Moving to Western Europe to go to school is a brave move for personal and professional improvement. For a lot of people, being able to pay for their own studies is a must-have portion of the journey. Comprehending the terrain of jobs in Germany for students is important for everybody who wants to do well in our top global economy. ImmiTalks made this tutorial to help you learn how to handle your money, follow the law, and set yourself up for a successful profession in the future.
To do well in a foreign nation, you need to be both smart and practical. The system in Germany is set up so that you can get job experience without it getting in the way of your education. Knowing the rules of the game should be your first goal, whether you want to make enough money to pay your rent each month or get work experience in your field of study.
The Law for Students Working in Germany
The German government has made several laws to make sure that your education stays your main goal. These rules are different depending on where you come from, but they are extremely clear for people who are not from the European Union.
The Rule of 140 Days
Starting in 2026, international students will be able to work a total of 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. A full day is usually more than four hours of work, while a half day is four hours or less. You can use your days off however you like, but most students prefer to work more during semester breaks to save more money.
Weekly Hour Limits
The annual restriction is more flexible, but the weekly limit is more strict during the lecture period. You should not work more than 20 hours a week to keep your student status for social security purposes. If you work more than this, your insurance premiums could go up a lot, and the authorities might even find out that you might be breaking the terms of your residence permit. You can work full-time during the “Vorlesungsfreie Zeit” (semester break), which is a great time to make money for the next few months.
Getting Through the Financial Reality: Cost of Living
Germany is regarded for having a great quality of life, but it also has a high cost of living. Tuition at public institutions is usually free or extremely inexpensive, but you’ll need to plan your budget carefully for things like rent, health insurance, food, and transportation.
How to Budget for a Student Life
A student in a mid-sized German city should plan to spend between €950 and €1,200 a month. Rent is the biggest part of this, and it can be anything from €350 for a room in a student hostel to more than €700 for a separate flat in a city like Munich or Hamburg.
| Monthly Expense Category | Estimated Cost (€) |
| Rent & Utilities | €400 – €650 |
| Health Insurance | €125 – €130 |
| Food & Groceries | €200 – €250 |
| Internet & Mobile | €30 – €50 |
| Leisure & Misc. | €100 – €150 |
| Total Monthly Budget | €855 – €1,230 |
Many students find that they can pay for a large part, if not all, of these costs themselves by getting a steady job in Germany.
The Job Exchange Ecosystem: Looking for Work
You need to know where to look to find a job that works with your schedule. Germany has a very well-organised employment exchange network just for academics.
Career Services at the University
The first place you should look for a job is at your school’s employment exchange. Many schools have special websites where businesses and university departments can post job openings. These jobs are usually flexible with the student’s schedule and understand when they have exams.
Being a Student Assistant (HiWi)
The “HiWi” (Hilfswissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter), or student research assistant, is one of the most popular jobs. In these jobs, you help academics with their research, run labs, or tutor younger students. A HiWi job is great because it doesn’t always count toward your 140-day limit like other jobs do, and it looks great on your resume if you want to work in Germany for a long time.
Strategic Jobs to Make Money Well
Not every employment for students is the same. Depending on your language skills and work history, you can find jobs that pay a lot more than the minimum salary.
The Growth of Mini-Jobs and Midi-Jobs
The “Mini-Job” limit has gone lifted to €603 per month in 2026. This is a popular choice because students usually don’t have to pay taxes on money they make up to this amount. If you make more money, your job changes to a “Midi-Job,” where you start to pay tiny amounts of social security but also get greater benefits.
Common Areas for Part-Time Work
- Hospitality: Working in cafes or restaurants is a great way to improve your language skills and earn tips.
- Delivery Services: For those who prefer independent work, bike delivery roles are plentiful and often require minimal German.
- Retail: Supermarkets and clothing stores frequently hire students for shelf stocking or cashier roles.
- Tutoring: If you are proficient in English or a specific academic subject, private tutoring can be one of the highest-paying options available.
Long-Term Benefits: Getting a Job in Germany
There are more reasons to work while you study than merely making money right away. It is an important stage in becoming used to your job. Students from other countries who work while studying in Germany are far more likely to get a full-time job after they graduate.
From Part-Time to Full-Time
The German residence statute makes it easier to move from being a student to a permanent job. You can apply for an 18-month job-seeker visa once you get your degree. You can work any job during this time to pay your bills while you look for a job that fits your skills. Your network will be the most useful tool you have while looking for a job in Germany.
Helpful Tips for Finding a Job
- Start Early: Begin looking for work as soon as you have your “Anmeldung” (address registration) and your Tax ID.
- Learn the Language: While English-only jobs exist, even a basic (A2) level of German will double your options.
- Localize Your CV: Ensure your resume follows the German “Lebenslauf” style, which is often more structured and includes a professional photo.
- Network on Campus: Many of the best roles are found through word-of-mouth or notice boards in your department.
You can convert the problem of paying for school into a chance to progress by following these steps and keeping up with the news on ImmiTalks. Germany is a fair, controlled, and rewarding place to live and work for individuals who are ready to work hard.
Your ImmiTalks Journey
Your journey from your own country to the lecture halls of Germany is a bridge to a new life. The logistics may seem hard, but the result is a world-class education and a resume that means something throughout the world. You can make sure that your years as a student are both academically successful and financially stable by knowing the ins and outs of the job market and using your time wisely.
ImmiTalks is still dedicated to giving you the most current news and help. We’re here for you every step of the process, from applying for a visa to getting your first part-time job. Today is the first step toward your future in Germany.
FAQs
Yes, it is doable, especially in big cities like Berlin or Munich. Many jobs in warehouse logistics, food delivery, and some software businesses require people to speak English. But if you don’t know at least some German, you won’t be able to get many higher-paying jobs in retail or customer service.
The legal minimum wage in Germany is €13.90 per hour as of January 2026. This applies to all workers, even students, so you can be sure that your time is valued fairly no matter what field you work in.
It depends on what kind of internship it is. Internships that are a required part of your curriculum and are “mandatory” do not count toward your working days. But “voluntary” internships, which you do to get more experience, are counted as regular work and will be taken out of your 140-day yearly limit.
The restriction about working 20 hours a week is not dependent on how well you do in school; it is based on immigration and social security rules. Even if you are a top student, going above this limit throughout the semester can change your status, which can mean greater taxes and possible legal problems with your residence visa.
In 2026, the maximum amount you can make from a Mini-Job is €603 a month. If you work under this limit, you can retain all of your pay cheques without having to pay income tax or social security, which is a very effective method to manage your money.
The university’s “Career Service” portals and “Stellenwerk” webpages are the best places to find information. Also, sites like Zenjob, Indeed.de, and LinkedIn are great for locating both manual and professional student jobs all throughout the country.
Of course. One of the best places in the world to get work after studying is Germany. Graduates can get an 18-month residence visa to look for work that is connected to their degree. You can switch to a regular work permit or an EU Blue Card if you discover a job that fits you. This will open the door to a permanent career in Germany.
