Part-time work can help international students cover their living expenses while studying in Germany. It’s also a great way to gain work experience with a German company and build an international network. If you’re a student who’s thinking about how to work while studying in Germany, remember that you鈥檒l need to balance any work you do with your academic commitments and visa requirements.
Below, we’ll talk about how to find work as an international student in Germany, how much you can work, popular part-time jobs for students, and some regulations you’ll need to know which govern working while studying.
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Work Hours While Studying in Germany
In general, international students studying in Germany may while class is in session, and work full-time during semester breaks. When spread out over one year, this means international students may work for up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year (a full day is eight hours of work, and a half day is four).
If you work more than this鈥攁nd are not from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland鈥攊t can put your visa status as a student at risk. If you , you may work more than 20 hours. However, these international students who work over 20 hours per week must make insurance contributions, just like German students do.
Regardless of where you鈥檙e from, if you’re as a mandatory part of your study programme, that internship doesn’t count toward your 140/280-day limit. However, if you complete an internship outside of your studies, it will count toward your working limit, whether it is paid or unpaid.
Note: Students doing at higher education institutions, like research or academic assistants, aren’t subject to the 140/280-day limit. These jobs offer valuable experience, but are very competitive to apply for. To understand if a job fits into this special category, contact your campus’ student services office.
Work Guidelines for Students
To work in Germany, you’ll need a social security card (Sozialversicherungsnummer). This card allows your employer to pay you and deduct mandatory social security contributions (like health insurance) from your paycheque. When you start your first job in Germany, ensure your employer applies for a social security card for you, as it’s their responsibility to obtain it on your behalf. Your employer will be given your social security number (which you can also request from your local ), and then your social security card will be mailed to you.
You’ll also need to before you can start working.
International students must be paid at least the current national minimum wage. As of January 1, 2025, the was 鈧�12.82 per hour. However, wages for internships may vary (some internships are unpaid), and students with specialized skills may earn higher wages.
Students will have to pay income taxes and make social security contributions. If this applies to you, you’ll also have to file a German tax return at the end of the year. However, most part-time student job salaries fall below this level, so many international students are exempt from these taxes.
What study options are available to international students in Germany? Learn about different programmes the German education system offers on our blog.
Can I Be Self-Employed as an International Student in Germany?
International students from non-EU/EEA countries may not be self-employed or do any freelance work without explicit approval. In general, non-EU students or doctoral candidates . Students who would like to start a business or work as freelancers must (Ausl盲nderbeh枚rde) to get the necessary permissions.
Approval is typically granted only if self-employment does not hinder the student’s academic progress and the employment meets certain criteria. These criteria could include things like the work addressing an economic interest or regional need.
If you’re self-employed or do freelance work without permission, it can lead to legal consequences. Consequences may be monetary, like having to pay a large fine, or more severe, like having your student visa cancelled. Don’t risk it鈥攊f you plan to be self-employed, get the permission you need first.
Popular Jobs for Students
International students may work on- or off-campus in Germany. Students often work in cafes, restaurants, or retail stores off-campus. Many also work as tutors, administrative assistants, student’s union employees, or lab researchers at their universities or colleges.
Many part-time jobs require German language skills, especially off-campus. However, some jobs with international companies or on-campus will be looking for students with strong English skills. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, look into jobs like translation or language tutoring!
Try looking for job opportunities through:
- Campus Career Centers: Most colleges and universities have career centres. They offer services like career counseling, resume workshops, and campus job fairs.
- Online Platforms: Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Stepstone, and Xing often list part-time jobs and internships.
- Networking Events and Student Organizations: Attending events, career expos, and joining student organizations can help you build valuable connections. Professional groups related to your field of study can lead to work or mentorship opportunities.
- Internships and Co-op Programs: Many universities offer internships in partnership with different companies. These internships are usually part of a study programme, and offer work experience that can become a part-time job after completing the internship.
Becoming an international student in Germany is an incredible experience, and working part-time while studying can open new doors to your future career. We hope that this guide has inspired you to take the next step in your international study journey!
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