Full-time or Part-time Jobs for Students in Germany 2025
Earn an Extra Dollar while Studying in Germany
You read it right — students in Germany can work while studying, but there are limits to the number of hours you can work without additional permission. These regulations are in place to ensure that your main focus remains on your studies while still allowing you to support yourself financially.
While German universities often have low or no tuition fees, the cost of living in Germany is still significant, especially in cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Therefore, it’s important to plan early for how you will finance your stay. Below, we outline the latest 2025 rules, financing options, and practical tips for international students in Germany.
Personal Savings to Support Your Education
When applying for a German student visa and residence permit, you must show proof of financial resources. In 2025, the blocked account requirement (Sperrkonto) is €11,904 per year (about €992 per month). Even if your savings do not cover the entire duration of your stay, they must meet at least the visa requirement.
Because this amount is significant, you should start saving well before your planned departure. Many students begin saving the moment they decide to study abroad. Remember, even after arrival, managing money wisely is key to living comfortably on a student budget
Parental Income to Support Your Studies
Parental sponsorship remains one of the simplest ways to finance your studies. If your parents can support you financially, you can present a formal letter of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) or bank statements to the German embassy when applying for your visa. This often speeds up the visa process compared to self-financing applicants.
If your parents can cover the entire period of your studies, you can focus fully on academics instead of working part-time. Many families also maintain educational savings funds that can be used for this purpose.
Part-Time Jobs in Germany (2025 Rules)
As, the regulations for non-EU/EEA students have been updated:
- You can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year OR up to 20 hours per week during the semester without a work permit.
- During semester breaks, you can work full-time without restriction.
- Exemptions: Student assistant jobs at universities and mandatory internships do not count towards these limits.
If you want to work beyond these limits, you must obtain approval from both the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) and the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).
Earnings Limits for Scholarship or BAföG Recipients in 2025
If you receive BAföG or any other German scholarship, you can earn up to €556 per month (equivalent to €6,672 per year) without a reduction in your benefits. Earnings above this threshold will result in deductions from your financial aid.
Job Opportunities for International Students
Germany offers many job opportunities for students. While it’s ideal to find work related to your studies, you can also explore general jobs that are flexible with student schedules.
On-campus jobs might include:
- Tutor or research assistant
- Lab staff member
- Library assistant
Off-campus jobs include:
- Babysitter
- Waiter or bartender
- Newspaper distributor
- Administrative assistant
- Museum staff
- Freelance work (writing, graphic design, translation, programming) via platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, or Fiverr.
Hourly wages vary but typically range from €10–€15 per hour depending on the role and city.
Student Loans in Germany (2025)
Germany offers both public and private student loan options. Public loan schemes generally have no or very low interest rates, while private schemes may offer low-interest rates with flexible repayment plans.
Key options include:
- BAföG – Federal Education and Training Assistance Act; offers grants and interest-free loans for eligible students.
- Bildungskredit – Low-interest government-backed loan for students in the advanced stages of their degree.
- Bank loans – Offered by institutions such as Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisenbanken, HypoVereinsbank, and Sparkasse.
Loans are usually intended as a supplement rather than the sole source of funding.
Scholarships in Germany (Updated 2025 List)
Scholarships are a great way to ease financial pressure. Here are some notable options:
- Deutschlandstipendium – €300/month for high-achieving students (50% funded by private sponsors, 50% by the government).
- DAAD Scholarships – Germany’s largest scholarship provider for international students, offering opportunities in nearly all disciplines.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships – Supports exchange students studying in Germany for a semester or more.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship – For students committed to environmental and social causes.
- DKFZ International PhD Program – For doctoral research in cancer biology.
- Max Planck Society Research Grants – For research across multiple disciplines.
- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship – For students with strong academic performance and a commitment to political and social engagement.
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship – Supports students dedicated to social democracy and community service.
- Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship – For students involved in social justice and progressive causes.
- Humboldt Research Fellowship – For postdoctoral and experienced researchers across various fields.
- Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) Scholarships – For research related to African studies.
- Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships – Supports future educators in science disciplines.
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship – For academically talented students with a liberal political outlook.
- DAAD EPOS Scholarships – Fully funded master’s and PhD programs in development-related fields.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Germany remains one of the most affordable ways to earn a top-quality degree, but planning your finances in advance is essential. With the updated 2025 work-hour limits, higher earnings threshold for BAföG recipients, and numerous scholarship options, international students now have more flexibility than before.
By combining personal savings, possible parental support, part-time work, scholarships, and student loans, you can create a sustainable financial plan and enjoy your academic journey in Germany without constant financial stress.
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
