For part-time jobs in Germany, students must receive at least the statutory minimum wage of €13.90 per hour (approximately ₹1,529) in 2026. International students from non-EU countries can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. Common options include working-student (Werkstudent) roles, retail and hospitality jobs, and delivery services, which students can find through job portals such as StepStone and Indeed Germany.
In Germany, the availability of part-time jobs depends on factors such as the student's location, German-language skills, previous experience, and class schedule. Jobs related to a student's field of study, such as working-student roles, can also provide relevant work experience and may support future career opportunities after graduation.
Best Part-Time Jobs in Germany for Students
Students can choose from many jobs depending on their course schedule, previous experience, German-language skills, and career interests. University-based jobs are often useful because they can provide experience related to the student's field of study.
Job Role
Approx. Hourly Salary (EUR/INR*)
Research Assistant
€14–€22 (₹1,540–₹2,420)
Student Assistant
€14–€21 (₹1,540–₹2,310)
Retail Assistant
€13.90–€16 (₹1,529–₹1,760)
Tutor
€15–€25 (₹1,650–₹2,750)
Restaurant/Café Staff
€13.90–€16 (₹1,529–₹1,760)
Delivery Driver
€13.90–€17 (₹1,529–₹1,870)
Warehouse Assistant
€13.90–€18 (₹1,529–₹1,980)
Freelance/Online Work
€15–€30+ (₹1,650–₹3,300+)
Note: Actual pay can vary by employer, city, experience, skills, and German-language ability.
How Much Can Students Earn From Part-Time Jobs in Germany?
The part-time job salary in Germany depends mainly on the hourly wage and the number of hours worked. At the legal minimum wage of €13.90 per hour, a student working 10 hours per week for four weeks could earn around €556 per month (₹61,160) before deductions.
Average Part-Time Salary in Germany for Students
For example, a student working around 10–20 hours per week at €13.90–€18 per hour could have an illustrative gross monthly earning of approximately:
Weekly Hours
Illustrative Monthly Earnings (EUR/INR)
10 hours
€556–€720 (₹61K–₹79K)
15 hours
€834–€1,080 (₹92K–₹1.19L)
20 hours
€1,112–€1,440 (₹1.22L–₹1.58L)
These figures are simple illustrations based on four weeks per month and should not be considered guaranteed student income. Actual earnings depend on the hourly rate, shifts available, deductions, and employment arrangement.
Factors That Affect Student Earnings
Several factors can change how much a student earns:
Type of job: Research and technical roles can pay more than some entry-level service jobs.
Hourly wage: Employers can pay above the statutory minimum.
German-language skills: German can open up more customer-facing and local opportunities.
Location: Wages can be higher in some large cities, but cost of living in Germany are also usually higher.
Previous experience: Relevant work experience can help students qualify for better-paid positions.
Number of hours worked: More hours can increase gross income, subject to the applicable work rules.
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany?
International students can search for jobs through several channels rather than relying on one website.
University career portals
Universities often advertise student assistant, research, library, administration, and other campus positions. DAAD recommends checking student services, university notice boards, and institute offices for academic assistant opportunities.
Student job websites
Student-focused job portals can help you find flexible positions. Search using terms such as:
Studentenjob
Werkstudent
Minijob
Studentische Hilfskraft
Aushilfe
Company career pages
Large companies regularly advertise working-student positions. These can be especially useful for students studying:
IT and computer science
Business
Engineering
Data science
Finance
Marketing
LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be useful for finding working-student and internship opportunities, particularly with international companies.
Local job portals
The Federal Employment Agency also provides job-search services, while universities and student services may maintain their own vacancy listings.
Networking through university
Professors, classmates, student organizations, career fairs, and university events can also lead to opportunities.
For part time jobs in germany for indian students, it is useful to search both English-speaking and German-speaking positions. Students should also search specifically for Werkstudent and Minijob roles, as these are common employment categories for students.
Requirements to Work Part-Time in Germany
The requirements depend on your nationality, residence status, type of employment, and working arrangement.
International students should check their residence permit before accepting a job. Non-EU students studying in Germany can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without additional approval.
Documents Required
Students may commonly need:
Passport
Residence permit or visa
University enrollment certificate
Tax identification number
Social security number
German bank account, where required by the employer
Employment contract
The exact documents can differ depending on the employer and job.
German Language Requirements
Not every student job requires German. International companies, universities, research groups, startups, and some technology roles may offer positions where English is enough.
However, German can make a significant difference when applying for:
Retail jobs
Restaurants and cafés
Customer service
Local offices
Healthcare-related student roles
Tutoring
Administrative positions
DAAD notes that employers generally expect strong German skills outside areas such as research and IT, although requirements vary by position.
Taxes and Social Security for Student Jobs in Germany
Students may have to pay taxes or social-security contributions depending on their income, employment type, working hours, and length of employment. Germany also has a Minijob income limit of €603 per month in 2026.
Students earning above the applicable Minijob limit may have different tax and insurance obligations. DAAD notes that students with regular earnings above the Minijob threshold may have tax deductions, while social-security contributions depend on the employment arrangement and duration.
Minijob vs Werkstudent Job
Feature
Minijob
Werkstudent Job
Main purpose
Flexible part-time work
Work related to studies or professional field
Income structure
Up to €603 (INR 77,780)/month in 2026
Usually paid hourly, with earnings depending on hours and wage
Usual work
Retail, café, service, delivery
IT, engineering, research, finance, marketing
Career relevance
Depends on the role
Often closely related to the student's degree
Best suited for
Students wanting flexible extra income
Students seeking income plus career experience
A Werkstudent position can be especially useful for students who want to build German work experience before graduation. A Minijob can be easier to fit around a busy university timetable.
Job availability can differ across Germany. Larger cities have many companies, universities, startups, and service businesses, while smaller university towns can also have opportunities through local employers and campuses.
City
Common Student Jobs
Indicative Hourly Salary (EUR/INR)
Munich
Technology, research, engineering, retail
€13.90–€22 (₹1,529–₹2,420)
Frankfurt
Finance, business services, administration
€13.90–€21 (₹1,529–₹2,310)
Stuttgart
Automotive, engineering, technology, retail
€13.90–€21 (₹1,529–₹2,310)
Berlin
Startups, hospitality, retail, marketing
€13.90–€20 (₹1,529–₹2,200)
Hamburg
Logistics, business, hospitality, retail
€13.90–€20 (₹1,529–₹2,200)
Cologne
Media, retail, hospitality, marketing
€13.90–€19 (₹1,529–₹2,090)
Current job listings show working-student and part-time positions across cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and other major employment centers.
Rules for Working Part-Time in Germany as a Student
Working while studying is allowed, but international students need to understand the rules before starting employment.
Working Hours Allowed for International Students
For students from non-EU countries, the current rule allows 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. A working day of up to four hours counts as a half-day.
Alternatively, the German government states that students can work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. During semester breaks, different rules apply and students may work more extensively.
Students who want to work beyond the permitted limits should check with the Ausländerbehörde and, where applicable, the Agentur für Arbeit before taking the additional work.
Work Rules for Students from the EU and Non-EU Countries
The rules are different depending on nationality.
EU/EEA and Swiss students:
Have broad access to the German labor market.
Generally have the same employment rights as German students.
Working more than 20 hours per week can affect insurance and student-status arrangements.
Non-EU students:
Can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days annually.
Can alternatively work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods under the current rules.
Need to check their residence permit for specific conditions.
Freelancing or self-employment generally requires permission.
Breaking employment rules can create problems with residence status, so students should confirm their individual situation before starting a job.
Tips to Get a Part-Time Job in Germany
Getting the right student job can take some time, especially if you are new to Germany. These steps can make the search easier:
Prepare a German-style CV. Keep it clear, short, and focused on relevant skills.
Apply through university job portals. Campus jobs can be easier to manage with your class schedule.
Learn basic German. Even basic communication skills can help with local employers.
Apply early in the semester. Do not wait until you urgently need money.
Tailor your CV to each position. Highlight the skills the employer is asking for.
Check your residence permit before starting work. Make sure the job fits your permitted employment conditions.
Keep your academic workload in mind. A job should not regularly interfere with classes and exams.
Understand your employment contract before signing. Check hours, pay, holidays, notice period, and other conditions.
For students searching for part time jobs for students in germany, it is also worth applying for positions related to their degree. A working-student role can provide both income and useful experience for a future full-time job.
Conclusion
Part-time jobs in Germany can be a practical way for international students to earn additional income and gain experience while studying. The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 per hour in 2026 (about ₹1,529), although many student and working-student positions can offer more depending on the role and skills.
For students looking at part time jobs in Germany for Indian students salary, the actual earning potential depends on the job, hourly rate, location, German-language skills, and number of hours worked. At the same time, Indian and other non-EU students must follow Germany's employment and residence rules.
1. Can international students work in Germany without speaking German?
Yes. Some jobs in Germany, especially in international companies, startups, universities, research teams, and IT, may be available to students who speak only English. However, learning German can increase the number of jobs you can apply for.
2. Which part-time jobs are useful for building a career in Germany?
Working-student roles related to your degree can be particularly useful. For example, an engineering student may look for technical roles, while business students can explore positions in finance, marketing, or administration. These jobs can provide relevant German work experience before graduation.
3. Is a part-time job enough to cover a student's living expenses in Germany?
Usually, students should not depend entirely on part-time income to fund their studies. Earnings can help with expenses such as food, transportation, or personal costs, but rent and other major expenses can vary significantly by city.
4. How can students find English-speaking jobs in Germany?
Students can search company career pages, LinkedIn, university job portals, and student employment websites. Using search terms such as "English-speaking student job," "Werkstudent English," or "working student" can help identify suitable vacancies.
5. Do students need a German bank account to receive their salary?
Many employers ask employees to provide a German or SEPA-compatible bank account for salary payments. The exact requirement depends on the employer and payment arrangement, so students should confirm this when accepting a job.
6. Can students change from one part-time job to another in Germany?
Generally, students can change employers, but they should first check their employment contract and residence permit conditions. Non-EU students should also make sure that changing jobs does not cause them to exceed their permitted working limits.
7. Can students get paid holidays from a part-time job in Germany?
Yes. Part-time employees can have statutory paid holiday entitlement, although the number of days depends on factors such as the number of working days per week and the employment arrangement. Students should check the holiday terms in their contract.
8. Does a student's university course affect the type of job they can get?
It can. Some employers prefer students with specific academic backgrounds or technical skills. For students comparing part time jobs in Germany, positions related to their degree may offer better career value than general service jobs.
9. Can students do internships and part-time work at the same time?
It may be possible, but the total working arrangement must comply with applicable employment, residence, tax, and social-security rules. Students should also consider whether managing both commitments will affect their studies.
10. How much can students realistically save from part-time work in Germany?
The amount depends on the part time job salary in Germany, working hours, taxes or contributions, rent, and daily expenses. Students living in lower-cost cities and working a suitable number of hours may have more scope to save than those living in expensive cities.
11. Are part-time jobs in Germany for Indian students different from other international students?
The main difference is that Indian students are generally treated as non-EU students for employment and residence purposes. When evaluating part time jobs in Germany for Indian students salary, students should consider both the hourly wage and the employment restrictions that apply to their residence status. The same applies when comparing part time jobs in Germany for Indian students with opportunities available to EU students. Students looking at part time job in Germany for students salary should therefore compare the job's pay, working hours, location, language requirements, and career relevance rather than choosing a position based on salary alone.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4919 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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