Working While Studying in Germany: Rules, Jobs, and Tips

Work Regulations for International Students

Non-EU students can work:

• 120 full days per year (8+ hours)
• OR 240 half days per year (up to 4 hours)
• Unlimited hours as student assistant (HiWi) at university
• No work permit needed within these limits

EU students: Unlimited work hours!

Best Part-Time Jobs for Students

On-Campus Jobs (Most Popular)

Student Assistant (Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft/HiWi)

Pay: €12-€15/hour
Hours: 10-20/week
Benefits: Flexible, relevant to studies, networking
How to find: Check university job boards, ask professors

Library Assistant

Pay: €12-€13/hour
Perfect for: Quiet work environment, can study during slow periods

Tutoring

Pay: €15-€25/hour
Subjects: Math, sciences, English, programming
Platforms: ErsteNachhilfe, Studienkreis, private

Off-Campus Jobs

Restaurant/Café Staff

Pay: €12-€14/hour + tips
Good for: Practice German, flexible evening/weekend shifts

Delivery Driver

Companies: Lieferando, Gorillas, Flink
Pay: €12-€15/hour
Flexibility: Choose your shifts

Call Center/Customer Service

Pay: €12-€16/hour
Languages: Many positions for English/other languages

Freelancing (if you have skills)

Fields: Programming, design, writing, translation
Pay: €20-€50+/hour
Note: Register as freelancer (Freiberufler) if earnings >€450/month

Where to Find Jobs

• University job board - Check daily!
• Jobmensa.de - Student job platform
• Indeed.de, StepStone - General job sites (filter for "Werkstudent")
• Schwarzes Brett - University bulletin board
• LinkedIn - Networking and job posts
• Direct applications - Walk into cafés/restaurants with CV

Tax and Social Security

Mini-Job (≤€538/month in 2026)

• No taxes, no social security
• Most flexible option
• Won't affect student status

Werkstudent (€538-€1,200/month)

• Pay income tax (usually get refund)
• Reduced social security contributions
• Max 20 hours/week during semester
• Full-time during semester break

Getting Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

Automatically mailed after registration. Needed for most jobs. If not received, request from Finanzamt.

Balancing Work and Studies

Time Management Tips:

• Max 15-20 hours/week during semester
• Choose jobs with flexible hours
• Reduce work during exam periods
• Use calendar/planner religiously
• Don't sacrifice sleep or grades for money

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Jobs requiring >120 days commitment (violates visa)
• Cash-only payments (tax evasion)
• No written contract
• Pay below minimum wage (€12.41 in 2024)

Building Your Career

Werkstudent Positions

These are gold! Work in your field while studying:

• Gain German work experience
• Network with professionals
• Often leads to full-time job after graduation
• Companies: Siemens, BMW, SAP, Bosch, startups

Internships (Praktikum)

Many programs require/recommend internships. Some are paid (€800-€1,500/month).

Pro Tips

• Start job search after settling in (first 2-3 months)
• German language = more job opportunities
• Update CV to German format (Lebenslauf)
• On-campus jobs are most understanding of exam schedules
• Networking at university events helps find hidden jobs
• Don't work first semester - focus on adjusting

Remember: Your priority is studying! Work should supplement, not dominate your student life.