Part-time jobs in Germany (2024)

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Outside the university

To find a part-time job outside youruniversity, you can search ononline job boards, and often, there are also job offers at theStudierendenwerk. Sometimes, it is also worth looking in local and regional newspapers.Typical student jobs outside of uni include waitressing, working at fairs, and courier services. Tutoring is also a good way for international students to supplement their budget.

Through the Federal Employment Agency

TheEmployment Agencyhas ajob placement service for students. You can also get personal advice there. So a visit is definitely worthwhile if you are looking for a part-time job!

What are the rules and restrictions about working as an international student?

International students in Germany definitely have the opportunity toearn money while studying. For example, you can work as waiters, research assistants (e.g., preparing research literature) or provide tutoring (e.g.in your native language). This is especially interesting for international students working during their lecture-free time, as you can earn some extra pocket money or even cover their living costs.

However,there are certain rules and restrictions, especially for students from non-European countries. Please keep this in mind because it is extremely important for you if you are not from the European Union:

• Limited working hours:International students are allowed to work120 full days or 240 half days per year. This means that they cannot accept continuous full-time jobs lasting one year.

Note:If you want to work more, you need the approval of the Employment Agency and the Foreigners' Registration Office. The only exception is working as a research assistant (Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft). This can be done for an unlimited period of time. However, the Foreigners' Office must be informed about this, and the university rules must also be adhered to.

• Restricted employment:Self-employment isnotallowed for international students.

Do international students in Germany have to pay social security contributions?

You only have to pay social security contributions if you have a permanent full-time job in the country.Anyone who is permanently employed in Germany pays the following contributions: Health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and nursing care insurance.

Tip:Keep your employment under or equal to20 hours per week.This ensures that youdo not violate university regulations and do not have to pay insurance contributions. If you work more hours, you will have to pay certain insurance contributions, just like all German students.

Do I have to pay taxes as an international student in Germany?

Students can earn up to€520per month without paying taxes. However, as soon as youregularly exceed this limit, you have to pay taxes. The tax number will be sent to you automatically by mail after you have received your residence permit and registered your address with the city. Be sure to keep this letter.

What are the best part-time jobs for international students in Germany?

These jobs are great for international students:

1. Student assistant

One of themost popular jobs among international studentsis that of a student assistant. The reasons are obvious: You work at the university, often in a field related to your studies, and you caneasily combine your working hours with your studies. Jobs as a student assistant usually offer the opportunity to work regular hours during the semester and to reduce your working hours during the exam period.

Your tasks as a student assistant can vary greatly. Depending on which institute you are assigned to, you will work on experiments, compile material for lectures, provide administrative support, or work on theoretical projects.

The salary range in this job is fromabout €12to €17 per hour.

2. Tutor

If you are particularly passionate about the content of a seminar in your degree program and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, this job can be especially rewarding for you.A tutor organizes courses that reinforce the study content as an exercise. Tutors either prepare the content themselves or get help from professors or other university staff.

You should have a talent for teaching and speaking freely and be very interested in the subject matter. You should also be prepared for possible background questions and therefore have a thorough knowledge of the subject.

Your salary will be comparable to that of a student assistant, as you will be employed as such under contract.

3. Courier

Food, clothes, books, medicines, and almost everything else we need on a daily basis can be delivered directly to our doorstep nowadays.As a courier, you will find a job very quicklybecause they are always needed.

As an international student, you will most likely be delivering by bike, so you should be physically fit for the job. Some delivery services also use e-bikes. Your hours will depend on your employer but can extend into the late evening.

Your wages will be paid by the hour or per delivery, depending on the company. You will also receive a small tip from many customers, which can be used to supplement your salary.Courier drivers receive about€12to €14per hour.

4. Waiting tables

Waitressing can be a job that serves as a communicative balance to studying at a desk all day. You'll often work afternoons, evenings, and weekends in bars or restaurants, so the job doesn't clash with your studies. Some days the job can be pretty stressful, but lots of guests also mean lots of tips. This is actually the biggest plus of the job because there is hardly any other job where tipping is so important.

However, the supervisors also know this and therefore often pay no more than €12.5p0per hour.On good days, however, it is not uncommon to earn more intips than in the best-paid student jobs.

5. Part-time jobs for English speakers

Speaking German will greatly boost your job prospects. Nevertheless,you can also find part-time jobs on the job market that are well-suited for English speakers with little or no knowledge of German. All of the above jobs can be done even if you speak only English.

While it can be difficult to waitress in English in the countryside, it should not be a problem in big cities like Berlin. It is easier to find jobs in big cities on an English-speaking basis.

Conclusion

The decision on which part-time position to apply for should depend mainly on your personal interests. As an international student, you should alsobe careful not to violate any rules related to your visa status. The time as a student employee is often a good time to gain an impression of later professional life. Not only do you gain a few extra euros in your bank account, but you also improve your resume and your professional and social skills.

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