Student jobs and internships
Many students in Germany have jobs in their spare time. Some may work as research assistants in universities, research institutes or libraries, while others may work as waiters or babysitters. International students also have the opportunity to work in addition to studying.
Students from third countries are permitted to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without requiring the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (BA). A working day of up to four hours counts as half a working day. Alternatively, both third-country students and students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland may work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period, just like German students. During the semester break, they can work without any restrictions.
These restrictions do not apply to student auxiliary tasks (e.g. academic work at higher education institutions).
International students may also complete internshipsor engage in self-employed activities while at university. However, any self-employed activity requires the approval of thecompetent foreigners authority.The authority will consider, among other things, whether the work is likely to hinder or delay the student in the pursuit of their academic goals.
You will find more information on theDeutsches Studentenwerk (German National Association for Student Affairs)website and atStudy in Germany.
Employment as qualified professional
Under certain circ*mstances, it is possible to accept an offer of employment as a skilled worker during a stay for study purposes. This involves a change to a residence permitfor the purpose of taking up qualified employment without having to complete a study programme first (Section 16b (4) of the Residence Act [AufenthG]). It is important that your employment is not of a temporary nature. For further details, please contact your local foreigners authority.
Vocational training instead of studying
International students in Germany have the opportunity to switch to vocational trainingif they feel that their study programme is not suitable for them and they would prefer a more practical approach to training. Your residence permit will need to be amended to allow you to start vocational education and training (Section 16b (4) of the Residence Act [AufenthG]). A residence permit for vocational education and training requires an assessment by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) and other special requirements. For more information on the requirements for this residence permit, see the “Visa for vocational training” section.
Before submitting your application, contact your foreigners authority to find out which documents you need to present.
