Can I do a master's while working on an EU Blue Card or work permit?

With an EU Blue Card or a work permit you can enrol at a university and study; you don't need separate permission from the immigration office.

What to watch out for: Your permit is tied to your job. If you quit to study, reduce your hours or your salary drops below the Blue Card threshold, your permit may be affected. If you're considering a change like this, ask the LEA or an advice centre first.

Suitable programmes: Master's programmes for working people (berufsbegleitend) run in the evenings, at weekends or in blocks. Distance learning (Fernstudium) is another option. Combining a regular full-time programme with a job can be hard if attendance is compulsory.

Cost: Master's programmes for working people often charge fees, even at public universities. Your employer may cover part of the cost, and you can claim education costs as expenses in your tax return.

If you want to stop working completely: If you quit your job to study full-time, you may need to switch to a student permit. You'll then need proof of financial means and your right to work will be limited. Also consider how close you are to getting a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).