Studying in Germany can be an opportunity to gain both an internationally recognised qualification and practical work experience. For many international students, working alongside their studies can provide additional income while helping them develop professional skills and get to know the German workplace.
Germany is also home to a growing international student community. In the 2024/25 winter semester, around 492,600 international students were enrolled at German higher education institutions. So, what should you know if you want to combine your studies with work?
In this blog post
Can international students work part-time in Germany?
Yes, international students can generally work part-time while studying in Germany, although the rules depend on your nationality and residence status.
For students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, employment generally follows the same rules as for German students. Students from countries outside the EU can also work alongside their studies, within specific limits.
Working part-time can be a useful way to gain professional experience, develop transferable skills and earn additional income. However, your studies should remain your main focus, and you should make sure that any employment complies with the conditions of your residence permit.
The type of work you choose can also make a difference. A job directly related to your degree can help you apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations and begin building experience for your future career.
What types of student jobs are available in Germany?
There are several types of student jobs in Germany, ranging from flexible part-time positions to jobs closely connected to your degree.
One popular option is a working student position (Werkstudent). These roles are often related to your field of study. For example, a business student might work in marketing, sales or human resources, while a computer science student could gain experience in software development, IT or data.
Other options include:
- University or research assistant positions
- Retail and hospitality jobs
- Tutoring and language teaching
- Administrative and customer service roles
- Marketing, social media and content positions
- Minijobs
- Internships
University jobs can be particularly convenient because they are closely connected to academic life. If your main goal is career development, however, a working student position related to your degree can be especially valuable.
A Minijob can also be a flexible option if you are primarily looking for additional income. In 2026, the Minijob earnings limit is €603 per month, while Germany's statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour.
What are the legal rules for international students working in Germany?
The rules for working in Germany depend on whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss student or a student from a country outside the EU.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland generally have the same access to the German labour market as German students. During the lecture period, students are generally advised to stay within 20 hours of work per week if they want to retain their student status for social-security purposes.
For students from countries outside the EU, the current rules generally allow up to 140 full working days or 280 half-days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Alternatively, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period, subject to the applicable rules.
A working day of up to four hours counts as a half-day for the 140/280-day calculation.
There are also exceptions and special rules for certain types of employment. For example, student assistant positions at higher education institutions are treated differently from regular employment, while internships can have their own requirements.
Your residence permit is particularly important, so check its conditions before starting a job. Tax and social-security requirements can also vary depending on your employment and income.
Can international students complete internships while studying?
Yes. Internships in Germany can be an excellent way for international students to gain practical experience during their studies.
There is an important distinction between mandatory internships that form part of a degree programme and voluntary internships. Mandatory internships are generally treated differently under German employment regulations, while voluntary internships can be subject to additional requirements, including minimum-wage rules depending on the circumstances and duration.
An internship can help you understand how your chosen industry works and give you an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a professional environment.
It can also help you build your CV before graduation. For example, a student studying UX Management could gain experience at a design agency, while a student studying AI Management and Computer Science could look for an internship involving software, data, artificial intelligence or digital transformation.
For international students hoping to work in Germany after graduation, this kind of experience can be particularly useful because it allows you to start developing professional connections while you are still at university.
How can you prepare for working in Germany as a student?
The best time to prepare for work in Germany as a student is before you actually need your first job.
Start by researching the types of positions available in your chosen city and the skills employers are looking for. If you already know what you want to study, you can look at companies and industries related to your future field and see what qualifications and experience they expect.
Preparing a strong CV is another important step. You do not need extensive professional experience to make your application stand out. University projects, previous jobs, volunteering and extracurricular activities can all demonstrate skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving.
Language skills can also broaden your options. Many international companies offer English-speaking positions, but German language skills can open up additional student job opportunities, particularly in smaller businesses and customer-facing roles.
Once you arrive in Germany, make use of your university's career services, job boards, networking events and employer fairs. Starting early gives you more time to find a position that fits both your studies and your career goals.
Ready for your future in Germany?
Working alongside your studies can give you more than additional income. It can help you gain practical experience, develop valuable skills and build professional connections before you graduate.
If you are considering studying in Germany, explore your study options and start preparing for the academic and professional opportunities that await you.
Key statistics
- Around 492,600 international students were enrolled at German higher education institutions in the 2024/25 winter semester, around 5% more than the previous year.
- International students accounted for approximately 30% of first-time university entrants in Germany in 2024.
- Germany had around 2.87 million students enrolled at higher education institutions in the 2024/25 winter semester.
- Germany's statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour in 2026.
- The 2026 Minijob earnings limit is €603 per month.
- International students from countries outside the EU can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
Post summary
- International students can generally work alongside their studies in Germany, although specific rules depend on nationality and residence status.
- Common options include working student positions, university jobs, Minijobs and internships.
- Students from countries outside the EU can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year, subject to the applicable rules.
- In 2026, Germany's statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour, while the Minijob earnings limit is €603 per month.
- Preparing your CV, developing your language skills and researching employment options early can help you make the most of working while studying in Germany.