting webinars to networking and self-development events, I’ve had the chance to support both international and national students in finding a community where they belong.

Why I Volunteer

For me, volunteering has always been about making a difference, no matter how small. I believe that even small actions accumulate into something bigger over time. Beyond my studies, sports, and music, I wanted to do something that truly impacts others.

DEGIS gives me the chance to give back and, at the same time, gain valuable experiences: teamwork, leadership, event planning, and professional networking. The real reward is not money, but the knowledge that I’m helping other students feel supported, connected, and motivated during their time in Germany.

What is DEGIS?

DEGIS is a non-profit organisation with one clear goal: to improve the international student and talent experience in Germany – including through the organization of events, the building & sustainment of peer networks, and creating opportunities for students to thrive.

The organisation is structured into two levels:

  • DEGIS National Team: managed by four current and previous international students. 
    The team supports city chapters, promotes the organization nationally, sources funding and partnership opportunities for community benefit, strategizes growth for the organization and runs nationwide webinars.

  • DEGIS City Chapters. Set out in almost every university city across Germany, DEGIS City Chapters are run by local volunteer teams who organise events and build communities for students.

How DEGIS City Chapters Work

Each city chapter has its own volunteer team, structured into four departments:

  • Marketing – promoting events and student stories through social media, outreach on campus, and creative content (check out the DEGIS National Instagram here!)

  • Events & Projects – planning and hosting events that bring students together, from networking nights to cultural exchanges.

  • HR & Recruiting – welcoming new volunteers, onboarding them, and gathering feedback to keep the community strong.

  • Business Development – building partnerships with universities, institutions, and even other DEGIS chapters.

This structure allows students to both learn practical skills and make an impact on their peers.

Final Words

Being part of DEGIS – whether as a volunteer or simply by attending events – is a unique and rewarding experience. I encourage every student in Germany to take part: join a webinar, attend a local event, or get involved in a city chapter.

Lastly, I want to thank DEGIS and all the inspiring people I’ve met along the way, especially Aarushi, Disipta, Nur, Caro, Stefanie, and Mitali. Together, we’re shaping a stronger and more connected student community across Germany.

If you’re a student in Germany, get involved –  your journey can be just as impactful and rewarding!

😄Click here to become a DEGIS volunteer now!😄

 

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The DEGIS Buddy Program: Making Germany Feel Like Home

Carolina Figueiredo is DEGIS General Coordinator and has been running the Buddy Program since its creation in 2021.

My Own Journey as an International Student

Five years ago, I moved from Brazil to Berlin to pursue my master’s degree. It was a life-changing decision, filled with excitement and possibility, but also plenty of challenges. While my university supported me academically, I often wished I had a peer who truly understood what I was going through: someone to guide me through the maze of German bureaucracy, help me discover the best spots in town, and share the everyday struggles and joys of being new in a foreign country.

Back then, there was no DEGIS and no Buddy Program. Today, thousands of students have access to exactly what I once missed, a community where support, connection, and friendship are only one application away.

The Buddy Program at a Glance

Since its inception in 2021, the DEGIS Buddy Program has supported over 1,000 international students across Germany. The idea is simple but powerful: connecting Newbies, students who have just arrived in Germany, with Veterans, students who have already been here for at least six months.

The program is built on the principle that no student should feel alone when starting life in a new country. Whether it’s tackling German paperwork, making friends, or exploring the city, your buddy is there to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable!

For Newbies: Navigating Your First Months

If you’re just starting your studies in Germany this semester, the Buddy Program is designed with you in mind. As a Newbie, you’ll be paired with a more experienced student who knows what it’s like to walk in your shoes.

Your buddy can:

  • Help you get through bureaucracy like Anmeldung (address registration), opening a bank account, or finding health insurance.
  • Show you how to navigate university systems, register for exams, and find study spaces.
  • Introduce you to student life: clubs, events, affordable shopping spots, and hidden gems in your city.
  • Most importantly, be a friend, helping you settle in and feel at home.

Prerna, a Newbie in Trier, shared her experience:

“My experience with the buddy program was fantastic, and that is almost entirely because I was paired with Rachit Nishad. He has become a close friend. He not only helped me with the stressful things like finding accommodation and sorting out my German paperwork but also showed me how to enjoy the city. Thanks to him, I’ve explored amazing hiking trails and gotten to know the best places around Trier.”

For Veterans: Giving Back and Growing Together

If you’ve already been in Germany for six months or longer, you can become a Veteran Buddy. This role allows you to share your experience, help a newcomer overcome the challenges you once faced, and build international friendships along the way.

As a Veteran, you’ll also benefit:

  • You’ll gain valuable intercultural skills and improve your communication.
  • You’ll earn a volunteer certificate of 6 hours, something that can strengthen your job or scholarship applications.
  • Want to do more? Become a Local Leader in the program and receive a 12-hour certificate.

Vanessa, a Veteran in Schmalkalden, reflected on her journey:

“Overall, I really enjoyed engaging with the Newbies. Everyone was friendly, open, and eager to share their culture, which made the exchange both enriching and enjoyable. It was also a great opportunity for me to improve my English skills with their support. Additionally, it was fascinating to connect with people from different countries, gain international perspectives, and develop intercultural communication skills while building meaningful connections.”

How the Program Works

The Buddy Program is structured to ensure meaningful, supportive, and fun interactions. Here’s how it goes:

  1. Application Process: Visit our website and complete the Buddy Program application form before September 14, 2025, 23:59 CEST.
  2. Matching: After applications close, DEGIS pairs Newbies and Veterans based on their cities, ensuring local connections.
  3. Activities: For six months, you and your buddy will meet, explore, and support each other. Activities can be as simple as grabbing coffee, going to a student event, or tackling bureaucracy together.
  4. Monthly Check-ins: DEGIS runs quick surveys to see how the program is going, encouraging buddies to share pictures of their activities.

This setup ensures that everyone gets the most out of their experience and feels part of a vibrant community.

A Unique Experience in Germany

The Buddy Program is much more than a practical support system; it’s a way to build a home away from home. For Newbies, it makes the first months less stressful and more exciting. For Veterans, it’s a chance to give back and create lasting international friendships.

If I could go back to my first semester in Germany, I would have joined in a heartbeat. Today, I’m glad so many international students have this chance.

👉 Register now and take the first step towards an unforgettable experience in Germany! Applications close on September 14, 2025, at 23:59 CEST.

P.S – This year’s DEGIS Buddy Program webinar recording is now on our YouTube! Take a look here 

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Thriving, Not Just Surviving: A Queer International’s Journey with Mithil Barath

At DEGIS, we believe in sharing the real, unfiltered stories of international students shaping Germany’s future. In this interview, Mithil Barath opens up about his journey as a queer international—from rural East Germany to building inclusive spaces and raising a family in Cologne.

1. You’ve had quite a journey—moving to Germany as a student, staying to work, and now building a life and family here. How has your experience as a queer international shaped your personal and professional path in Germany?

Mithil: My journey to Germany wasn’t planned, it was love that brought me here. I had been living in Hungary, and when my now-husband and I decided to build a future together, I moved to Schmalkalden, a small town in eastern Germany, to start university. That transition wasn’t easy. The culture shock was real, and as a queer international, I often felt invisible. The social climate was conservative, and there wasn’t much space for people like me.

But I didn’t let that stop me. I carved out my own space, both personally and professionally. Eventually, I co-founded the DEGIS chapter in Schmalkalden, creating a platform for international and queer students like myself who were craving connection.

Now, we’ve moved to Cologne, a city that feels much more like home. It’s where I work, raise my twin baby girls (yes, twins!), and finally feel like I can breathe a little easier. But the journey through visas, marriage registration, and endless paperwork? A whole challenge on its own.

Still, every obstacle has made me stronger and more determined to create spaces where queer internationals aren’t just surviving, but thriving. My story isn’t the exception. It’s one of many. And it’s time we make that more visible.

2. Can you tell us about a moment—within DEGIS or beyond—when you truly felt seen and supported as a queer person in Germany? What made that moment meaningful for you?

Mithil: When I started university in Schmalkalden, there was no space for internationals, let alone queer students. I looked around and realized no one was coming to create that space for us. So, I reached out to multiple organizations, and DEGIS was the one that answered.

That response changed everything. With a few other students, I helped launch DEGIS Schmalkalden. We started small, but it grew into something powerful and today, it has over 50 volunteers and a full board. From that, we built clubs and safe spaces for marginalized voices, including one specifically focused on queer expression and the arts.

That moment of being seen, of seeing others show up and build alongside me, was deeply meaningful. For the first time, I felt like I wasn’t just existing in Germany. I was part of something. I was helping to shift the narrative.

3. You’ve led some important initiatives within DEGIS. What motivated you to bring LGBTQAP+ topics into our network, and what impact do you think these initiatives have had so far?

Mithil: What motivated me was simple: silence is never neutral. If we’re not talking about queer topics—especially in international spaces—we’re ignoring a huge part of people’s lived experiences.

I brought LGBTQAP+ issues into DEGIS because I didn’t want another student to feel the kind of isolation I once did. That meant organizing safe groups for expression, pushing for visibility during Pride, and making space for people to share their stories with no filter, no shame.

The impact? It’s in the people who message me after an event saying, “I finally felt seen today.” It’s in the growing number of queer internationals stepping into leadership. It’s in DEGIS showing up—not just during Pride Month—but throughout the year. There’s still so much to do, but we’ve made real progress. And I’m proud to be part of that shift.

4. In your view, how does Germany compare to other places when it comes to creating a safe and inclusive environment for queer internationals? Where are we doing well, and where is there still work to do?

Mithil: I’ve traveled across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and while I hoped Germany would feel more inclusive, the reality is mixed. Yes, cities like Cologne and Berlin offer more visibility and access. But move outside those bubbles, and it’s a different story.

In smaller towns—especially in the East, being queer and international can still feel like an uphill battle. You’re navigating cultural differences, legal systems, and social stigma all at once.

Germany has made some progress: healthcare is accessible, same-sex marriage is legal, and Pride is celebrated in major cities. But legal rights don’t always translate into lived equality, especially for trans people, BIPOC queer folks, and non-EU internationals.

If Germany wants to live up to its progressive image, it needs to do more than tolerate queer people, it needs to actively support and protect them. Right now, that support is uneven at best.

5. Looking ahead, what kind of support or changes would you love to see from communities like DEGIS to better uplift and empower queer international students and professionals?

Mithil: I’d love to see DEGIS create more dedicated spaces for queer students—spaces that aren’t just inclusive but intentional. We need recurring events, mentorship programs, mental health support, and collaborations with LGBTQ+ and trans-led NGOs.

Let’s not wait for Pride Month to show support. Let’s weave queer inclusion into everything, from career panels to leadership programs. Let’s fund projects by queer internationals. Let’s invite them to lead, not just participate.

The truth is, queer internationals carry unique strengths: adaptability, courage, creativity. But we also carry unique burdens. DEGIS has the platform to be a true ally, not just in words, but in action.

And I do believe it’s moving in that direction. I’ve seen it. I’ve helped shape it. But let’s keep pushing, bigger, bolder, and with all the love and fire we’ve got.

Want to be part of a community that celebrates you—just as you are?

Whether you’re looking for connection, leadership opportunities, or simply a safe space to grow, DEGIS is here for international students and professionals across Germany.

Join DEGIS today and help us build a more inclusive, supportive future, together!

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Why Volunteering Is More than Giving Back

Written by Nur Banu Yavuz

Volunteering is often associated with giving time, energy, and effort. And while this is certainly part of the story, there’s another side that doesn’t get talked about enough: what you gain by volunteering.

I see volunteering not just as a contribution, but as meaningful change. Whether you’re new to a place or want to deepen your roots there, volunteering can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Let’s start with the basics. DEGIS is a community that supports international students in Germany—through events, reliable information, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. But it’s not only built for international students, it’s also built by them. Volunteers are at the center of everything we do.

What does it really mean to volunteer?

When people think of volunteering, they often imagine helping at events, sending emails, or managing logistics behind the scenes. These things happen—but they’re just the surface. What’s really underneath is growth.

You learn how to lead a team, organize initiatives, and solve problems in real time. You find your voice in a new country or in a new context. You shape the culture and values of your own community. This is leadership in action, and it’s very real.

At DEGIS, volunteers often step into roles where they can actively influence how a local City Chapter works. From organizing language meetups to planning nationwide conferences, there’s a space for your ideas—and the support to bring them to life.

And the best part? You don’t need to come with a long list of experiences. DEGIS values curiosity, commitment, and collaboration. If you’re open to learning, there’s a place for you here.

Personally, my journey with volunteering began before I even arrived in Germany. Back in Turkey, I was involved in various initiatives—from participating in a social responsibility club in high school to actively working with a youth foundation fighting erosion and promoting environmental sustainability.

These experiences shaped the way I see the world and taught me early on that meaningful change often starts with small, consistent actions. They also made me more confident and ready to take initiative when I joined DEGIS—because volunteering had already shown me what it means to be part of something bigger than myself.

Tangible Benefits That Actually Matter

I believe that time and energy deserve to be appreciated, and one way to show it is through access to benefits that make a real difference in our daily lives as international students.

When you join DEGIS as a volunteer, you get access to special discounts on platforms and services you likely already use—or plan to. This includes language courses, online learning tools, event tickets, and merchandise (you can find the full list on our website).

These discounts aren’t just random perks. They’re carefully selected to support your personal, academic, and professional journey in Germany.

Leadership Without Pressure

Leadership doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means collaborating, experimenting, asking questions, and growing together. Whether you feel more comfortable behind the scenes or stepping up to lead a team, there’s space to explore at your own pace.

You’ll also be part of a national network of other volunteers navigating the same learning processes. We support each other—through peer exchange, check-ins, and national calls where everyone has a voice.

Volunteering That Fits into Your Life

As a student in Germany, I know life can be unpredictable. Between part-time jobs, studying, bureaucracy, and just figuring things out, it can feel overwhelming to commit to something new. That’s why volunteer roles at DEGIS are flexible and mindful of our responsibilities.

You get to decide how involved you want to be and what kind of role suits you best—whether it’s joining an ongoing project, helping out at events, or taking the lead in shaping something new.

A Community That Feels Like Home

For many of us, moving to Germany can be a confusing, even isolating experience. DEGIS is a space for reorientation—a place to meet others on the same journey, to feel connected, and to build something meaningful together.

So if you’re thinking about getting more involved, this is your sign. You can start small. You can start today. Join DEGIS—and let’s do something together.