Germany welcomes international students with tuition-free public universities and flexible work rules. You may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without extra permits, earning €10–€15 per hour in roles such as retail, tutoring, or Werkstudent positions tied to your studies. These jobs cover the living costs of €800–€1,200 per month while you build your professional network. Here’s a complete guide to securing part-time work in Germany.
Steps to Get a Part Time Job in Germany
1. Create a European-Format CV
- Start with a professional Europass CV, standard across Germany and Europe.
- Visit europa.eu/europass to build yours online—register, fill sections, and download. Include your full name, phone, email, city/country, LinkedIn, and portfolio links.
- List education first (your German university enrollment), then skills, relevant coursework, and any experience.
- German employers value clear, 1-2 page formats highlighting student status and field-specific knowledge, like Computer Science Werkstudent.
2. Craft a Custom Cover Letter
Tailor a one-page cover letter for each application using Europass tools. Explain your student visa status, availability (e.g., 20 hours/week), and why the company interests you. Match skills to the job: My Python projects align with your software testing role.
Keep it concise, error-free, and in German if possible—many firms prefer it. End with enthusiasm: I look forward to contributing as a Werkstudent.
Read More: 10 Interesting Facts About Studying in Germany
3. Hunt for Working Student Positions
“Werkstudent” jobs suit students best, offering 20 hours/week during term time and full-time in breaks. Search these portals:
- LinkedIn (filter Werkstudent + your city like Berlin)
- Stepstone.de and Indeed.de
- JobMESH (government job board)
- University career pages (e.g., LMU Munich job portal)
Target student-friendly sectors: IT (coding/testing), hospitality (cafes), logistics (Amazon warehouses), or tutoring in English/math. University labs often hire research assistants.
4. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
German recruiters actively search LinkedIn. Update with your German university, current semester, skills (e.g., Excel, German A1), certifications (Google Data Analytics), and projects. Use a professional photo, a German location, and keywords like International Student Werkstudent. Connect with alumni and join groups like Indians in Germany or Student Jobs Berlin. Enable Open to Work discreetly.
5. Start Learning German
English jobs exist in multinationals (Siemens, SAP), but basic German (A1-B1) unlocks 80% more opportunities. Enroll in free university courses, use Duolingo/Babbel, or join Tandem language exchanges. Mention ‘Learning German B1’ on your CV—it shows integration effort. Cashiers, waitstaff, and admin roles demand conversation skills.
6. Apply Everywhere and Follow Up
Apply to 20-30 jobs weekly. Customize each CV/cover letter, track in a spreadsheet. Follow up via email after 7-10 days: I remain enthusiastic about the Werkstudent position. Attend job fairs (e.g., Uni Career Days) and network at international student meetups. Persistence pays—many land roles within 1-2 months.
Legal Rules and Earnings
Your student visa allows 20 hours/week during studies, full-time in summer. No permit needed for these limits; declare income for taxes above €11,604/year (2026 threshold). Earnings: €450-1,200/month (€12/hour average). Blocked account (€11,904) proves finances initially, but jobs supplement it. Common pitfalls: exceeding hours risks visa issues; always log workdays.
Read More: Germany vs Italy: Which is the Better Study Abroad Destination 2026
Tips for Indian Students
Leverage communities like Indian Students Germany for job leads. Focus on cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt—the highest opportunities. Start applications pre-arrival using your admission letter. Balance with studies: prioritize academic performance for visa extensions.
Germany’s job market favors proactive students—follow these steps, and you’ll earn while gaining EU work experience valuable for Blue Card pathways. Check make-it-in-germany.com for updates.
