It is common that most of the students work while they study. However, studying shall be first priority - a fact that is controlled by the legal regulations in regard to work permission for international students from Non-EU-/EEA Countries.
EU-/EEA Citizens:
To EU-/EEA Citizens apply the same employment regulations as to German students: during lecture period they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week and during the semester break up to 40 hours per week.
Non-EU-/EEA Citizens:
International students have to consider legal restrictions when working. This way, financing the costs of living by working is not possible, at best international students can earn some extra money. International students are allowed to work up to 120 full days (4-8 hours per day) or 240 half days (1-4 hours per day) per year. This regulations also applies for paid and unpaid internships! A job as a student assistant at a university is permitted, so a student assistant is allowed to work more.
In any case, please inform the Foreigners Registration Office on your employments and be sure of the documentation of the time period you are working.
If you have a job which exceeds the regulation of 120/240 days (e.g. full-time internship of at least six months) you have to apply for a permit at the Foreigners Registration Office. Please consult us before doing so.
Scholarship holders who are awarded a grant are usually not allowed to work. This is mentioned in the residence permit in the passport. Scholarship holders who entered Germany wihtout any visa have to ask for permission at the scholarship provider before starting a job.
There can be special work regulations for doctoral students. If you have any questions please contact us or come to our personal consultation hours.
