Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. In the 2024-25 winter session, its international student population surpassed 405,000 – a 10% increase from the previous year – highlighting its growing appeal among international students. 

With a growing number of international students choosing Germany, many rely on part-time jobs to cover expenses such as rent and bills. Recent studies indicate that over 70% of international students work part-time in Germany for financial support, making part-time jobs a vital aspect of student life. 

If you are planning to pursue higher studies in Germany, understanding part-time opportunities before arriving can be highly beneficial. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to part-time jobs in Germany, covering work regulations, job types, and tips for finding jobs.

Learn about the High demand courses in Germany.

Part-Time Work Rules and Regulations in Germany

A part-time job allows international students to gain experience, build connections, and supplement their finances while studying. However, students must follow certain rules and regulations, which include:

• Students from EU/EEA/Switzerland are allowed to take up part-time jobs under the same conditions as German students.
• Non-EU students are allowed to work in Germany for 140 full or 280 half-working days per year. If students wish to extend their working days, additional approval from the foreigners’ registration office is required.
• Non-EU students interested in self-employment or fee-based work must seek approval from the foreigners’ registration office. Otherwise, they cannot work as freelancers or self-employed individuals.
• Non-EU students enrolled in a preparatory language course, preparatory college course, or internship placement can now work under the same rules as fully enrolled students. Previously, these students faced strict work restrictions, but since March 2024, the restrictions have been eased.
• The minimum wage applies to all students, EU and non-EU alike. However, it does not apply to students in a mandatory internship or voluntary internship lasting less than three months. As of January 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is 12.82 Euros per hour. 

Best Part-Time Jobs in Germany

Germany offers a wide range of part-time jobs, including administrative support roles, sales assistants in shops, and servers in cafes and restaurants. Here is a list of the best on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs in Germany for international students:

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs

Here are the top 5 on-campus part-time jobs for international students:

Job Type	Description	Minimum Wage
Research Assistant	A research assistant supports teaching staff in preparing teaching materials, supervising tutorials, and assisting with research projects.	13 Euros per hour
Library Assistant	Assists in borrowing books and returning books, supervising the library, maintenance, and answering questions of the library users.	13 to 15 Euros per hour
Teaching Assistant	Teaching assistants assist their professors in teaching, grading assignments, and teaching professors students.	16 Euros per hour. Some universities may pay higher wages.
IT Support	A part-time IT support assistant helps with tasks such as troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining computer hardware, and assisting in software installations and updates.	13 Euros – 16 Euros per hour. For experienced individuals, the minimum wage can be 16 Euros to 18 Euros per hour.
Campus Tour Guide/Student Ambassador	Student ambassadors give campus tours to prospective international students.	12.82 Euros – 14 Euros per hour.

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs

Here are the top 5 off-campus part-time jobs for international students:

Job Type	Description	Minimum Wage	Best For
Working Student	A working student is a student who works in a company related to his/her field (eg., IT, finance, or marketing)	14 Euros to 20 Euros per hour.	Best suited for students who are looking for experience in their field.
Software Tester	A software tester evaluates software applications to identify bugs or performance issues before the software is released into the market.	14 Euros to 22 Euros per hour.	Best suited for students who are pursuing computer science or a related field.
Retail Assistant	A retail assistant works at retail outlets such as supermarkets as a cashier or customer service representative.	15 Euros per hour.	Best suited for students with good customer service, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Freelance Translator	A freelance translator converts a text from one language to another while preserving its meaning, tone, and value.	15 Euros per hour. It can sometimes go up to 20 Euros or higher depending on the language and the complexity of the text.	Best suited for students well-versed in multiple languages.
Barista/Waiter	A barista/waiter in Germany works at cafes and restaurants serving customers and prepares coffee, tea, and other beverages.	14 Euros per hour.	Best suited for students who can multitask and operate a coffee machine efficiently.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany?

Part-time jobs in Germany can be found in various places, from university bulletins to job fairs. Here are some ways to find out part-time jobs in Germany:

• University Bulletin Boards: University bulletin boards often have flyers advertising part-time jobs. Keep an eye on these boards to find on-campus part-time jobs.
• Online job portals: Many local job portals, such as Jobmensa and StepStone, list numerous part-time jobs across various sectors. Create an account on one of these portals and get access to a wide range of opportunities.
• University career centers: Every university has a career center that helps students find employment opportunities in Germany. These centers are associated with various companies, providing students with employment opportunities. Take an appointment with your university’s career center and explore different part-time job opportunities.
• Social Media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn are some of the social media platforms where part-time jobs are frequently posted. Additionally, many local groups post part-time job opportunities on social media platforms. Follow them to stay updated on part-time jobs.
• Cafes and Retail Stores: Visit the local restaurants, cafes, and other retail stores for part-time job opportunities such as barista or sales assistant. Submit your resume and the hiring manager will contact you if a part-time job is available.

Read more: Best cities in Germany for International Students.

Are International Students Working Part-Time Required to Pay Taxes?

• Minijob: If you are taking up a low-paying job (minijob), such as a part-time waiter in a restaurant, you can earn up to €556 per month without paying income tax. This is a tax-free allowance that comes under the Minijob scheme. 
• Regular Employment: Regular workers whose earnings exceed the tax-free threshold of €12,084 per year are subjected to income tax deductions. As their income increases, their tax will also increase. However, if their income stays below €12,084 and their employer still deducts taxes from their salary, they can apply for a tax refund by filing a tax return.
• Tax Return: Part-time workers, including international students, whose tax has been deducted from their salary despite earning below the tax-free threshold (€12,084) can apply for a tax refund by filing a tax return.

Discover Scholarships in Germany to fund your studies.

Conclusion

Part-time jobs in Germany allow international students to support themselves financially. Whether you are working as a waiter or student assistant at your university, every penny earned will ease your financial burden. Choose the right job role, one that aligns with your field, and ensure that you follow the work regulations for a seamless work experience while studying.

FAQs