Employment
Employment
Students from EU countries
Students from EU countries are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. During the semester break, they are permitted to work full-time.
Further restrictions apply to students from non-EU countries!
Students from Non-EU Countries
Students from non-EU countries are generally allowed to work for 140 full days per year. Their residence permit must expressly permit paid employment.
They normally receive limited permission to work alongside their studies. The permitted part-time employment can be carried out for 140 full days or 280 half days per year (new regulation from 1 March 2024). This is noted in their residence permit.
These working days may be carried out during the semester and during the semester holidays. However, only full days or half days are counted as working days. If you work a maximum of 4 hours per working day, the day counts as a half day; if you work more than 4 hours per day, the day counts as a full day, even if you have not worked a full 8 hours.
Before taking up paid employment, you must check whether your residence permit expressly permits this intended employment. If this is not the case, you must submit a corresponding application to the Foreigners' Registration Office to take up employment.
Participants of the Preparatory German Course from Non-EU Countries
Students enrolled in preparatory courses, e.g. preparatory German courses, are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, including during the lecture period (new regulation effective 1 March 2024).
Guest Researchers and PhD Students
Please note that different restrictions and regulations may apply to visiting researchers! For more information, please contact the Welcome Center.
Helpful Links
- Job Board of the Employment Agency (German only) (external link, opens in a new window)
- Study in Germany - Part-Time Job (external link, opens in a new window)
- Study in Germany - Job and Career (external link, opens in a new window)
- Employment Law for Students (external link, opens in a new window)
- German Academic Exchange Service (external link, opens in a new window)
- UR Job Board
Employment
Working next to your Studies
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Working next to your Studies
Here you will find more information about student assistant jobs, internships and part-time work.
Student Assistant/ Working Student Jobs
International students may engage in part-time work at the university (e.g. as a student assistant) or at other academic institutions without any time restrictions. This also includes university-related activities that are relevant to their studies or those in university-affiliated organisations (e.g. tutors in Studierendenwerk accommodation). Employment as a working student in a company also falls into this category. The regulation of 140 full working days / 280 half working days does not apply.
Internships
Internships that are a mandatory part of your studies or necessary to achieve your educational goals can generally be completed without approval. However, you must submit an application to the relevant foreigner's registration office, providing the relevant certificates from your university. These activities will then not be counted towards the limited, permitted working hours.
Part-time Jobs
Further long-term employment (e.g. year-round) may only be permitted on a part-time basis if this does not alter the purpose of residence, which is limited to studying, and does not hinder or delay the achievement of this purpose.
The authorisation of paid employment must not allow a change in the purpose of residence before the completion of studies. This also applies to other recommended or voluntary employment referred to as internships. If you are interested, you must submit a corresponding application to the Foreigners' Registration Office to take up employment.
Employment after Finishing your Degree
Foto: UR/Matthias Weich Employment after Finishing your Degree
What do I need to consider if I want to work in Germany after graduation?
Residence Permit after Graduation
The Residence Act allows students from non-EU countries to take up employment in Germany that corresponds to their qualifications after successfully completing their studies.
After receiving your degree certificate, you have two options:
- Change to a residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment
- 18-month residence permit for job hunting
Already found your desired job?
Contact the foreigner's registration office as soon as possible. The following documents are usually required:
- Application for a temporary residence permit
- Passport and a biometric passport photo with a data matrix code (please note the current legal regulations on biometric photos)
- Proof of successful completion of your studies
- Application to take up employment (completed together with your potential employer)
Please note that other documents may also be required in individual cases.
Haven't found a suitable job yet?
If students from non-EU countries do not have a job prospect after successfully completing their studies, their residence permit can be extended for up to 18 months to allow them to search for a job that matches their qualifications. During the period of validity of the residence permit for the purpose of job search, they are free to engage in paid employment without restriction.
