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Germany student work guide
Part-time jobs in Germany for Indian students: the 2026 rules
International students from outside the EU can work in Germany for 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Minijobs are capped at €603 a month, the minimum wage is €13.90 an hour, and a Werkstudent role is limited to 20 hours a week during the semester. Self-employment and freelance work are not allowed without approval.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- Annual limit
- 140 full or 280 half days
- Minijob cap
- €603 a month
- Minimum wage
- €13.90 gross an hour
- Werkstudent in term
- Up to 20 hours a week
- Self-employment
- Not allowed without approval
The legal limits on student work
Students from outside the EU with a student residence permit may work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year, or a combination. A half day is a shorter shift, so splitting your time across shorter shifts stretches your allowance. Your study must remain the priority, and you cannot work as a freelancer or self-employed person unless the immigration office approves it.
Compulsory internships that are part of your study regulations are treated differently, and jobs at your own university are commonly handled differently from ordinary employment. Confirm the details with your immigration office and international office before you start.
Types of student jobs compared
| Type | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minijob | Up to €603 a month | Students are exempt from health, long-term care and unemployment contributions. Pension contributions apply unless you request exemption. |
| Werkstudent (working student) | Up to 20 hours a week in term | No social insurance contributions at 20 hours or less. Full-time is possible in lecture-free periods. |
| Short-term job | Up to 3 months or 70 working days a year | Students are exempt from insurance contributions. |
| Student assistant at your university | Set by the university | A good fit for MS students. Confirm how it counts against your day limit. |
Wages and what you can realistically earn
The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross an hour in 2026. It does not apply to compulsory internships or internships of up to three months. At minimum wage, the €603 minijob cap means roughly 43 hours of work a month before you reach the limit. A Werkstudent role usually pays more per hour than a minijob and often relates to your field, which also builds a CV for the post-study job search.
Do not plan to fund your studies from part-time work. You must show your living costs through a blocked account, and the work rules cap what you can earn. Check realistic budgets in our Germany cost of living guide.
How to find and start a student job
- Register your address (Anmeldung) and open your bank account, since employers need both.
- Get health insurance and a tax ID. Statutory health insurance is mandatory for students.
- Search the right places: university job boards, career services, company career pages and Werkstudent listings.
- Check your day count. Track every day worked so you stay under 140 full days or 280 half days.
- Tell your employer your permit conditions so the contract reflects the student work rules.
Does German help? Yes
Many tech and research roles on campus accept English, but service jobs, retail and local companies usually expect at least basic German. Starting German at A2 or B1 before or soon after you arrive widens your options. If you are comparing destinations by work rights, see our UK and Canada part-time job guides.
Want to know what studying in Germany will really cost you?
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Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
How many days can Indian students work in Germany?
140 full days or 280 half days per year, or a combination, on a student residence permit.
What is the minijob limit in Germany in 2026?
€603 a month. Special payments such as a bonus can be added proportionally and may push you over the limit.
What is the minimum wage for students in Germany?
€13.90 gross an hour in 2026. It does not apply to compulsory internships or internships of up to three months.
How many hours can a Werkstudent work per week?
Up to 20 hours a week during the semester. Full-time work is possible during lecture-free periods.
Can I work freelance or start a business as a student?
Not without approval from the immigration authority. Self-employment is generally not allowed on a student permit.
Do I need German to get a part-time job?
Not for every role, but basic German opens many more jobs outside university and tech settings.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.