Part Time Work Options for International Students in Germany

Part-time work option in Germany: Many factors affect a student’s decision to choose a country to study abroad. While a majority of students are still hooked on the top universities in Germany, others look for extensive programmes and research options, and the rest look for favourable post-study work options in the country to leap into studying abroad. Germany as a country takes its education very seriously and their state-of-the-art infrastructure coupled with modern amenities and an extensive array of courses available for students only make the country one of the top destinations for Indians and foreign students. 

In this article, we will be focussing on the part-time work options available for Indian students travelling to Germany. The rules attached to it and every other detail that would be important for an international student. Part-time jobs are a great way to earn a little extra money on the side to enjoy your stay in the country, and also at the same time, it acts as a stepping stone towards your professional goal. Whatever may be the reason, Part-time work opportunities are a great way to utilize time for monetary benefits. However, international students in Germany would have to abide by a certain set of rules and regulations laid down by the administration when it comes to part-time jobs. Read on as we explain to you all the nuances of part-time work options in Germany for international students. 

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There are a couple of aspects to part-time work in Germany. One is the eligibility and laws relevant to part-time work options for international students, the second is the sources of the part-time job in Germany and finally the most obvious – the jobs available to international students in Germany. Let’s look at them individually.

Part-time work options in Germany for International Students 

Student part-time jobs in Germany: International students travelling to Germany would only be allowed entry with a German Student Visa. The German student visa will allow international students a slew of benefits, the most important being to take up part-time employment along with their studies while in Germany. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind during your study in Germany. 

1. Candidates are allowed to work for a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year as a student. This, however, might vary from high-employment regions to low-employment regions. Simply put, if your university is in a location that has high unemployment rates, or requires more manpower, you might just get a work permit of more than 120 days. Self-employment or freelancing is not allowed under the part-time work option. 
2. Usually, as per university norms, a student would not be allowed to work for more than 20 hours a week during the term. Students, however, can take up full-time employment during vacations.
3. A work permit from the "Agentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) and the foreigners' authority is required. The permit would have details of the maximum limit of work a student can take up.  
4. If you are enrolled in a preparatory course or a language course, the regulations are tighter. As such, you are allowed only to work during the lecture-free periods and only with explicit permission to do so from the foreign authority.
5. Taxation is another concern. A student earning less than 450 euros a month need not pay any taxes/ social security contributions. Also, if you work for less than 50 continuous days over one year, you are exempted as well.
6. Working for more than 20 hours a week is generally not advised. Not only is it against most university rules, but working more than this limit would require you to pay health insurance, unemployment as well as nursing care insurance.
7. Compliance with Federal Law is extremely important. If you are found to be flouting them, you can find yourself being expelled from the country. So, keep the checks in place, conform to the rules, and have your permit in place.
8. When it comes to working within the university, though, the working hours and wages are completed differently. They are far better and you can work for long hours as well. Getting a job at the university, however, might not be as easy.

Part-time Job Posting for International students

A lot of times, students planning to undertake part-time work are often confused about the source of such job postings. Rest assured we are going to provide students with the best possible assistance here. The most reliable places to look for part-time jobs in Germany for international students are as follows. 

• University Career Cells: Most universities have a dedicated career centre whose sole purpose is to bring together employers and students on a common platform. The university career cells are constantly in touch with a wide range of industries and employers who are scouting for fresh talent. International students are advised to approach their university career cells for part-time work opportunities.  
• Online Job Portals: Just like in India, countries abroad have job portals that have part-time jobs listed on its website. Employers post job openings on these websites that can be applied for by International students looking for employment. 
• Word of mouth: Every country would have an international community made up of students from similar backgrounds. Hence word of mouth or simply informing friends or acquaintances about job openings is a good way to land yourself a part-time job in Germany. 
• University Bulletin: A lot of times your centre of study, your university can become a good job-hunting ground. Depending on your area of expertise and skills, students can find numerous part-time job opportunities in the university itself. 

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Part-time job sectors for international students in Germany

As mentioned earlier, in this article we will be talking about the part-time work options in Germany for international students. In this section, we are going to be discussing the popular part-time job sectors for international students studying in Germany. 

Teaching / Graduate/ Research Assistants at the University

Typically, the job of teaching/ graduate assistants is open to research scholars and pays decent enough money. These jobs include assisting the professor with marking copies, giving tutorials, or preparing research literature, as supervisors, as librarians, etc. On a hierarchy of the kinds of jobs available, these are at the top of the line. You have to be good and apply early to get one. These jobs are well advertised on the university notice boards and you can find them with the department you are part of.

As support staff/ waiters at cafés, bars, etc.

Waiting or catering assignments are often the most famous jobs among kids. Many students opt for this for more reasons than money. While the pay may not be more or even basic, it gives the student a great opportunity to explore the city, meet new people, and simply unwind after the day at the university. Not to forget, the tips are good too.

English Tutors

Another lucrative part-time job in Germany for students is teaching English to German Students. There are often private tuitions and is a decent payout. You have to be proficient in the language though and for Indian students, this might not be so forthcoming! A student from the UK, for instance, would be more eligible.

Industrial Production Assistants

These are well-paying jobs and are a good option for students looking for some experience and a more relevant employment option after their studies. With Germany giving you a 1-year post-study work permit with your student visas, finding these jobs could be the precursor to a career in Germany. A student can find these jobs in the local newspapers.

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Part-time Job Salary in Germany: How much do they pay?

Coming to the most important aspect now…the earnings you can expect from part-time jobs in Germany for international students. The minimum wage in Germany for international students has been set at €9.19 an hour (2019) and students can earn more depending on their work. The minimum wage is updated every two years. Usually, the wages are higher in big cities but the cost of living in those cities is also on the higher side. This is the average pay at which a student need not pay any taxes. A research assistant, however, would earn more than that and would be exempt as well.

Students on part-time jobs can earn up to 450 euros per month without having to pay taxes. However, once they exceed the limit on a regular monthly basis they would have to obtain a tax number and start paying taxes. They can file tax returns at the end of every financial year.  As a piece of parting advice, we would like to simply say, part-time jobs are not a way to pay for your education. It can be a good source of pocket money and socialization and nothing else. But if Germany is your country, there are many scholarships available as well as student loans easily available.

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• Cost of Studying in Germany
• How much do students earn in part-time jobs while studying abroad?
• Scholarships to Study in Germany

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