How much can I earn while studying abroad through part-time work in UK/Germany?
Working the maximum 20 hours a week in term time, you can earn roughly 1,016 pounds a month in the UK at the 21-plus minimum wage, or between 550 and 1,200 euros a month in Germany. Both countries cap term-time work at 20 hours a week, full-time during holidays.
Working the maximum 20 hours a week in term time, you can earn roughly £1,016 a month in the UK at the 21+ minimum wage, or between €550 and €1,200+ a month in Germany depending on your hours and hourly rate. Both countries cap term-time work at 20 hours a week for international students, with full-time work allowed during official holidays.
Part-Time Earnings: UK vs Germany
| Feature | United Kingdom | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Hourly Wage | £12.71 (ages 21+) | €13.90 |
| Typical Student Job Rate | £12.71 to £14.80 in London | €14.00 to €20.00+ |
| Term-Time Hour Limit | 20 hours a week | 20 hours a week, or 120 full days a year for non-EU students |
| Estimated Monthly Earnings (max legal hours) | Approximately £1,016 | €550 to €1,200+ |
| Holiday Work | Full-time permitted | Full-time permitted during breaks |
Taxes and Practical Notes
- UK: your Personal Allowance is £12,570 a year; stay below it and you pay no Income Tax on your part-time earnings
- Germany: earnings up to €603 a month qualify as a tax-free Minijob with no standard social security contributions
- Non-EU students in Germany are capped at 120 full days or 240 half days a year rather than a strict weekly limit
- Common student jobs: campus ambassador, retail, hospitality, and admin roles in the UK; Werkstudent (working student) positions, tutoring, and campus assistant roles in Germany
My Advice
Do not build your core living-expense budget around part-time earnings, since visa rules cap your hours and job availability varies by city; treat this income as a top-up, not a funding source. Tell us whether you are leaning UK or Germany and your field of study, and we will point you toward the campus job types that typically pay above the minimum rates shown here.
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?
- 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?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
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?