Apply to Study and Work Opportunities in Germany
Interested in studying and working in Germany? There are several well-paid jobs for students in Germany and there are many ways to earn money while you study, for example as an academic assistant or private tutor and much more. However, the type of work opportunities available to you will depend on government regulations and your level of education; it doesn’t matter whether it is a bachelor’s or master’s level. Knowledge of the German language will further improve your chances of getting a student job in Germany.
Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world and the largest in all of Europe. Unemployment is among the lowest in the EU. In March 2022, unemployment in Germany averaged 5.7%, and in many cities like Munich or Berlin it was much lower.
What Are My Student Work Options In Germany?
The main types of work available for international students in Germany to get professional experience while getting a pay cheque are:
* Part-time jobs
* Summer or winter vacation jobs
* Internships (praktika)
* Volunteering
* Traineeships
Do I Need a Student Work Permit in Germany?
If you come from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a work permit to get a job in Germany. And there’s no limitation to how much you can work however, if you work more than 20 hours/week then you are required to pay taxes to the German social security system.
Commonly Available High-Paying Jobs for Students in Germany
RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT THE UNIVERSITY
Average Pay: About €925/month
Master’s programs or research assistantships at the university are usually open to university researchers and pay enough money. These jobs include helping the professor correct copies, give tutorials, or prepare research papers, as tutors, librarians, etc. On a hierarchy of available job types, these are at the top of the line. Research assistant at the university is a type of job that gives you many advantages, as you already know the environment and the staff, and it can also help you with your studies.
SUPPORT STAFF/ WAITERS AT CAFÉ’S
Average Pay: €8.55/hr
Waiting or catering assignments are often the most famous jobs among students. Many students opt for this for more reasons than the money this is so because as we know the pay on some occasions is very 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 very good.
BABYSITTING
Average Pay: €5-10/hr
If you like children and have at least a little experience in working with them, this job might be the perfect fit for you. A babysitting job is well paid, and, after a while, you can renegotiate your rates.
LANGUAGE TUTOR
Average Pay: $28/hr
If you have a proficient level of English or any other language, you can easily get a job as a tutor at a school, or even within some of the local companies. This is a lucrative job opportunity for international students; for example, teaching English to German students often involves a decent payout. There is always a choice of taking private tuition for the students there, which usually has a decent pay scale. You must be skilled in the language you teach though; this decides your employment in this sector.
RETAIL STORE SHOPPING ASSISTANT
Average Pay: €27,000/yr
Among one of the outstanding High-Paying jobs for students in Germany. A retail store shopping assistant involves knowing, customers with information, and selecting the best product they are looking for. You will need good communication skills. Germany’s bricks and mortar retail sector is often crying out for staff, with flexible hours and discounts available as attractive perks.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Average Pay: €11.93/hr
Your main tasks would be to answer the phone, give information to clients or partners of the company, and other administrative duties.
CATERING
Average Pay: NA
Whether it involves serving food at corporate functions, or just joining the waiting staff at a local restaurant, the food and drink sector is a major student employer, so you should look into this too.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Average Pay: €11.75/hr
These are well-paying jobs and are a good option for students looking for some experience and a more relevant employment option for students, post-graduation. 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.
CALL CENTRE OFFICER
Average Pay: €1,663/monthly
You can agree with me that this stands out as one of the High-Paying jobs for students in Germany. What you do is to answer the phone, analyze customer requests or complaints, and manage them, these are basically what you will have to do. You have to be patient, diplomatic, and have interpersonal skills. Good knowledge of German is also a must and, most times, you can make your own schedule.
FIELD INTERVIEWER
Average Pay: €26.478/yr
Some companies or organizations often need data collectors, that have to ask clients about their opinion about products or services that will eventually lead to a survey.
HOME DELIVERY
Average Pay: €15/hr
This will entail you to work for an online shopping company or restaurant and deliver products at peoples’ homes. The job is well paid, but keep in mind that you will often receive extra tips as well.
Work-Study Tax for Student Tax
If you regularly earn more than 450 Euros in your job, you will need an income tax number to pay taxes. But if you regularly earn more than €450/hour, you will need a tax number.
Deductions will be made automatically from your salary, but you will get back the tax you have paid at the end of the year. If you work less than 20 hours per week, these taxes do not apply. Awesome, right? I think so too.
If you are an international student, you can take up to 120 full days of work/year or 240 half-days/years. The only exception is if you work as a student assistant within the university. In this case, there is no work-time limit.
RULES FOR STUDENTS
Students from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have unrestricted access to the German job market and enjoy virtually the same rights as German students. But if they work more than 20 hours a week, they have to pay certain insurance contributions (just like German students). For students from other countries, special legal provisions apply: you should also see our article on Study destination in Germany: free studies.
International students wishing to study and work in Germany from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
International students wishing to study and work in Germany from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Students who wish to work more must obtain permission from (the Federal Employment Agency) and (the Foreigners’ Office). Obtaining an authorization depends on the situation on the labor market: the chances are better in regions where unemployment is low.
If you are taking a language course or studying at a preparatory school, you can only work if you have permission from the employment service and the Immigration Office – and only during holidays.
Laws for Student Part Time Jobs in Germany
Taxation is another concern. A student who earns less than 450 euros per month does not have to pay tax or social contributions. In addition, if you work less than 50 consecutive days over a period of one year, you are also exempt.
It is generally not recommended to work more than 20 hours per week. Not only is this against most university rules, but working beyond this limit will require you to pay health insurance, unemployment insurance, and nursing care insurance.
Compliance with federal laws is extremely important. If you are found to despise them, you risk being thrown out of the country. So keep the controls in place, comply with the rules and have your license in place.
But when it comes to working within the university, working hours and pay are defined differently. Actually they are much better and you can work long hours too. But finding a job in college might not be that easy. Although finding a job in college would be a tedious task, you might just be favored and find one sooner than expected.
I guess you are set to study and work in Germany. You can also take advantage of the numerous Scholarships in Germany for International Students to study and work in Germany fully funded.
