International students going to Germany for studies also look for working opportunities during their course. How many hours can you work in Germany legally will depend on the mandated minimum working hours in Germany for students.
From March 1, 2024, rules for international students and apprentices’ working hours have been simplified. The rules concerning side jobs for students and apprentices have been increased and expanded from ten to 20 hours a week.
From March, relief for foreign students and trainees has come into force. Among other things, the additional employment options are being expanded from ten to up to 20 hours a week, for example as a working student or alongside training. This also applies during stays to look for training or a study place, during language courses and study preparation measures.
This also applies to persons coming to Germany to look for a place in vocational training or higher education, take part in a language course or participate in preparatory measures for prospective university students.
The new rules provide for flexibility, enable people to earn a living, and facilitate the transition to the labour market. This increases the attractiveness of Germany as a destination for those starting training or a university course and for those staying on as skilled professionals after completing their programmes.
Furthermore, the new provisions under the Skilled Immigration Act also include rules to ease access to the labour market for IT specialists, nursing aides and assistants, business founders receiving a business start-up grant and foreign short-term employees for a maximum of eight months.