Part Time Work Options for International Students in Germany

Thinking about studying in Germany? Great choice! This guide unlocks the secrets of part-time work for international students, helping you navigate the rules, find the right job, and earn some extra money.

Germany is a famous study destination in the world for offering free or affordable education. International students get enrolled in the courses offered by the top universities in Germany. It is an open secret that getting a high-quality education in Germany is much budget-friendly than other countries but the cost of living is slightly higher than in India. That's why students explore part time jobs in Germany to cover their living expenses.

Part-time work opportunities are a great way to utilize time for monetary benefits. However, international students in Germany would have to abide by a certain set of rules and regulations laid down by the administration when it comes to part-time jobsIn this article, we will be focussing on the part-time work options available for Indian students travelling to Germany. Also, we will discuss the rules, average pay and other important information. 

Part Time Work Options in Germany

There are a couple of aspects to part-time work in Germany. One is the eligibility and laws relevant to part-time work options for international students, the second is the sources of the part-time job in Germany and finally the most obvious – the jobs available to international students in Germany. Let’s look at them individually.

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Rules for Part-time Jobs in Germany 

International students travelling to Germany would only be allowed entry with a German Student Visa. The German student visa will allow international students a slew of benefits, the most important being to take up part-time employment along with their studies while in Germany. If you are exploring part-time jobs in Germany during your studies, here are a few things you need to keep in mind. 

1. Work Duration: Candidates are allowed to work either 120 to 140 full days or 240 to 280 half days a year as a student. Self-employment or freelancing is not allowed under the part-time work option. 
2. Full-Time Employment: As per university norms, a student would not be allowed to work for more than 20 hours a week during the term. Students, however, can take up full-time employment during vacations.  
3. Tax on Salary of Part-Time Jobs in Germany: Taxation is another concern. A student earning less than €522.50 a month need not pay any taxes/ social security contributions. Also, if you work for less than 50 continuous days over one year, you are exempted as well.
4. Do Not Work 20+ Hours a Week: Working for more than 20 hours a week is generally not advised. Not only is it against most university rules, but working more than this limit would require you to pay health insurance, unemployment as well as nursing care insurance.
5. Do Not Break Rules: Compliance with Federal Law is extremely important. If you are found to be flouting them, you can find yourself being expelled from the country. So, keep the checks in place, conform to the rules, and have your permit in place.

Note: If you are enrolled in a preparatory course or a language course, the regulations are tighter. As such, you are allowed only to work during the lecture-free periods and only with explicit permission to do so from the foreign authority. When it comes to working within the university, though, the working hours and wages are completed differently. They are far better and you can work for long hours as well. Getting a job at the university, however, might not be as easy.

Also Read: Must-Know Changes for Students in Germany in 2025

Part-time Job Posting for International students

A lot of times, students planning to undertake part-time work are often confused about the source of such job postings. Rest assured we are going to provide students with the best possible assistance here. The most reliable places to look for part-time jobs in Germany for international students are as follows. 

• University Career Cells: Most universities have a dedicated career centre whose sole purpose is to bring together employers and students on a common platform. The university career cells are constantly in touch with a wide range of industries and employers who are scouting for fresh talent. International students are advised to approach their university career cells for part-time work opportunities.  
• Online Job Portals: Just like in India, countries abroad have job portals that have part-time jobs listed on their websites. Employers post job openings on these websites that can be applied for by International students looking for employment. 
• Word of mouth: Every country would have an international community made up of students from similar backgrounds. Hence word of mouth or simply informing friends or acquaintances about job openings is a good way to land yourself a part-time job in Germany. 
• University Bulletin: A lot of times your centre of study, your university can become a good job-hunting ground. Depending on your area of expertise and skills, students can find numerous part-time job opportunities in the university itself. 

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Industry-Wise Part-Time Jobs in Germany

As mentioned earlier, in this article we will be talking about the part-time work options in Germany for international students. In this section, we are going to be discussing the popular part-time job sectors for international students studying in Germany. 

Teaching / Graduate/ Research Assistants at the University

Typically, the job of teaching/ graduate assistants is open to research scholars and pays decent enough money. These jobs include assisting the professor with marking copies, giving tutorials, or preparing research literature, as supervisors, as librarians, etc. On a hierarchy of the kinds of jobs available, these are at the top of the line. You have to be good and apply early to get one. These jobs are well advertised on the university notice boards and you can find them with the department you are part of.

As support Staff/Waiters

Waiting or catering assignments are often the most famous jobs among kids. Many students opt for this for more reasons than money. While the pay may not be more or even basic, it gives the student a great opportunity to explore the city, meet new people, and simply unwind after the day at the university. Not to forget, the tips are good too.

English Tutors

Another lucrative part-time job in Germany for students is teaching English to German Students. There are often private tuitions and is a decent payout. You have to be proficient in the language though and for Indian students, this might not be so forthcoming! A student from the UK, for instance, would be more eligible.

Industrial Production Assistants

These are well-paying jobs and are a good option for students looking for some experience and a more relevant employment option after their studies. With Germany giving you a 1-year post-study work permit with your student visas, finding these jobs could be the precursor to a career in Germany. A student can find these jobs in the local newspapers.

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Salary for Part Time Jobs in Germany

Coming to the most important aspect now, the earnings you can expect from part time jobs in Germany. The minimum wage in Germany is set to rise in two stages from the current €12 to €12.82 per hour. This will help students to cover the cost of living in Germany. This is the average pay at which a student need not pay any taxes. A research assistant, however, would earn more than that and would be exempt as well.

Students on part-time jobs can earn up to €522.50 euros per month without having to pay taxes. However, once they exceed the limit on a regular monthly basis they would have to obtain a tax number and start paying taxes. They can file tax returns at the end of every financial year.

As a piece of parting advice, we would like to simply say, part-time jobs are not a way to pay for your education. It can be a good source of pocket money and socialization and nothing else. But if Germany is your country, there are many scholarships available as well as student loans easily available.

Also, Read

• Cost of Studying in Germany
• How much do students earn in part-time jobs while studying abroad?
• Scholarships to Study in Germany