Working in Germany as a student
Germany lets international students work substantial hours during their studies, and offers a clear route to staying on afterwards. Since 1 March 2024 the rules have been more generous. As always, allowances change — confirm current limits on official sources before you rely on them.
How much you can work during your studies
International students may work 140 full days or 280 half-days per year, or alternatively up to 20 hours per week — and you can switch between these two models. During the semester breaks, work is unrestricted.
The two common student employment types are the Werkstudent (a working-student role, often related to your field) and the Minijob (a low-earning part-time job with simplified rules).
After you graduate: the 18-month permit
Once you finish your degree, you can apply for an 18-month residence permit to seek a job related to your qualification. During this period you can work without restriction while you look for graduate-level employment.
The EU Blue Card
Once you have a qualifying job offer, you can move to an EU Blue Card. For 2026 the general salary threshold is €50,700, with a reduced threshold of €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates. These thresholds are updated yearly.
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Launched on 1 June 2024, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a points-based job-seeker route that lets qualified people come to Germany to look for work. It's worth knowing about if you're planning your route to staying on after study.
For the rules that govern your studies in the first place, see our visas guide.
Official sources: Make it in Germany, Study in Germany (DAAD), Federal Foreign Office.