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Looking for ways to fund your living costs and adventure in Germany? Part-time jobs helped hundreds of thousands of students to gain financial control and valuable work experience. However, job searches, legal barriers, and tax systems in Germany can be tricky and challenging.
This comprehensive guide gives you all the required information for finding student jobs in Germany with navigation through legal instructions and job platforms.
Wunderbar, let's get started!
Students should understand the work permit rules before working, as breaking them can lead to legal troubles. Work rights depend on students' nationality and residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) status.
Non-EU students have the permission to work for 140 full days or 280 half days annually, meaning students can either work 8 hours daily up to 140 days or 4 hours for 280 days a year. In total, students can work up to 1120 hours per year. This rule applies to students with a §16b Aufenth residence permit.
Students from countries like the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) have the same working rights as German citizens. No permit required with the ability to work 20+ hours a week. It is recommended to not exceed the 20-hour mark despite it being legal, as it affects health insurance, and the German government wants students to focus on education and not get swayed.
As of now, the minimum wage (Mindestlohn) is €12.82/hour and is applicable to all international students, who must not accept any pay under this standard. The employer must provide details like pay slips, gross pay, and deductions, which may vary according to job types.
Germany has different job types and contracts students must be aware of and select jobs according to their situations.
A low-earning job designed to help cover everyday expenses. Students can earn up to €538 per month, and it comes with tax breaks from income tax, health, nursing care, and unemployment insurance if minijobs are the only source of income. This is a perfect side hustle for students looking to earn money without an overwhelming study schedule.
Special status for enrolled students, with education being the primary focus. Werkstudenten can legally work up to 20 hours a week, balancing with lecture periods, and work full-time during semester breaks. It comes with lots of benefits, like exemption from contributing to unemployment and nursing care insurance. Best for students seeking relevant professional experience with higher income and cost balance. Jobs are as follows:
Students with well-paying jobs or who work extra hours during breaks fall under midijobs. Students can earn between €538.01 and €2,000 per month (2024) with reduced rates for pension and unemployment insurance. Health and nursing insurance must be paid and gradually increases, but income tax depreciates. It is similar to Werkstudent with higher monthly/hourly pay.
Germany comes with a variety of options when it comes to job hunting.
Each university has an online job portal where jobs are being offered. It consists of jobs specially for students, including Hiwi (research assistance) positions within the university. Students can find easy jobs that do not hamper their education schedule.
Notice boards and Studentenwerk regularly offer positions in Hiwi, catering, event support, etc., which can be friendly and supportive.
These websites are tailored in respect to students searching for flexible jobs. Unlike general portals, these portals post jobs favorable to students in terms of time flexibility. Students can easily filter jobs for mini, Werkstudent positions, or short-time vacation jobs well within the working hour rules. Sites like Jobmensa.de, Studitemps.de, and Zenjob.com are popular as recruiters understand the legal framework for international students, making the process smooth and transparent. Students can also visit general portals like Indeed.de, StepStone.de, etc. for a variety of job hunts.
Sometimes, the best way to find a job is to walk into local cafés, bars, or shops and hand in your CV—first impressions matter. Visit official pages and submit short applications with intention and inquiry for job positions, attached with a tailored CV. Many companies do internal hiring without job posts, making this approach useful.
Networking is a powerful and often job-grabbing opportunity for hidden job positions that are provided through recommendations before public hiring. The best way is to inform people around you and reach out to professors for positions. Attend job fairs, company presentations, and workshops where students can meet recruiters and make strong impressions with networking opportunities.
As an international student, it's important to remember that your main goal is earning your degree—part-time work should support, not distract from, your studies. It is advised to work in fields relevant to education, as it can play a crucial role in career growth.
Securing a part-time job is more than just a cash grab; it is a golden opportunity to build a professional network, gain valuable international experience, and integrate into German culture. The process can be complex due to visa rules, language barriers, and German-style applications; each step is manageable with correct information.
Start early, follow rules, and network; it will open more doors than you can imagine. Visit StudentConnect today for detailed information and guidance.
Viel Erfolg!
