Working alongside your studies

In principle, you are allowed to work alongside your studies. Because your studies have priority, your weekly working hours may not exceed 20 hours during the semester. Exceptions may be weekend employment or working hours in the evening and at night. This time restriction does not apply during the semester break.

Many students work in a mini-job in which they earn a maximum of 520 euros per month and do not pay social security or pension insurance contributions. If earnings exceed 520 euros, pension insurance contributions are only paid as long as the studies remain the main occupation.

In addition, there is the option of taking on unlimited student part-time work. Your earnings, minus an allowance, will be offset against your BAföG benefits if you work during the approval period.

Work for foreign students

Students from the EU or EEA have the same access to the labor market as German students.

Students from countries outside the EU or EEA have the opportunity to work for 120 days or 240 half days per year under the law on foreigners if their residence permit allows this. This restriction also applies to lecture-free periods and waiting periods, e.g. between Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Activities beyond this scope require the approval of the immigration authority. A permit from the Federal Employment Agency is generally not required for students. However, the gainful employment must not jeopardize the actual reason for studying. Furthermore, it must not be of a self-employed or freelance nature.

As a research assistant or student assistant, on the other hand, you may work for an unlimited period of time if you have informed the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Important! However, these regulations do not apply in the first year of your stay if you are taking part in preparatory study measures. No gainful employment is permitted during this period because you should concentrate fully on preparing for your studies.