Working as a Student in Germany: Rules, Hours and Pay

Working while you study in Germany is normal, and the rules are simpler than they look once you know the numbers.

This guide shows you how many days you can work, how much you can earn tax-free, and how to protect your student Health Insurance while you do it. All figures are current as of July 2026.

Student Jobs in Germany

There are many reasons to find a job as a student in Germany. You might want work experience in your field, some extra pocket money, or help covering your living costs. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of options.

The good news is that the German economy is very student-friendly. Many companies offer part-time roles made for students. Before you start applying, it helps to know your rights as a student worker.

You do not need to worry about working while studying. It is completely routine here, for both German and international students, and there is a lot on offer.

The Most Common Student Jobs in Germany

Here are a few part-time student jobs that are often open to international residents:

• Catering: Serving food at events or joining the waiting staff at a local restaurant. Food and drink is a major student employer.
• Academic posts: Research assistant and student tutor roles. These build your skills and income, and they do not count toward your annual day limit (more on that below).
• Retail: Shops often need staff, with flexible hours and staff discounts as perks.
• Tourism and hospitality: Seasonal work is always in demand in hotels and catering, especially in tourist cities.
• Warehousing: Germany is a major manufacturing hub, so there is steady logistics work.
• Delivery jobs: If you have a bike, you can earn money delivering for companies like Lieferando, Wolt, and similar.

Is It Easy to Get a Part-Time Job in Germany?

It is generally very easy to find work. You may just need to search for the right location, wage, and role. It also helps to pick a job that fits around your study timetable.

Working as a Student in Germany: Watch the Video

How do you combine studies and work in Germany? In our video, we answer the most common questions about being a working student.

We explain how to find a student job, the rules that may apply, and why you should watch your hours so you do not lose your Health Insurance benefits.

Can I Work While Studying in Germany?

Yes. Studying and working together is perfectly fine in Germany. There are limits on how many hours you can work before you must pay full insurance contributions, so it pays to know them.

Are International Students Allowed to Work in Germany?

Yes, and the rules depend on where you are from.

EU and EEA students have the same access to the job market as German students. You can work up to 20 hours a week during term without affecting your student status.

Non-EU students can work 140 full days or 280 half-days a year, or up to 20 hours a week during the lecture period, without needing approval from the Federal Employment Agency. This was raised from 120 full days in a 2024 reform.

The Difference Between Full and Half Days

Your annual limit is counted in days, not weekly hours. That makes it important to know the difference between a full day and a half day.

What Counts as a Full Day?

A working day of more than four hours counts as one full day. A working day of up to four hours counts as a half day. So 140 full days is the same allowance as 280 half-days.

How Many Hours Is a Full-Time Job?

In Germany, a full working week is about 40 hours. During term, students keep to a maximum of 20 hours a week. Outside term, full-time work is fine, as long as you stay within your annual day total.

How Many Hours Is a Part-Time Job?

Under German law, anything under a full week counts as part-time. If you work under 20 hours a week, that is part-time.

What About Internships and Traineeships?

A student trainee position, called a Praktikum, is a valuable way into the German job market.

A mandatory internship that your study program requires does not count toward your 140-day limit. A voluntary internship does count, and it is assessed like a regular job for tax and hours. This applies to both paid and unpaid roles, so it can help to save a little money before you start.

Planning your own internship search? Our guide on how to find the right internship in Germany walks you through it.

Payment, Taxes, and Health Insurance

When you take a job in Germany, it can affect your tax and your Health Insurance. Here is what to watch.

How Much Can a Student Earn in Germany?

Since 1 January 2026, the statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour. It rises to €14.60 in January 2027.

You can earn up to €603 a month in a mini-job without paying income tax or your own social security contributions. This is €7,236 a year. Above the mini-job limit, standard German taxes and contributions can apply.

If you earn more than the mini-job limit as a working student (Werkstudent), you can still use the working-student exemption, so you often pay only into the pension scheme while studying. Watching your hours is what keeps this cheap.

How Work Affects Your Health Insurance

Working too many hours can cost you your student Health Insurance rate. As long as you keep to 20 hours a week during term, you keep the lower student rate.

If you are insured with TK or another public insurer, going over the working-student thresholds can add contributions for nursing care and social security. That can add a real amount to your yearly bills.

Can a Student Work More Than 20 Hours a Week?

There are some exceptions. Academic jobs are treated differently. If you take a student assistant role at your university, it does not count toward your annual day quota. This is a big help for young researchers building experience.

If you do a mandatory internship while registered with an insurer, you do not lose your subsidized coverage. It lasts until your student registration ends, by which point you should be a regular employee.