Working hours for students in Germany​: Everything you need to know

Working while studying in Germany is a great way to understand culture, gain workplace experience, and earn pocket money. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into studying and working in Germany, how long a student can work, work restrictions, and more.

Yes, students can study and work in Germany. International students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland and third countries (i.e., non-EU/EEA/Switzerland) are allowed to work in Germany.

The working hours (for students) in Germany are 140 full or 280 half working days per year. This is noted in the (supplementary sheet to your) residence title.

Basically, students can work up to 20 hours per week.

They (students) must be paid at least the minimum wage (except for internships), which is roughly €12.82 per hour.

Note on working hours for students in Germany:

• Only days that are actually worked are counted in the above working hours. This means holidays, public holidays and sick days are not counted.
   
• Half working days are working days with up to 4 working hours.
   
• They are calculated for each calendar year. For instance, if a student started working from February 1st, they can work (140 full or 280 half days) till December 31st.
   
• Voluntary internships (worked days on) also count towards these 140 full or 280 half working days. However, compulsory internships as part of a degree do not count.
   
• If students wish to work more than the permitted number of days, they need prior written approval from the foreigners’ registration office.
   

Students from third countries can work only on a fee-based or self-employed basis with permission from the foreigners’ registration office.

Notes:

Self-employed means invoicing employers for work performed.

Preparatory language course/internships: students in a preparatory college course can work in the same way as during their studies.

Students can work as assistants (academic or student) in the university/Studierendenwerk/student’s union. Or they can work in jobs that are closely connected to their studies. Students can work for an unlimited period of time (as long as it doesn’t affect their studies).

Fee-based work needs permission from the foreigners’ registration office.

Generally, students do not need a separate work permit if they work within the stipulated time. Students who wish to work above those limits require a work permit in Germany.

Students can apply for a work permit in Germany through the foreigners’ registration office. Of course, not every student will get the work permit. But they can apply.

Yes, students can work post-study in Germany with a post-study work visa. It allows students to stay and work in Germany for up to 18 months after completing their studies.

Students can apply for a post-study work permit (visa) in Germany directly after successful completion of their studies. Students can:

• Gather all the required documents.
   
• Book an appointment with the foreigners’ registration office.
   
• Submit the application.
   
• Wait for the visa decision.

Note: Students' temporary residence permit must still be valid when applying for a post-study work permit.

Applying to study in Germany can be daunting. Students need to understand the application process for different courses and universities, their entry requirements, costs, scholarships (if any), visa application and more. That is why students should seek professional help, and one of the best experts for studying in Germany is Search Education.

We have over 10 years of experience helping students toward their dream of studying abroad. We are an ethical educational consultancy with a long track record of integrity and honesty. We provide study abroad services, including career counselling, program and university selection, scholarship guidance, visa application lodgement, visa interview prep and more.

Our CELTA- and PGCTE-certified instructors with 20+ years of experience teach English language classes (IELTS (pretty soon online IELTS class)and PTE) and mock tests (both IELTS and PTE) to go alongside them. So, feel free to reach out to us.

Don’t just take our word for it; read what our alumni say.

• https://www.bamf.de/SharedDocs/Anlagen/EN/Integration/bildung-und-beruf-in-deutschland.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=12