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In Germany, international students can take advantage of the education system while working part-time at the same time, enabling them to gain valuable work experience while also supporting themselves financially during their studies.

Can I Work While »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥?

Yes, you are eligible to work part-time while studying in Germany. If you’re studying at a university or college in Germany, you are allowed to work part-time while pursuing your degree, however, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work.

• EU/EEA and Swiss Students. Students from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland can work up to 20 hours per week during term times. It’s advised not to exceed this limit to avoid being considered a regular employee, which could affect student status.
• Non-EU/EEA Students. Under the new law, as of March 1, 2024, international students, including those in preparatory programs for university, have an increased annual working limit from 120 to 140 full days or 240 to 280 half days. Alternatively, they can work up to 20 hours per week. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) announced that international students can now work more days per year and hold a second job.

This information is also confirmed by actual students in Germany , mentioning specifically that if you work more than the allowed hours you would be breaking the terms of your residence permit. This could lead to warnings, fines, and then you being unceremoniously deported back to your home country (plus a years-long ban on entering the Schengen zone again).

We advise you to consult with the international office at your university before finding a part-time job. They can offer you more information about working as a student in your specific German state and also share with you opportunities they might have available for you.

Special Employment Conditions

• Student Assistant Jobs. If you secure a position as a student assistant, you’re exempt from the 140-day rule, as there are no restrictions on jobs within the university. However, you must still notify the foreigners’ registration office if you intend to work additional hours.
• Language and Preparatory Courses. For students enrolled in language or preparatory courses, regulations are stricter. You can only work during breaks between lectures, and you must obtain permission from both the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) beforehand.

Work Placements & Exceeding Work Limits

• Both paid and unpaid work placements count towards the yearly work limit.
• If your study regulations require a mandatory work placement, you might be allowed to work extra hours.
• It’s not a good idea to work beyond your limit because it means you’ll have to pay for health, unemployment, and nursing care insurance. Breaking the rules could also get you deported.

What Kind of Student Job Can I Work in Germany?

When selecting a job, it’s important to find one that is convenient in terms of location, salary, and position.

Here are a few student jobs you can work while in Germany:

• Academic Assistant: Finding work at the university as a teaching or graduate assistant is convenient for those with academic aspirations. These roles are open to research scholars and are usually advertised at the university or relevant department.
• Catering Roles: Positions like catering in cafés or bars are usually the most popular among students. These roles allow students to socialize, communicate, and meet new people.
• Production Assistant: As a production assistant, a student gets to assist costume designers, camera people, and directors by printing, distributing paperwork, and other related responsibilities.
• Retail: Students consider retail as well, taking into consideration that this sector is continuously looking for employees.
• Online Work: Online part-time work is also available in Germany for international students. However, the options might be limited.

More on this: Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students.

Are There Jobs for English-Speaking Students in Germany?

Yes, there are. You can find work even without speaking German, although having German language skills would be advantageous. However, this depends on the role. Positions requiring communication skills or interaction with clients are more challenging to get without proficiency in German.

Where Do I Find Work as a Student in Germany?

To start your job search, consider contacting the regional Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) to inquire about available student positions. If you’re interested in university positions, reach out to the HR office or faculty secretary for potential opportunities.

Here’s where you can find work as a student in Germany:

• University Job Portals: Many German universities maintain dedicated job portals or bulletin boards where they advertise job opportunities tailored for students.
• Student Services (Studierendenwerk): Student services organizations in Germany provide job placement services specifically for students, offering part-time and temporary positions.
• Online Job Platforms: Websites like Indeed.de, Monster.de, or StepStone.de list job opportunities across various sectors, including part-time and student-friendly positions, specifically for the German job market.
• Networking: Connect with professors, classmates, or alumni who may have leads on job openings or can provide referrals within the German employment landscape.
• Company Websites: Explore the career sections of German companies you’re interested in working for. Some may offer student positions or internships tailored to students in Germany.
• Local Businesses: Visit local cafes, restaurants, shops, and businesses in your German city or town to inquire about job openings.
• Job Fairs and Events: Attend job fairs and networking events organized by German universities or in your local area.

How Much Can I Earn as a Student in Germany?

As a student in Germany, you can work a mini-job with an earning limit. You’re not allowed to earn more than 538€ on average per month, according to . That adds up to 6,456€ a year.

If the earnings exceed the mini-job limit, it’s no longer a mini-job. Then, your job is considered a midi-job, and you’ll need to pay taxes.

How many days and hours you work can be flexible. Students also work several mini-jobs at the same time under certain conditions. Mini-jobbers can do a lot of things, for example, helping in the commercial sector and in private households.

Learn more about financing your studies in Germany.

Can I Extend My Student Working Hours?

It might be possible to extend your student working hours by sending a request to the Foreigners Office and the Federal Employment Agency. However, this only applies to academic jobs. This means if you have a student assistant role, your working hours at the university will not count towards your 140-day limit.

Which Are the Best Cities in Germany to Find Work?

Germany has numerous companies where you could work in the future. With its low unemployment rate, many expats move to Germany with the goal of finding employment. If you’re studying in one of the following cities, your chances of finding work as a student are especially high.

Here are the top 10 German cities to find work:

1. Munich
2. Hamburg
3. Berlin
4. Frankfurt
5. Dusseldorf
6. Nuremberg
7. Cologne
8. Stuttgart
9. Hanover
10. Leipzig

Learn more about the work opportunities in these cities.