30 November 2023
Studying overseas tends to come with a hefty price tag. Despite the expenses, German universities provide an excellent setting for students due to Germany being Europe’s biggest economy. To aid your studies abroad and potentially land your ideal job in Germany, we have crafted this guide on part time jobs in Germany!
Why do students look for part time jobs in Germany?
In Germany, students typically require approximately €870 per month to manage their living expenses. Additionally, they face semester fees and, depending on the housing market, potentially higher rents. For many students, working while studying proves to be a viable choice. Through a part-time job, they can maintain focus on their studies while boosting their monthly income and potentially adding to their savings.
A part-time job as a student offers more than just financial benefits. It allows you to explore various roles, like being part of a team or developing expertise, and even navigating challenging situations, offering personal growth opportunities. Moreover, it adds flavour to your resume: Working while studying showcases your time management skills and resilience, regardless of the industry. The crucial point is gaining experience in the job market. Before seeking a student job, it’s essential to understand the overall conditions for international students.
How can international students find part time jobs in Germany?
The primary avenues for job opportunities are online job portals and university bulletin boards. Here are a few additional suggestions:
Federal Employment Agency
The Employment Agency offers a job placement service tailored for students, including personalized advice. It’s certainly worth visiting if you’re on the hunt for a part-time job!
At the university
A role as a research assistant within the university setting is particularly suitable for students from non-EU countries. To discover these job openings, explore the university’s bulletin board or its online job portal. These academic assistants, known as “Wissenschaftliche Hilfskräfte” or Hiwis, often oversee tasks such as library supervision, tutorial leadership, or assisting professors with research literature. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from friends or classmates for potential job leads.
Outside the university
For part-time jobs beyond the university, online job boards are a great start, and the Studierendenwerk often posts openings too. Local and regional newspapers might also have worthwhile listings. Common non-university student jobs involve waitressing, working at events or fairs, and courier services. Tutoring is also a valuable option for international students to boost their income.
What are the rules and restrictions about working as an international student?
International students studying in Germany indeed have the chance to earn income while pursuing their studies. For instance, they can take up roles such as waitressing, assisting in research tasks like preparing research literature or offering tutoring, particularly in their native language. This becomes particularly appealing for international students during lecture-free periods, allowing them to earn extra cash or even support their living expenses.
However, there are specific regulations and limitations, particularly for students from non-European countries. It’s crucial to keep this in mind, especially if you are not from the European Union:
● Limited working hours:
International students are permitted to work either 120 full days or 240 half days within a year. Consequently, they cannot engage in continuous full-time employment lasting a year.
● Restricted employment:
International students are not permitted to engage in self-employment.
Note:
If aiming to work beyond these limits, approval from both the Employment Agency and the Foreigners’ Registration Office is necessary. The sole exemption applies to roles as research assistants (Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft), which can be undertaken without a time limit. However, this must be communicated to the Foreigners’ Office, and compliance with university regulations is mandatory.
What is the process of finding Part time jobs in Germany?
Numerous job opportunities are available for Indian students and other foreign students studying abroad:
Explore the job market
Survey the local labour market: Once you’ve examined job postings for international university students through nearby employment agencies, online job portals, local newspapers, or university bulletin boards and discovered intriguing opportunities, it’s time to start applying!
Applying for Suitable Part-Time Positions in Germany
Similar to German students, in most instances, applications are typically required to be submitted via email, accompanied by a CV and a letter of motivation. A well-crafted cover letter holds significant weight in Germany and can also be beneficial when applying for part-time jobs.
Positive Impact During the Interview
Received an invitation for a face-to-face interview for a job you applied to? Strive to leave a positive impression by discussing any relevant previous experience in the field, if applicable. Mentioning your attendance at a German language course could also be highly beneficial.
Seize the Job Opportunity
Received an offer for one of the student or part-time positions you applied to? Embrace this opportunity! Once you have negotiated basic terms like your working hours with the employer, commence your part-time work while studying abroad!
Leverage the Work Permit Post-Graduation
For those seeking full-time employment in Germany after studying abroad, utilizing their student visas enables them to obtain an 18-month residence permit post-degree. This permit grants the ability to work full-time in any field, facilitating the launch of their career in Germany. Remember, once professional employment is secured, applying for an employment visa promptly is crucial.
What are the best part time jobs in Germany?
Part time jobs in Germany for English speakers
Having proficiency in German significantly enhances job opportunities. Yet, there are part-time roles in the job market suitable for English speakers with minimal or no German knowledge. All mentioned jobs are feasible even if you only speak English. Waitressing in English might pose challenges in rural areas but is typically manageable in major cities like Berlin. Big cities offer more English-speaking job opportunities and are easier to navigate for English-based roles.
Student Assistant
One of the most sought-after positions among international students is that of a student assistant. It’s a popular choice because you work within the university, often in a field related to your studies, and it’s convenient to manage your work hours alongside your studies. Typically, these roles offer the flexibility to maintain regular hours during the semester and reduce workload during exam periods.
The responsibilities as a student assistant can vary significantly. Depending on your assignment within an institute, you might conduct experiments, gather materials for lectures, provide administrative assistance, or engage in theoretical projects.
The pay scale for this position ranges from approximately €10 to €17 per hour.
Courier
Nowadays, everything from groceries to clothes, books, and medications can be conveniently delivered to our doorsteps. Courier positions are in high demand and offer swift job opportunities. As an international student, you’ll likely deliver by bike, so being physically fit is important. Some services utilize e-bikes. Your working hours will vary depending on your employer and might extend into the late evening.
Payment structures differ among companies, either hourly or per delivery. Additionally, many customers offer small tips, which can complement your earnings. Typically, courier drivers receive €9 to €12 per hour as standard compensation.
Tutor
If you possess a strong passion for a seminar within your degree program and enjoy imparting knowledge, working as a tutor can be highly fulfilling. Tutors coordinate sessions that reinforce the study material as practice exercises. They either create the content themselves or seek guidance from professors or other university faculty.
This role requires a knack for teaching and effective communication, along with a deep interest in the subject matter. Being ready to address potential background inquiries necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Your compensation will be similar to that of a student assistant since you’ll be employed under a similar contract.
Waitressing
Waitressing offers a communicative break from desk-bound studying. Typically, you will work afternoons, evenings, and weekends at bars or restaurants, allowing flexibility around your studies. While some days can be demanding, the influx of guests often translates to higher tips, a significant perk of the job.
Employers are aware of the tipping culture and often pay around €10 per hour. However, on lucrative days, tips can surpass earnings from even the highest-paying student jobs.
Study in Germany with Landmark Immigration
When choosing a part-time job to apply for, prioritize your personal interests. As an international student, it’s crucial to avoid any breaches of your visa regulations. The period as a student employee serves as a valuable opportunity to preview your future professional endeavours. Beyond earning extra income, you can enhance your resume, professional acumen, and social skills.
