Student Jobs and Internships
In Germany, many students work during their free time. For example, they take on positions as scientific assistants (wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft, Hiwi) at universities, research institutes, libraries, or work as servers or babysitters. International students can also work in Germany alongside their studies.
Nationals of third countries can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without needing approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA). A working day lasting four hours or less is considered a half-day of work. Alternatively, students from third countries, just like those from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, just like German students. During university holidays, they can work without restrictions.
These restrictions do not apply to auxiliary activities for students (e.g., scientific work within higher education institutions).
An internship or independent activity is also possible for international students during their studies. However, in the case of independent work, approval from the relevant immigration authority is required. The authority checks whether the independent activity in question does not interfere with or delay the completion of the degree.
You can find more information on the website of the student services office (. Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Study in Germany.
Emploi comme travailleur qualifié
Under certain conditions, it is already possible to accept a job as a skilled worker during a study stay. In this case, the residence permit is changed to a permit for qualified employment without the need to finish your studies first (Section 16b, Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG)). It is important that this is not a temporary job. You can obtain detailed information on this from the relevant immigration authority.
Taking a vocational training course rather than studying?
International students in Germany have the option to switch from higher education to vocational training if they find that their studies are not the right path and they wish to pursue a more practice-oriented training. To begin vocational training, the residence permit must be modified accordingly (Section 16b, Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG)). A residence permit for vocational training requires a review of the application by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) and the fulfillment of other specific requirements. You can find more information on the requirements for this residence permit in the section "Visa for Vocational Training."
Before submitting your application, make sure to consult the immigration office to find out which documents you need to provide.