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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Graduate Program 2026 German Development Cooperation Graduate Program
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About the company
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a federal enterprise with more than 50 years of experience in international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German government, GIZ works worldwide in fields such as economic development, energy and the environment, with the goal of sustainably improving living conditions in partner countries.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
17 months
Number of rotations
3
Departments
Selected departments
International assignment
Mandatory
Working hours / week
39h
Gross salary per year
€31,200
Program description
The German Development Cooperation Graduate Program at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
The EZ graduate program is a talent development program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), run by GIZ on its behalf. It specifically prepares graduates for complex coordination and management tasks in development cooperation.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Master's
Field of study
Any discipline relevant to the designated department
Work experience
First relevant practical experience in international cooperation (e.g. internships or working student jobs)
International experience
First international experience in a developing country (e.g. a semester or internship abroad)
Languages
Fluent German and English
Other
Not specified
Application process
How does the application work?
01
Online application
Application documents, typically a CV, cover letter and relevant certificates, are submitted via the company's career portal. An automatic confirmation follows, while substantive feedback from HR is generally provided within one to four weeks.
not required
Online test
A standardized aptitude test completed online, typically covering logical reasoning, numerical and verbal skills as well as personality. The total duration ranges from 20 to 90 minutes.
not required
Recorded video interview
An interview without a live interviewer, in which candidates respond to predefined questions on camera. It typically comprises five to seven questions, each with two minutes to respond.
02
Interview with HR
An interview with the HR department, usually conducted via video and lasting 30 to 60 minutes. It focuses predominantly on academic background, motivation, cultural fit and behavioral questions on soft skills.
not required
Department interview
An interview with the manager or team of the department you are applying to, usually conducted via video and lasting 45 to 90 minutes. It centers on technical questions, situational cases and the alignment of mutual expectations.
03
Assessment center
A multi-stage selection day comprising presentations, case studies, group exercises and individual interviews. The format varies by company and may take place on site or virtually.
Questions about Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit German Development Cooperation Graduate Program
What salary does Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit pay in its graduate program?
Graduates at GIZ receive a starting salary of €31,200 gross per year. This corresponds to approximately €2,600 gross per month.
How long does the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program last?
The German Development Cooperation Graduate Program lasts 17 months and comprises three rotations in different areas. The program is designed as a structured career entry, in which graduates acquire practical experience across different areas and contribute to their own projects. Upon completion, graduates typically move into a permanent position within the company.
Who can apply for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program?
The German Development Cooperation Graduate Program requires a suitable professional profile. A master's degree is required. Candidates from any discipline relevant to the designated department are considered. Fluent German and English are essential. Beyond the formal criteria, companies typically place significant emphasis on relevant practical experience, confident English and a convincing presence in interviews.
How do I apply for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program?
The application process for the German Development Cooperation Graduate Program comprises three stages: online application, interview with HR and assessment center. Application documents, typically a CV and cover letter, are submitted via the Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit career portal. The stages are completed consecutively and may extend over several weeks, depending on the application round. Thorough preparation for the interviews and subsequent selection stages significantly increases the likelihood of success.
Does the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program include an international assignment?
The Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program includes a mandatory international assignment as an integral part of its rotation plan. The international rotation forms a fixed part of the program and is planned jointly with the graduates.
When can I apply for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program?
The Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit graduate program is currently not open for applications. The notification option on this page provides you with an update as soon as applications open.
The application portal is currently closed.
Sign up and we'll let you know as soon as the GIZ application portal opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit |
| Program | German Development Cooperation Graduate Program |
| Industry | Development cooperation |
| Main location | Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Program length | 17 months |
| Gross annual salary | €31,200 |
