Student Jobs in Germany: Minijob, Part-Time, Working Student & University Assistant Explained

Studying in Germany is a great opportunity, but managing expenses can be challenging for international students. The good news is that Germany allows students to work alongside their studies under clear legal rules.

However, many students are confused about which jobs they are allowed to do, how many hours they can work, and which job type is best.

This complete guide explains all major student job types in Germany, including Minijob, Part-Time Job, Working Student (Werkstudent), and Student Assistant (HiWi) positions at universities.

Can International Students Work in Germany?

Yes, international students are legally allowed to work in Germany, but there are limits depending on your visa status.

Most non-EU students can work:

• 120 full days per year, or
• 240 half days per year

If you exceed these limits, you must get special permission from the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office).

👉 Read more: What international students must do after arriving in Germany

Comparison Table – Student Job Types

Job Type	Max Income	Hours	Best For
Minijob	€538/month	8–10 hours/week	Beginners
Part-Time	No fixed limit	15–20 hours/week	Extra income
Werkstudent	Hourly €15–25	20 hours/week	Career growth
HiWi	Hourly €12–17	Flexible	Academic path

Minijob in Germany (Best for Beginners)

What Is a Minijob?

A Minijob is the most common student job in Germany. It is a low-income job with monthly earnings capped at €538 (as of 2025).

Typical Minijob Examples

• Supermarket cashier
• Restaurant or café staff
• Delivery rider
• Cleaning jobs
• Retail store assistant

Working Hours

Usually 8–10 hours per week, depending on your hourly wage.

Benefits of a Minijob

• ✔ No income tax for students
• ✔ Simple contracts
• ✔ Easy to find even with basic German
• ✔ Ideal for first-semester students

Important Things to Know

• Minijobs still count toward your 120/240-day limit
• Health insurance must already be arranged separately

Part-Time Job in Germany (More Hours, More Income)

What Is a Part-Time Job?

A part-time student job usually means working more than a Minijob, often 15–20 hours per week.

Examples of Part-Time Jobs

• Warehouse worker (Amazon, DHL)
• Call center agent
• Office assistant
• Hotel or event staff

Salary Range

💰 €12–15 per hour (sometimes higher)

Things to Be Careful About

• ⚠ Possible tax deductions
• ⚠ Faster use of allowed working days
• ⚠ Need to manage studies carefully

Working Student (Werkstudent) Jobs in Germany

What Is a Working Student Job?

A Werkstudent job is a study-related job in a company and one of the best-paid student job options in Germany.

Key Features

• Up to 20 hours per week during the semester
• Full-time possible during semester breaks
• Work related to your field of study

Salary

💰 €15–25 per hour (especially high in tech fields)

Student Assistant / HiWi Jobs at Universities

What Is a Student Assistant (HiWi)?

A Student Assistant (HiWi) works directly at a university or research institute and supports academic projects.

Common Tasks

• Helping professors with research
• Data analysis
• Lab assistance
• Teaching and administrative support

Salary

💰 €12–17 per hour

Do Student Jobs Affect Health Insurance and Taxes?

Health Insurance

• Students must remain student-insured
• Working over 20 hours per week may change insurance status

Taxes

• Minijob → usually tax-free
• Part-time & Werkstudent → income tax may apply

👉 How to file your first tax return as a student in Germany

Final Thoughts

Germany offers excellent work opportunities for students, but choosing the right job type is crucial. If you are new, start with a Minijob. For career growth, aim for Werkstudent or HiWi roles.

Always follow visa rules, track your working hours, and keep your studies the top priority.