- International students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, raised from 120 days in the 2024 reform
- Germany's statutory minimum wage rose to EUR 13.90 gross per hour on 1 January 2026 and is set to reach EUR 14.60 in 2027
- The tax-free minijob earnings limit is now EUR 603 per month
- University assistant (HiWi) jobs are exempt from the day limit.
International students regard Germany as an outstanding study destination for its high-quality education, comparatively low cost of living, and strong career prospects. Working part-time while studying is a common part of the experience: around two-thirds of students in Germany hold a job alongside their studies, earning extra income and building skills. Students should still budget carefully, with the officially required blocked-account benchmark at about EUR 992 per month (roughly EUR 11,904 per year) in 2026.
How Can International Students Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany?
International students can find part-time jobs in Germany through several channels. University career centres connect students with local employers, online job portals list openings across industries, and university notice boards advertise campus roles. Recruitment agencies and printed listings also help, while networking with professors often uncovers unadvertised student-assistant positions.
There are many ways for international students to find part-time work in Germany. The most useful starting points include:
- University career centres: most German universities run dedicated job centres that connect students with local employers and regularly list student-friendly vacancies.
- Job advertisements: recruiters and companies post openings in both online and print media, including local newspapers.
- Online job portals: portals such as StudentJob, Jobmensa and general job boards list part-time openings across many industries and cities.
- University notice boards: campus boards and student services often advertise on-campus roles based on location and availability.
What Are the Rules for Part-Time Work in Germany?
Since 2024, international students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days each year, roughly 20 hours per week during term. University assistant jobs are exempt from this limit, and working beyond the cap requires approval from the Federal Employment Agency and the immigration office.
- Non-EU international students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year without needing approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
- This equals roughly 20 hours per week during the semester; during official semester breaks you may work full-time.
- Working as an academic assistant (HiWi) at your university is exempt from the day limit, but you must inform the local foreigners' office (Auslaenderbehoerde).
- A mandatory internship required by your course does not count toward the 140-day limit, whereas a voluntary internship during term does count.
- On a minijob you can earn up to EUR 603 per month tax-free in 2026; regular employment above this involves health, care, pension and unemployment insurance contributions.
- EU and EEA students have the same working rights as German students and are generally not bound by the 140-day limit.
- Self-employment and freelancing require separate permission and are restricted for students.
- Students in a preparatory or language course may usually work only with prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency and the immigration office.
What Is the Minimum Wage and Part-Time Salary in Germany?
Germany's statutory minimum wage rose to EUR 13.90 per hour on 1 January 2026, and every part-time job must legally pay at least this amount. Skilled student roles such as research or academic assistants and tutors typically pay more, often between EUR 14 and EUR 20 per hour depending on the university.
Every part-time role must pay at least the statutory minimum wage, which rose to EUR 13.90 gross per hour on 1 January 2026 and is set to increase again to EUR 14.60 in 2027. Skilled campus roles, such as research and academic assistant positions, usually pay above the minimum, often in the EUR 14 to EUR 20 range depending on the university and the type of work.
Students should not rely on part-time earnings to fund their entire education, since permitted working time is limited. Those in regular employment must usually make social-security contributions covering health insurance, long-term care, unemployment and pensions. Short-term and minijob employment within the annual limits is generally exempt from these employee contributions.
Which Are the Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in Germany?
The best-paid student roles in Germany are academic and research assistant positions, tutoring, and library work, because they relate to your studies and offer flexible hours. Off-campus options like waiting tables, bartending, courier delivery, babysitting and retail cashier work are widely available and often supplemented by generous customer tips.
Common part-time jobs for international students in Germany include:
- Academic assistant (HiWi)
- Research assistant
- Library assistant
- Tutorial or teaching assistant
- Waiter or waitress
- Bartender
- Courier or delivery rider
- Babysitter
- Cashier or retail assistant
- Trade-fair and event staff
- Tutoring (for teacher-training students)
- Journalism and media work (for media students)
What Do On-Campus and Off-Campus Jobs Pay?
On-campus jobs such as academic assistant, research assistant, library helper and student tutor generally pay between EUR 14 and EUR 20 per hour and relate to your field. Off-campus roles like waiting, bartending, cashier and courier work pay from the EUR 13.90 minimum wage upward, frequently topped up with customer tips.
On-campus jobs are popular because they relate to your field and offer hours that fit around lectures. Typical roles and their approximate 2026 pay are shown below; all must meet at least the EUR 13.90 minimum wage.
| On-Campus Student Job | Typical Hourly Pay 2026 (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Academic assistant (HiWi) | 13.90 - 16 |
| Research assistant | 14 - 18 |
| Library assistant | 13.90 - 16 |
| University cafe support staff | 13.90 - 15 |
| Student tutor | 15 - 20 |
Off-campus roles may pay closer to the minimum wage, but they let you explore the city and meet new people, and tips can add up. Common off-campus jobs and their approximate 2026 pay are shown below.
| Off-Campus Student Job | Typical Hourly Pay 2026 (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Waiter or waitress | 13.90 plus tips |
| Bartender | 13.90 plus tips |
| Cashier | 13.90 - 14 |
| Babysitter | 13.90 - 16 |
| Courier or delivery | 13.90 - 15 plus tips |
Are There Part-Time Jobs in Germany for English Speakers?
Yes. While speaking German widens your options, many part-time jobs in Germany suit English speakers. Student-assistant roles at international institutes, English-language tutoring, courier delivery and waiting tables in tourist areas often need little German. Larger cities and international companies offer the most English-friendly openings for international students.
Student helper. A student-assistant position is one of the most popular roles among international students. You work at the university, often in a field linked to your studies, and the hours combine easily with lectures, usually reducing during exam periods. Duties range from running experiments and preparing teaching materials to administrative support.
Tutor. If you are passionate about a subject in your degree, tutoring can be rewarding. A tutor runs sessions that reinforce course content, preparing material alone or with help from professors. You need a talent for explaining clearly and a solid grasp of the subject. Tutors are usually hired as student assistants, so pay is comparable.
Courier. Food, clothing, books and everyday items are increasingly delivered to the door, so couriers are always in demand and work is easy to find. You should be reasonably fit, as deliveries are often made by bicycle or e-bike. Hours are set by the employer and can run into the evening; pay is usually hourly plus tips.
Waiting tables. Serving in bars and restaurants offers a change from desk work, with shifts in the afternoons, evenings and weekends that rarely clash with studies. Busy days can be demanding, but generous tips are common and often add significantly to the base pay, which must meet the minimum wage.
MS in Germany: complete guideRead →How Much Can Students Earn Tax-Free in Germany?
Students on a minijob can earn up to EUR 603 per month tax-free in 2026, equal to EUR 7,236 a year, with no income tax or employee social contributions. Earning above this threshold moves you into the midijob range, where taxes and social-security deductions gradually apply to your part-time income.
A minijob is the simplest option for students: you can earn up to EUR 603 per month, or EUR 7,236 per year, with no income tax and no employee social-security contributions. Earn more and you enter the midijob range, where deductions begin gradually. Holding several minijobs is allowed, but their combined earnings must stay under the EUR 603 monthly limit.