The Ultimate Guide to Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Germany
Let’s get straight to the point…. you need money. We all do.
Living as a student in Germany can be pricey, with costs for rent, groceries, and the occasional Döner kebab adding up quickly.
The good news? You are allowed to work while you study.
Even better, I’ve done the research and the hustling for you so you can avoid the trial and error.
Here’s everything you need to know about part-time jobs in Germany, from where to find them to how much you can earn.
Two Types of Part-Time Jobs in Germany
1. Working Student Jobs (Werkstudent) – The “Professional” Route”
These are career-boosting positions in companies related to your field of study. Examples include:
– Marketing assistant
– IT support
– Engineering intern
– Research assistant at your university
Benefits:
– Builds your resume
– Often pays better than mini-jobs
– Can lead to a full-time job after graduation
2. Mini-Jobs – The “Hustle” Route”
These are flexible, low-commitment gigs, such as:
– Restaurant server
– Supermarket cashier
– Amazon warehouse worker
– Food delivery
– Cleaning jobs
Why consider this option?
– Easier to obtain (no prior experience required)
– Flexible hours (great for exam periods)
– Immediate cash flow
Fun Fact: Amazon warehouse jobs aren’t technically mini-jobs, but they often pay better (sometimes €14-€16 per hour).
Where to Find These Jobs
The most popular places to search for part-time jobs are online job portals like:
– Indeed.
– Monster.
– Ebay Kleinanzeigen (a surprising source for job listings!)
Pro Tip: Just Google It
Search using:
– “Werkstudent + Your City”
– “Mini-Job + Your City”
– “Studentenjob + Your Field”
Another effective method is the Walk-In Approach.
Some businesses (especially restaurants, cafes, and retail stores) don’t post job openings online. Just walk in with your CV and ask about any available positions.
Now, Let’s Talk Money
How much can you earn with a part-time job?
As of January 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour. However, not all part-time jobs will pay this rate; some may pay slightly less.
This means that as a student, you could potentially earn around €1,028 per month for part-time work if you work the full 20 hours per week allowed,or you can earn up to €520 per month tax-free doing mini-jobs. Depending on your employer; these could be slightly higher or lower.
I know you may be wondering if you can survive on this income.
My thoughts:
Absolutely, if you budget wisely.
No, if you plan to eat out every day and spend lavishly. Choose wisely!
Bonus: Other Ways to Make Money as a Student
– Freelancing/Side Hustles (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)
– Tutoring (English, Math, etc.)
– Graphic design, coding, copywriting
– Babysitting (urbanest.de)
– Selling items (eBay, Vinted)
– Internships (Praktikum)
My Candid Advice? Start Early.
Apply for jobs as soon as you arrive. The competition can be real and fierce.
Prioritize internships and gain practical experience, as they lead to better job opportunities later. (I’ll discuss internships in my next post, so stay tuned.)
Before I go, let me leave you with these final words
Working in Germany as a student isn’t just about earning money; it’s also about gaining experience and independence. Don’t wait for the “perfect” job.
Dust off your CV, start applying, and get that money!
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