Are academics from non-EU countries who are employed for a restricted period and pay social security contributions eligible for unemployment benefit when their contract comes to an end but their research work, for example, has not been completed? According to the Residence Act, foreign university graduates are entitled to remain in Germany for 18 months to search for employment.
Generally you are eligible for unemployment benefit if you have accrued twelve months' contributions and are available to take up employment on the German employment market. How long you are available to take up employment on the German employment market depends on the length of your residence permit and the type of residence permit you held before applying to become a job seeker.
The 18-month term according to § 20 (3) 1 of the Residence Act only applies to foreigners who have successfully completed studies in Germany on the basis of a residence permit to receive academic qualification according to § 16b or § 16c.
Most academics who have been temporarily employed in Germany are not eligible to make use of this 18-month term, but other shorter periods may be possible depending on the residence permit they held while doing their research.
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Last Update: 17. April 2023