Important Facts About Student Jobs In Germany - Visa Limitations

1. Job search

Which important factors play a role in getting a suitable part time job as an international students?You should check regional job portals / search engines and newspapers frequently because that's where you will find most jobs. It's also a good idea to pay the company you would like to work for a visit and introduce yourself personally. That makes a BIG difference, because they get to know you and see who you are.

Is German a must have for a part time job?Well, that depends on the job. If you want to work in an international company, it might not be necessary to speak German. But as soon as you are dealing with customers, German is a must. Also German language skills will help you a lot with getting integrated in German society and to feel comfortable.

Will there be anybody to help me with finding the right job?Yes, at every university there's the international office's help desk which is there to help you - also with finding a job and giving you useful information. Many universities also offer their own job portals for students and sometimes even career services. Also, please check www.arbeitsagentur.de (follow the button "JOBBOERSE") or www.meinestadt.de (search here for your city to find information abut the local job market). Additionally the Studentenwerk (student union) your university town is a good source of information.

Is it true that the programming jobs are the most available jobs for students?Yes, due to the growth in the IT sector, chances are good that you will find a student job in this area all across Germany.

Since the economy has slowed down, is it more difficult to find a job as a foreign student?In Germany the financial crisis does not have such a big impact on the job market as it did in 2009. So you are lucky!

Where can I find internships online?www.unicum.de is a good source for finding internships, as well as www.karriere.de. There are also many professional associations in Germany (so called  “Berufsverbaende”). They are a very good sources for qualified internships, too. You also find offers on the website of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.

2. Money

Is the income from a part time job enough for a student to live and pay bills in Germany?No, that's not enough. In Germany, the costs of living are relatively high. Of course, this depends on individual rent costs and life style. In cities like Munich or Cologne for example you will need about 1 000 Euros while the living expenses are much lower in e.g. Leipzig or Dresden. All in all, you should calculate average monthly living expenses of about 670 Euro.

How much do students earn per hour?In the Cologne / Bonn region most students get 8 to 9.50 Euro per hour but in other cities this might vary from 6 to 10 Euros.

What is the minimum wage for non-EU students?It does not depend on your nationality. There is no minimum wage in Germany for students.

Do foreign students have to pay taxes on their earnings in part-time jobs?If your monthly income exceeds 400 Euro you have to pay taxes and social security contributions such as contributions to the German medical insurance. You also have to contribute to a pension program that is recognized in other EU-countries.

If I get a job and tax card, how much tax must I pay?You have to pay between 14 and 42 per cent income tax and between eight and nine per cent church tax respectively plus 5.5 per cent solidarity tax. It all depends on the total amount of your income. For example: A student assistant earning about 378 euros gross gets 295 euros net (provided that he/she is not married and has no children).

I have been doing a student job in a German research institute and have paid monthly taxes and social contribution. Now, for next few months, I do not have a student job. Can I benefit from my unemployment insurance via “Bundesagentur für Arbeit” (federal employment agency)?You can only benefit from the unemployment insurance if you have paid your unemployment insurance at least for 12 months during the past two years. Usually, a student does not achieve this status with a student job.

Are internships usually paid in Germany?It depends. This is up to your employer. Wages for internships range from zero up to 800 Euro per month. Yet the majority of internships are unpaid.

3. Working

Do Non-EU students need a license for part time jobs?No, you don't need one because a working permit is already included in your visa.

How many hours I can work per month?That depends on the country you come from. For example students from Non-EU countries are allowed to work up to three months during the semester, which means 90 days (= eight hours daily) per year or 180 half days (= four hours daily) per year. There is an exception however: Jobs as a student or graduate assistant may exceed the 90 days limit. For EU students the same rules apply as for German students. You have free access to the German labour market.
But please remember: You should concentrate on your studies. And even as a student from an EU country you are only allowed to work max. 19 hours per week during lecture periods.

What are the exact restrictions for Non-EU students working as graphic design freelancers? Am I allowed to do that? Am I allowed to write a bill? Unfortunately international students are not allowed to work as freelancers. But maybe this link helps: (German only): http://www.freelancer-international.de.

Are we allowed to accept any type of work? For example as a lifeguard or English teacher? In other words: Is there a limit on the type of work?You couldn't work as a lifeguard in charge because you lack professional training, meaning an apprenticeship in this particular job. Generally you can work in nearly any kind of job as an assistant though.

Can I decide when I study and when I work?Not really because there are certain regulations. First of all, your studies should be your main focus. Also your amount of semesters is limited. In general you can only exceed your study period up to three semesters while studying for a bachelor's degree (six semesters). Also, many seminars are mandatory in the sense that you must attend them. Otherwise you won't be allowed to take the final exam.

What are the most popular jobs for students?Many students work as waiters, call center agents, as trade fair assistants or in the media sector. Furthermore, many work as student assistants at university, libraries or in tourism, for example as city guide sales assistant. It all depends on your skills.

Will my DAAD scholarship be reduced if I have a part time job and salary?It depends on the job you are planning to do. In any case you need to inform the DAAD and ask for permission. Depending on how much you earn in addition to your monthly scholarship, the rate might be reduced. You can also check this link for further information: http://www.daad.de/deutschland/foerderung/hinweise/00461.en.html

Some universities ask for a certain amount of money to make sure you can pay your own bills. Can the money you get from a part time job be considered as your personal fund to afford university and personal payments?No, normally you can not earn so much money with a part time job.

Where can I find information about taxes in English?Please find more information here: http://www.deutsche-sozialversicherung.de/en/index.html

What kind of international health insurance do I need in Germany?Your health insurance from your home country is valid in Germany only up to three months. That's why you should search for a German health insurance company and get a new insurance that covers all requirements in Germany. In terms of social security, you are safe. You don't need any additional insurance.

Am I allowed to do an internship for a period of more than six to eight months in a company fully fledged as a student? Does it need to be an unpaid internship if it exceeds 90 full days or 180 half days? If this internship is mandatory for your studies (so called “Pflichtpraktika”) it is ok. If its voluntary - even if it is unpaid - then the 90 full days / 180 half days rule applies. If you exceed this limit, you need the approval of the foreign registration office (“Ausländerbehörde”). That applies only for non-EU students!

I am doing a language course now which is from nine to twelve pm. Therefore, I have much free time in the afternoon. Can I work for more than 19 hours per week or should I have any permission letter for that from an office?No, you are not allowed to work more. In general, you are only allowed to work with the approval of the foreigners authority and, in this special case, the federal employment agency. Furthermore, you can only work in the semester vacation. Anyhow, you should better concentrate on learning German which is not that easy at all ;-) Unfortunately.

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