Are part-time job opportunities available during studies in Germany and the UK?
Yes, part-time work is available in both countries, though rules differ. In Germany, non-EU students can work 140 full days or 280 half days yearly, while in the UK, student visa holders can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during official university vacations.
If you are planning to study in Germany or the UK, you can count on part-time work being available in both countries, though you will need to follow different rules depending on where you land. Your nationality and visa status determine exactly how many hours you can work and what type of job you can take. Understanding these limits before you arrive will help you avoid accidentally breaching your visa conditions.
Part-Time Work Hours: Germany vs UK
| Feature | Germany | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Term-Time Hours Limit | Up to 20 hours/week | Up to 20 hours/week (degree-level students) |
| Non-EU Annual Cap | 140 full days or 280 half days/year | Full-time permitted during official breaks |
| Common Sectors | Werkstudent corporate roles, HiWi campus roles, hospitality | Retail, hospitality, campus ambassador, tutoring |
Job Types and Restrictions You Should Know
In Germany, you can look at HiWi (academic assistant) roles on campus, Werkstudent corporate positions that pay competitive industry rates, or mini-jobs capped around 603 euros monthly that are largely tax-free, though self-employment is generally off-limits without prior immigration approval. In the UK, if you hold a student visa for a degree-level course, you can work up to 20 hours weekly in term time and full-time during holidays, but you cannot engage in business, professional sport, or self-employment while your course is in session.
My Advice
Decide early which country fits your work goals better. Germany suits you if you want structured Werkstudent roles tied to your degree, while the UK offers a wider spread of campus and city-centre jobs, but in both cases you must track your hours carefully to stay within visa limits.
More expert answers
Yes, both the UK and Germany offer strong part-time job opportunities for international students.
- UK: You can work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during university holidays with a valid student visa. Typical roles include retail assistant, barista, waiter, campus jobs, and tutoring. Minimum wage for ages 21+ is about £12.71/hour, so you could earn roughly £244/week before tax.
- Germany: Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks, within an annual limit (140 full days or 280 half days). Common jobs include Werkstudent (student trainee), research assistant, retail, and hospitality, with pay usually €12 - €18/hour.
Always follow visa work limits and balance work with your studies.
How much can you actually earn part-time in Germany?
See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.
More Cost & living questions
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- Are you helping with educational loans or bank loans for studying abroad in UK/Ireland for a Master's?
More Germany questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?