Student jobs and internships
Many students in Germany work in their spare time. Some of them might be research assistants (wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft – HiWi) in universities, research institutes or libraries, while others are waiters or babysitters. Students from abroad can also work in Germany alongside their studies.
Students from EU/EEA countries are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, just like German students are. There is no limit to how much they can earn during semester breaks. Anyone from a country outside the EU can work 120 full days or 240 half-days without the consent of the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Generally, either an internship or working as a self-employed person is an option while pursuing academic studies as an international student. However, it is important to note that any self-employment activity need consent of the competent Foreigners' Authority beforehand. Among other things, the Authority will determine whether the occupation will hinder or delay the student in the pursuit of their academic goals.
You will find more information on the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk and on the Study in Germany website.
