Part-Time Jobs in Germany: A Complete Guide for International Students

Germany has emerged as a top choice for international students due to its top-notch educational system, reasonably priced tuition, and plenty of employment opportunities. However, some students might discover it difficult to manage their expenses while studying abroad. For this reason, a lot of students choose part-time jobs in Germany in order to pay for their living expenses and obtain useful work experience. Students can work while they are still in school thanks to flexible career options like part-time jobs. These jobs are commonly found in sectors like hospitality, tutoring, and research support.

It is undoubtedly beneficial to consult with reputable German education consultants who have years of experience with the German educational system. This guide gives you all the information you need to find a part-time job in Germany.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Part-Time Work in Germany

2. Eligibility and Work Regulations

3. Popular Part-Time Job Options

   • Werkstudent (Working Student Jobs)

   • HiWi (University Assistant Jobs)

   • Food & Hospitality Sector

   • Retail & Supermarkets

   • Tutoring & Language Coaching

   • Logistics and Delivery

4. Payment, Work Hours, and Taxes

5. Benefits of Working Part-Time

6. How to Find Part-Time Jobs

   • University Career Centres

   • Online Portals

   • On-Campus Openings

   • Networking

   • Walk-in Applications

7. Tips to Balance Work and Studies

8. Rights and Obligations of Student Workers

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10. Conclusion

Overview of Part-Time Work in Germany

Germany has emerged as a top choice for international students because of its top-notch educational system, affordable tuition, and active student community. However, living expenses while studying overseas can vary from €850 to €1,200 per month, depending on the city. In addition to helping students pay for things like rent, groceries, and transportation, part-time jobs also give them practical experience and boost their self-esteem.
International students can find work alongside their studies more easily in major student hubs like Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart because they offer a variety of part-time job options.

Eligibility and Work Regulations

International students from outside the EU/EEA are allowed to work under specific regulations:

• Up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without needing additional authorization.

• Students enrolled in language or preparatory courses may require permission from the Federal Employment Agency.

• Work should not interfere with academic commitments.

• Income above €520 per month may be subject to taxes and social security contributions.

Staying under the €520 threshold helps students avoid heavy deductions while earning money to support themselves.

Popular Part-Time Job Options

Werkstudent (Working Student Jobs)

• Found in tech companies, startups, manufacturing, and consultancy firms.

• Tasks include data entry, social media management, software testing, and marketing assistance.

• Offers valuable professional experience in your field of study.

HiWi (University Assistant Jobs)

• Available at libraries, IT departments, student services, and research labs.

• Ideal for students looking for academic or research experience.

Food & Hospitality Sector

• Cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and hotels frequently hire students.

• Positions include kitchen staff, customer service, and front-office support.

Retail & Supermarkets

• Chains like Aldi, Lidl, REWE, and DM often employ students as cashiers, shelf stockers, or sales assistants.

Tutoring & Language Coaching

• Students fluent in English, French, or other languages can offer tutoring to children or peers.

Logistics and Delivery

• Companies like DHL, Lieferando, and Flink provide evening and weekend shifts for students.

Payment, Work Hours, and Taxes

• The minimum wage in Germany is currently around €12 per hour, with some jobs offering €14–€18 depending on skills and sector.

Work Hours Breakdown

• Semester: Up to 20 hours/week.

• Semester Breaks: Full-time work allowed within the 120-day rule.

Taxes and Deductions

• Earnings above €520/month may include income tax, pension contributions, and health insurance.

• Students earning below this limit can usually reclaim any taxes paid during periodic tax returns.

Benefits of Working Part-Time

Part-time jobs offer much more than financial relief:

• Develop time management and work ethics.

• Improve German language skills.

• Expand professional networks.

• Gain confidence and independence.

• Add work experience to your CV, enhancing employability.

• Long-term positions may be offered if students perform exceptionally well.

  How to Find Part-Time Jobs

University Career Centres

• Many universities organize job fairs and maintain portals for student employment opportunities.

Online Portals

• Popular websites include:

  • Indeed

  • StepStone

  • Jobmensa

  • LinkedIn

  • Glassdoor

On-Campus Openings

• Check notice boards, libraries, labs, and student unions for part-time positions.

Networking

• Leverage connections with classmates, alumni, and community groups.

Walk-in Applications

• Cafés, retail stores, and small businesses often accept direct applications from students.

Tips to Balance Work and Studies

• Stick to a daily schedule to manage time efficiently.

• Prefer weekend or evening shifts to keep weekdays free for study.

• Prioritize assignments and exams over work commitments.

• Avoid jobs far from your accommodation.

• Inform employers of your academic calendar in advance.

Rights and Obligations of Student Workers

German labour law ensures student workers are protected:

• Minimum wage compliance.

• Paid breaks for longer shifts.

• Written contracts and payslips for every month.

• Safe and healthy working conditions.

Students must also respect employer rules, schedules, and contractual agreements to maintain a good working relationship.