Work While Studying in Germany for International Students
Studying in Germany gives international students the opportunity to gain work experience while completing their degree.
Many students take part-time jobs to support their living expenses, build professional skills, and improve their German language ability.
This guide explains how many hours international students can work in Germany, what types of jobs are available, and how to find student employment.
Can International Students Work in Germany?
Yes. International students in Germany are allowed to work part time during their studies.
Students from non-EU countries can work:
140 full days or 280 half days per year
This is roughly equal to 20 hours per week during the academic semester.
During university holidays, students may work full time.
Working more hours than allowed may require approval from the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).
Minimum Wage in Germany
International students are entitled to receive at least the German minimum wage.
As of 2026, the minimum wage is:
€13.90 per hour
Some specialised jobs, especially in fields such as IT, engineering, and research, may pay higher salaries.
Jobs That Do Not Count Towards the Work Limit
Certain university jobs may be exempt from the normal work limits.
These include positions such as:
- Student assistant at a university
- Research assistant
- Academic tutor
These roles are highly competitive but provide valuable academic experience.
Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students
Many international students work in part-time roles such as:
- Restaurant or café staff
- Retail assistant
- Administrative assistant
- Library assistant
- Tutor
- Research assistant
- Internship positions related to their field of study
Students with strong German language skills often have access to more job opportunities.
However, some international companies and university jobs may be available in English.
Internships During Your Studies
Many degree programmes in Germany include mandatory internships.
These internships help students gain practical experience and build industry connections.
Mandatory internships required by the university do not count towards the 140-day work limit.
Taxes and Social Security for Student Workers
Students earning income in Germany may need to pay taxes depending on their salary.
Key points to know:
- Students earning more than €450 per month may be subject to tax and social security contributions
- Students can often file a tax return and receive refunds at the end of the year
- Students working more than 20 hours per week during the semester may lose their student insurance status
Because of this, most students work around 10 to 20 hours per week during the semester.
Can International Students Be Self-Employed?
In most cases, international students from outside the EU cannot work as freelancers or be self-employed without special permission.
Students must request approval from the Foreigners’ Office if they want to pursue freelance work or start a business.
Working without permission could lead to visa complications.
How to Find a Student Job in Germany
Students can search for part-time jobs through several channels.
University Career Centres
Most universities provide career services that help students find:
- Part-time jobs
- Internships
- Career workshops
- Job fairs
These centres are often the best place to start.
Online Job Portals
Popular job websites used by students include:
Students can filter jobs by location, language requirements, and field of study.
Networking and Student Organisations
Joining student clubs, attending career events, and networking with professors can also help students find job opportunities.
Many internships and student roles are discovered through personal connections.
Benefits of Working While Studying
Working while studying in Germany can provide several advantages:
- Extra income to support living costs
- Practical work experience
- Improved language skills
- Professional connections for future jobs
- Stronger CV after graduation
Many students use part-time jobs as a stepping stone toward full-time employment after graduation.
What Happens After Graduation?
Germany offers strong opportunities for graduates who want to stay and work.
International students who complete a degree in Germany can apply for a post-study job seeker residence permit, which allows them to stay in the country while searching for employment.
In the next section, we explain how the Germany post-study work visa works and how graduates can stay in Germany after finishing their studies.
Need Help Planning Your Study Pathway?
If you are considering studying in Germany and want guidance on choosing the right course and university, our team is here to help.
We support international students with course selection, applications, and understanding study pathways in Germany.