Employment of students during their studies in Germany is an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills, improve language proficiency, and address various financial concerns. If you have decided to work in Germany, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations for international students. Mistakes can be costly, leading to increased taxes and insurance contributions.
International students who have come to attend language courses in Germany are allowed to work, provided they comply with the relevant legal provisions. However, studies should remain the top priority. In this article, we will discuss the permissible amount of work and the earning opportunities available to students in Germany.
Rules for Student Employment in Germany
Combining studies and work is common in Germany. Students from EU countries have certain restrictions: they may not work more than 140 full (8-hour) days or 280 half days (up to 4 hours) per year.
Students from the EU or other countries may not work more than 20 hours per week during the semester. Unlimited employment is allowed during semester breaks.
If a student receives a scholarship, they can work. However, the amount of the scholarship determines the working hours and the income limit.
How Much Do Students Earn in Germany?
You can earn up to 538 euros per month tax-free. It is possible to earn more, but then contributions will be due. These can be reclaimed at the end of the year by filing a tax return.
The minimum wage in Germany is about 12 euros per hour. More qualified jobs pay up to 15 euros per hour. Exceeding these limits may result in taxes on salary or income.
In any case, an annual tax return must be filed for the period in which you combine work and studies in Germany.
Types of Work Available to Students in Germany
Here are the most popular earning opportunities:
Working Student
This is employment in a field related to your studies. This type of work has many benefits:
- You can apply your knowledge in practice.
- You gain professional experience and enhance your resume.
- There is a possibility that the company may offer you a permanent position later.
- You can earn well.
- You meet people from the industry in which you work.
- You are entitled to vacation.
Freelancer
Any self-employment requires approval from the relevant immigration authority. The officials will decide whether the work might interfere with your studies and academic goals.
Minijob
This is an official job that requires registration with the employment office. You can earn up to 538 euros per month, with a weekly working time of about 10 hours. The minimum wage is 13.5 euros per hour starting January 2024. No income tax is due.
Internship
There are different types of internships: compulsory internship, voluntary internship, and foreign internship. A compulsory internship is part of the study plan and therefore unpaid. For a voluntary internship lasting longer than 3 months, the minimum wage may be paid.
Part-time Job
This type of employment falls between a minijob and full-time employment. You can earn 520–2000 euros per month. In this case, insurance contributions must be paid. There are also benefits: entitlement to vacation and continued payment of wages in case of illness.
How Do Students Find Jobs in Germany?
Unfortunately, the job market in Germany is quite competitive. Finding a good job that fits with studies or language courses is not easy.
Here are some tips to achieve your goal:
- Social networks are the best way to find work. Post an ad on your profile or contact acquaintances personally.
- Visit job portals such as englishjobs.de or jobboerse-direkt.de.
- Find work as a language teacher.
- Contact your university’s counseling center.
Do you have more questions about job hunting for international students in Germany? Contact the experts at IISC Institute – we are happy to advise you.
You can also contact us if you want to study German language online or join an intensive German course in Germany.
01-08-2024