Part Time Work Options for International Students in Germany

For several international students, getting educational opportunities in Germany is a dream come true. With various top-notch and high-ranking universities and colleges, students can make the most of their academic prospects and career-building avenues.

Once you grab an opportunity to procure the best educational option in Germany, you can simultaneously explore part-time job prospects that not only give you extra pocket money but also polish your professional portfolio, employment skills, work experience, and communication skills.

In this blog, we will delve deep into the application process and the endless opportunities you can explore as an international student in Germany.

Why Should You Consider Part-Time Jobs While Studying In Germany?

Given below are some important reasons why you need to consider taking up part-time jobs in Germany.

1. Extra Income

An international student needs approximately 900-950 EUR per month to cover their monthly expenses. You can explore part-time opportunities to cover this and have a better lifestyle in the long run.

2. Upscale Your Skills

As a student, it is important to be acquainted with various technical, professional, managerial, communication, and operational skills that you can acquire only with real-life job experience.

3. Build a Strong Portfolio

Working part-time adds a segment of employment to your professional portfolio. It will give you a heads-up and preference over other candidates without experience when applying for a full-time job.

Work Regulations and Visa Requirements

Let's take a look at some of the key work regulations and work visa requirements for students in Germany:

For international students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland

Note that you will have the same rights as any other German student and can work more than 20 hours every week. However, like other Germans, you may also be required to contribute towards the insurance contributions.

For other International Students in Germany

For all other international students in Germany, the following rules apply:

1.Working hours in Germany for students

You can only work for 120 full working days or 240 half-working days as a student in Germany (not applicable to students working as academic assistants).

2.Visa requirements

To work for extra hours, you need a work permit and prior permission from the local employment agency and the foreigners’ registration office.

3. For students who are into language or preparatory courses

You can work part-time only during your recess or break time, that too after seeking permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the Immigration Office.

4. Restrictions at work

You won't be allowed to work as a freelancer or start a business of your own (or indulge in any kind of self-employment)

Job Opportunities on Campus

One of the highly recommended part-time jobs in Germany for students involves working on campus. You can work as a researcher, tutorial assistant, library assistant, part-time student counselor, etc.

Why Should You Work on Campus?

Working on campus gives you the following benefits:

Convenience- You save on travel costs and time to reach your workplace.
Flexible schedules - There is 100% flexibility and transparency, considering your study hours and required attendance at the university.
Supportive environment- Since your place of study and work is the same, you get the benefit of working with people you know and are comfortable with.

How to Find and Apply for On-Campus Jobs?

To look for on-campus part-time jobs, you must do the following:

Keep in contact with fellow students and friends, who will help you if they find out a good opportunity for you.
Apply online on job portals, and keep a constant check on the requirement, eligibility, and job openings.
Keep a close watch on the latest university job postings occasionally published on formal bulletin boards, newsletters, or official websites.
You must contact professional consultants and seek guidance on part-time work options for foreign students in Germany. You can also visit the Affiniks Enquiry page for more information regarding on-campus jobs in Germany.

Checkout the Free Education options in Germany for Indian Students-Click Here

Off-Campus Job Options

If you want to explore your skills, talents, and expertise outside your campus, there are several part-time jobs for students that are available off-campus as well. Some of the best off-campus jobs are the following:

Working in restaurants, hotel receptions, or media houses
You can become a personal tutor or a babysitter.
Teach English or any area of expertise that you are comfortable with.
You can work with courier services or other administrative services.
You can work online as a content writer, transcriber, book narrator, graphic designer, or video editor.

How to Find the Best Off-Campus Jobs in Germany?

The best way to find off-campus part-time jobs is either through word of mouth or by surfing regularly through job portals and employment newsletters. There are several digital job search platforms and resources that you can rely on.

You can also visit the Affiniks Enquiry page for more information on off-campus jobs in Germany.

Work-Life Balance and Time Management

Here are some tips that will help you maintain a work-life balance and manage your time well:

Work only for 20 hours or less per week- This will help you adhere to the compliance parameters of the university, and you get the benefit of not paying for insurance contributions.
Off-campus job hours can affect your study period - Another tip is to avoid spending too many hours working on off-campus jobs.
All work and no play can affect your health – Don’t overwork yourself, and make time for entertainment and recreation. Overworking yourself, getting stressed about studies, and focusing too much on earning money can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Language Requirements and Language Exchange Programs

To make the most of the cutting-edge knowledge and experience that you can gain from working part-time as a student in Germany, you must take up a language course to learn about German culture and the European lifestyle.

Here are some of the best language exchange programs or language courses that can help improve language proficiency:

Assess your current level and go for the required course, which depends on your grade - A1 (beginner level), A2 (Elementary level), B1 (Intermediate level), and B2 (Upper intermediate level)
Apply for student exchange and immersion programs
You can also look at online reference materials and participate in interactive exercises and speaking/writing practices.

Rights and Responsibilities as an Employee

Here are some important factors that you must know before you start your part-time job in Germany:

Taxation

International students working for less than 50 days a year or earning less than 450 EUR a month don’t need to pay taxes or make social security contributions.

Minimum wages

The minimum wages for international students in Germany depend on your job profile, location, skills, and experience. However, the part-time job salary in Germany for international students approximately remains around 9.82 EUR per hour (Jan 2022). And it can go as high as 12 EUR without any limit for online job-seekers based on their expertise and experience.

Employee Contracts

Under section 14(1) of TzBfG, fixed-term employment contracts are allowed for up to 2 years where it is not subject to the time-limited employment contract.

Unlimited vacation/paid time off policies

The paid time off in Germany is 20 days each year for a five-day working week as stipulated by the Federal Vacation Act.

Final Words

It is a personal choice of every international student in Germany whether to go for a part-time job or not. However, it is recommended to take up this opportunity to brush up on your social skills, and professional expertise, strengthen your portfolio, make some extra bucks, and gain some relevant work experience.

Follow the law, don’t violate the part-time student regulations, and make the most of part-time work opportunities in Germany. For more information about the same, head over to Affiniks. The experts will help you shape your career, explore unlimited possibilities, and broaden your professional and academic horizons in the long run.