Balancing studies with a part-time job is a reality for many international students in Germany. With tuition fees at public universities often being low or non-existent, your biggest expenses will likely be rent, food, transportation, and other living costs.
A student job can ease some of the financial pressure off your shoulders, while also helping you adapt to life in a new country, and give you valuable work experience that strengthens your CV.
Why Students Choose to Work in Germany
Many international students choose to take up a part-time or a Minijob while studying in Germany to help relieve some financial stress, although it can also help you socialise and get accustomed to the culture when you first arrive.
Covering Living Expenses and Gaining Independence
You’ll still face quite high monthly costs (depending on your location and personal lifestyle) even if your tuition is free. If you live in a HCOL (High Cost of Living) city, a student job helps you cover essentials like rent, groceries, and health insurance without relying entirely on savings or family.
This way, you can also integrate faster, as you practice German on the job (even in English-speaking roles you’ll pick up everyday vocabulary), learn local work culture, and make friends outside your program.
Gaining Work Experience for Your Future Career
German employers value hands-on experience as much as grades. Sometimes, student jobs let you test fields early (lab assistant, working student in IT, marketing, finance, logistics) and help you build a CV with German references and contracts which can help with later applications.
Work Permissions for International Students in Germany
Germany allows international students to work, but the rules differ depending on whether you’re from outside the EU/EEA or not.
Non-EU Student Work Rules
Students who come from countries other than EU/EEA member states face several restrictions. For instance, your working hours are restricted, and you are only allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Moreover, you are not allowed to undertake freelancing.
Student Visa Impact on Work Eligibility
You may wonder why international students face these restrictions. In short, your student visa is tied to your enrolment at a recognized German institution. If you drop out of your studies, your work rights end with your visa.
Always double-check with your Ausländerbehörde before accepting a job, so you don't face the risk of losing your visa.
Work Permissions for EU and EEA Students
If you’re from an EU or EEA country (including Switzerland), your right to work in Germany is much more flexible than for non-EU students. You’re treated the same as German students in terms of employment rules.
How EU Students Can Work in Germany
EU and EEA students can work full time hours during semester breaks and take up freelance or self-employed work if desired, as long as they register it correctly with local tax authorities.
However, you’ll still need to balance your work schedule with your studies.
Hours and Conditions for EU and EEA Students
While you can technically work more, German universities recommend students don’t exceed 20 hours per week during the semester. This is because:
- Working more than 20 hours/week can trigger social security contributions (higher deductions from your pay).
- A heavier workload can affect academic performance.
What Kind of Jobs Can Students Get?
Student jobs in Germany come in many forms. The right choice depends on your schedule, skills, and language level. Some roles are purely for income, while others can directly support your future career.
On-Campus Jobs
Working on campus is convenient—you stay close to classes, save on commuting, and often work with flexible schedules. Common roles include:
- Library assistant – helping with book loans, shelving, and guiding students.
- Research assistant (HiWi) – supporting professors with academic projects.
- Lab technician helper – assisting in experiments or maintaining equipment.
- Student tutor – running tutorials or workshops for junior students.
Off-Campus Jobs
Many students work in local businesses, especially in big cities or student hubs:
- Café or restaurant server
- Retail assistant in shops or supermarkets
- Delivery driver for food or parcels
- Event staff for fairs, concerts, and festivals
Internships
Internships can be:
- Mandatory – part of your study program, not counted against work limits,
OR
- Voluntary – your choice, but hours count toward your annual work allowance if you’re non-EU.
Where and How to Find a Student Job
There are plenty of ways to go about student jobs in Germany. If you don't know where to look for a role, here are three of the most common places where your skills and expertise can be useful.
University Career Centers
Most universities have a Career Service or Job Portal where they post openings for:
- On-campus jobs
- Internships
- Part-time roles in local companies
Online Job Portals
Several websites list part-time, internship, and student jobs:
- StepStone.de – Many internships and working student positions.
- LinkedIn – Professional roles and networking opportunities.
- Jobmensa.de – Focused on student jobs.
Search using keywords like "Werkstudent", "Teilzeit", or "Studentenjob" for the best results.
Local Businesses
Sometimes, the simplest method works best, and you can walk into cafes, shops, or restaurants near your university and ask if they’re hiring.
- Bring a one-page CV in German.
- Be ready to introduce yourself politely and briefly, on the spot.
How Much Can Students Earn in Germany
Earnings depend on job type, city, and your skills. Student wages are usually enough to cover part of your living costs, but you shouldn’t expect to fund your entire education solely from part-time work especially if you’re limited by visa rules.
Average Hourly Wage
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.82/hour, which applies to most student jobs, be it entry-level roles, more skilled jobs related to academia or specialised internships.
Mini-Jobs for Students in Germany
Mini-jobs (Minijobs) are one of the most popular work options for students in Germany because they’re flexible, tax-free, and easy to manage alongside studies. In 2025, the mini-job earning limit has been increased, making them even more attractive.
How Mini-Jobs Work
A mini-job is a part-time role where you can earn up to €556 per month without paying income tax or full social security contributions. Common mini-jobs include retail assistants, cafe staff, delivery helpers, event crew, and tutoring.
You still get benefits like paid holiday leave, even for a mini-job.
The 556 Euro Monthly Limit Explained
If you consistently earn €556 or less per month, you stay within the mini-job category and keep the tax-free status.
Earning even slightly above this limit means you need to pay taxes and contributions.
You can have more than one mini-job, but combined earnings must not exceed €556/month if you want to keep the mini-job status.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the studying in Germany.
Are mini-jobs good for international students?
Yes, mini-jobs are ideal for flexible, lower-stress income. They’re tax-free, come with paid leave, and usually require fewer hours. Just make sure your total monthly income doesn’t exceed €556 if you want to keep the mini-job benefits.
Can I work 40 hours a week as an international student?
Non-EU students cannot work 40 hours a week during the semester. The rule is 140 full days or 280 half days per year. You can work full-time during official semester breaks, but only within this annual limit.
Can a student do a full-time job in Germany?
Yes, but only during semester breaks or if you switch to a post-study work visa after graduation. During the semester, full-time work is not allowed for non-EU students because it conflicts with study requirements.
Do international students get jobs in Germany?
Yes. Many international students work part-time while studying, especially in cities with large student populations like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. On-campus jobs and positions in cafes, shops, or research labs are common.
How much can international students earn in Germany?
It depends on the job type and your allowed hours. In 2025 an international student can earn at least the minimum wage of €12.82/hour, or up to €556/month tax-free as part of a mini-job.
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