Can I work part-time for 20 hours per week in France and Germany during my studies?
Yes, international students can work part-time in both France and Germany, averaging about twenty hours per week during the academic semester. In France, non-EU students are legally permitted to work up to 964 hours per year under a standard residence permit. In Germany, the limit is structured as 140 full.
Navigating part-time work regulations is essential to funding your education while maintaining visa compliance. Both France and Germany welcome international students to work, but you must carefully track your hours or days to stay within legal limits.
Country Regulation Comparison
| Country | Annual Work Limit | Weekly Average | Holiday Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 964 hours per year | ~20 hours/week | Full-time allowed within annual cap |
| Germany | 140 full days or 280 half days | ~20 hours/week during semester | Full-time allowed within day cap |
Key Regulatory Rules
- Mandatory academic internships do not count toward your annual work limits in either country.
- You can work full-time during official university holidays or semester breaks.
- Standard student residence permits cover your work rights without needing separate permits.
My Advice
Always monitor your cumulative hours or days closely throughout the year to avoid exceeding your legal thresholds. Consult your university international office if you take on multiple roles or corporate student positions.
What will studying in France actually cost you?
Tuition, living costs and loan options in one clear plan you can show your parents.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- 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 is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
More France questions
- 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?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?