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Can I work part-time while studying in Germany, and what are the work hour limits?

03 Aug 2026 · Answered by Gagandeep Singh · 1 min read
Gagandeep Singh
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Yes, you can work part-time while studying in Germany, but there are specific limits.

- Up to 140 full days or 280 half days/year (a full day is more than 4 hours; a half day is up to 4 hours).
- During lecture periods: Maximum 20 hours/week to avoid affecting your studies.

Student assistant roles at your university may be exempt from these limits, but you should always inform the local immigration office.

Exceeding these limits without approval can risk your residence permit. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact your LeapScholar counsellor.

More expert answers

Soorya Sudheer
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Yes, as an international student in Germany, you can work part-time while studying.

- Up to 20 hours/week during the academic semester.
- Full-time (up to 40 hours/week) allowed during semester breaks.
- Annual limit: 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year (a full day is more than 4 hours, a half day is up to 4 hours).
- On-campus research assistant roles may be exempt from these limits.

Staying within these restrictions is important to maintain your student visa status.

Abhishek Mehta
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Leap Scholar's Counsellor
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You can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester as an international student in Germany.

During semester breaks, you may work full-time (up to 40 hours per week), but your total work must not exceed 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Staying within these limits is essential to maintain your student visa status.

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