Part-Time Jobs in Germany for Students 2026: 140-Day Rule, €13.90/Hr Wage & Best Roles

Part time jobs in Germany for students are essential for covering living expenses — and in 2026, Indian students can earn €800–€1,400/month while studying, thanks to Germany's €13.90/hour minimum wage and generous work allowances. International students in Germany are permitted to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, equivalent to approximately 20 hours per week during the semester. Part time jobs in Germany for students include HiWi (research assistant) positions, mini-jobs capped at €603/month, tutoring, restaurant work, and IT freelancing. With free tuition in 15 of 16 states and a blocked account requirement of €11,904/year (€992/month), part-time earnings can cover 60-100% of your monthly expenses. This 2026 guide from EEC — 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ Indian students placed — covers every rule, the best-paying student jobs, HiWi positions, a realistic earning calculator, tax obligations, and how to maximise your income without violating your visa conditions.

The 140-Day Rule — Work Limits for International Students in Germany (2026)

The single most important rule for part time jobs in Germany for students in 2026 is the 140/280-day regulation under §16b AufenthG. As a non-EU student on a German student visa, you are permitted to work:

The 140-day rule runs on a calendar year basis (January to December), not by academic year. This means if you arrive in Germany in October 2026 for the winter semester, you only have roughly 60 working days available until December 31, 2026. Plan your work schedule accordingly. Many Indian students front-load their work days during semester breaks (February-March and July-September) and work fewer hours during exam-heavy periods.

HiWi Jobs — The Exemption That Changes Everything

HiWi (Hilfswissenschaftler or Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft) positions — research assistant or teaching assistant jobs at your enrolled university — are exempt from the 140-day limit. This is a game-changer for Indian students. A HiWi contract at your university does not count toward your 140 days, which means you can hold a HiWi position AND a separate part-time job simultaneously, dramatically increasing your earning potential. More on HiWi jobs in the dedicated section below.

Minimum Wage in Germany 2026 — What Indian Students Earn Per Hour

Germany's statutory minimum wage in 2026 is €13.90 per hour — one of the highest in Europe. This minimum wage applies to all workers, including international students on student visas and mini-job contracts. Compared to other study-abroad destinations:

At €13.90/hour and 20 hours/week, an Indian student earns €278/week or approximately €1,112/month — covering your entire blocked account monthly requirement of €992. Many student jobs in cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg pay €14–€18/hour (above minimum wage), particularly in IT support, tutoring, and hospitality. HiWi positions at top universities like TU Munich (QS #22) and RWTH Aachen (QS #105) pay €12–€17/hour depending on your qualification level and the federal state.

Mini-Job (€603/Month) — Tax-Free Employment for Students in 2026

The mini-job (geringfügige Beschäftigung) is Germany's unique employment category that allows you to earn up to €603/month completely tax-free and social-security-free as an employee. For Indian students, a mini-job is often the first part-time position they secure in 2026. The employer handles all paperwork, pays a flat-rate social security contribution, and you receive your full gross pay as net pay.

Mini-jobs are available in restaurants, cafés, retail stores, delivery services, cleaning companies, and many other sectors. The €603/month threshold was increased from €538 in 2024, reflecting the minimum wage increase to €13.90/hour. At this wage, a mini-job equates to approximately 43 hours/month or roughly 10 hours/week. Crucially, mini-job hours still count toward your 140-day annual limit — so track your working days carefully. Indian students who combine a mini-job with a HiWi position (which is exempt from the 140-day rule) can maximise their total earnings while staying fully compliant.

Best Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Germany — 2026

Choosing the right part time jobs in Germany for students depends on your skills, German language level, and academic schedule. Here are the highest-paying and most accessible options for Indian students in 2026:

The Werkstudent (working student) position is the gold standard for Indian students in 2026. Werkstudent contracts are specifically designed for enrolled university students, pay €14–€22/hour (well above minimum wage), and often lead to full-time job offers after graduation. Companies like SAP, Siemens, BMW, Bosch, Deutsche Bank, and hundreds of Mittelstand firms actively recruit Werkstudenten. The Werkstudent arrangement also exempts you from most social security contributions (you only pay pension insurance), further boosting your net take-home pay. These positions count toward your 140-day limit, so plan accordingly.

HiWi Jobs (Research Assistant) — The Best-Kept Secret for Indian Students in 2026

HiWi (Hilfswissenschaftler or Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft) positions are research or teaching assistant roles at your enrolled university — and they are the single best part-time job for Indian students in Germany in 2026. Here is why:

Why HiWi Jobs Are Exceptional

First, HiWi positions are exempt from the 140-day work limit — the only employment category with this exemption. This means you can work 20 hours/week as a HiWi without using a single day of your 140-day quota. Second, HiWi work is directly related to your academic field, strengthening your CV and building relationships with professors who can recommend you for DAAD scholarships and future employment. Third, HiWi pay rates at top universities range from €12–€17/hour depending on your qualification level and the Bundesland (federal state) — TU Munich, LMU, RWTH Aachen, and KIT all have standardised HiWi pay scales.

To find HiWi positions, check your department's notice boards (physical and online), ask your professors directly, check the university's Stellenportal (job portal), and network with senior Indian students who may know of openings. HiWi contracts are typically for 6-12 months and can be renewed. Many Indian students combine a 10-hour/week HiWi position with a 10-hour/week Werkstudent or mini-job — earning €1,000–€1,500/month total while staying within all legal limits.

Monthly Earning Calculator — How Much Can Indian Students Earn in Germany? (2026)

Here is a realistic calculation of what Indian students can earn from part time jobs in Germany at different work intensities in 2026. All calculations use the minimum wage of €13.90/hour as the baseline — actual earnings are often higher:

The data shows that Indian students working 20 hours/week at minimum wage (€13.90/hr) earn €1,112/month — exceeding the blocked account requirement of €992/month. This means your part-time earnings alone can cover your monthly living expenses in Germany. Students who secure Werkstudent positions at €16–€20/hour or combine HiWi with a mini-job earn even more. During semester breaks, full-time work at minimum wage yields €2,224/month — allowing you to build a savings buffer for exam periods when you work fewer hours.

“In my first semester at TU Munich, I found a HiWi position in my professor's lab at €14.50/hour for 10 hours/week. Then I got a mini-job at a café near campus for another 10 hours. My total monthly income was about €1,150 — more than enough for Munich. The HiWi hours didn't count toward my 140-day limit, so I could also work full-time during semester breaks. EEC's pre-departure session taught me all of this before I even landed in Germany.”

— Sneha R., MS Computer Science, TU Munich — Werkstudent at Siemens Digital Industries

Tax Rules & Social Security for Student Workers in Germany — 2026

Understanding German tax rules is critical for Indian students earning from part time jobs in Germany. Here is what you need to know in 2026:

Income Tax (Einkommensteuer)

Germany's personal tax-free allowance (Grundfreibetrag) in 2026 is approximately €11,784/year. This means if your total annual income from part-time work is below €11,784, you owe zero income tax. For a student earning €1,000/month (€12,000/year), only €216 is subject to income tax — resulting in a very small tax liability. Many Indian students file an annual tax return (Einkommensteuererklärung) and receive a refund because their employer withheld tax monthly, but their annual income falls below the threshold. File your taxes using ELSTER (the free online tax portal) or the Lohnsteuerhilfeverein (tax assistance association, costs €50-€80/year).

Social Security Contributions

Mini-job workers (up to €603/month) are exempt from all social security contributions — your gross pay equals your net pay. Werkstudent workers are exempt from health insurance, unemployment insurance, and care insurance contributions but must pay pension insurance (9.3% of gross). This means a Werkstudent earning €1,280/month gross takes home approximately €1,161 net. Regular part-time employees (non-Werkstudent, non-mini-job) may face full social security deductions of 20%+. This is why Werkstudent and mini-job contracts are financially optimal for Indian students.

Part time jobs in Germany for students in 2026 provide Indian students with the earning power to cover their entire living costs — a reality made possible by Germany's €13.90/hour minimum wage, the 140 full-day/280 half-day annual work allowance, and the HiWi exemption. Whether you work as a Werkstudent at SAP for €18/hour, a HiWi in your professor's lab for €14.50/hour, or a mini-job at a café for €13.90/hour, part-time earnings of €800–€1,400/month mean your blocked account savings of €992/month become a backup rather than your primary income source. The key to success: register your tax ID in week one, track your 140-day limit meticulously, prioritise HiWi and Werkstudent roles over casual mini-jobs, and never exceed your visa work limits. For Indian students receiving DAAD scholarships (€934/month), part-time earnings are additional income — making your financial situation in Germany extremely comfortable. EEC has guided 50,000+ Indian students through their study-abroad journey — from student visa applications to post-study career success. Book your free consultation today, or visit your nearest EEC centre for in-person guidance on working in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part-Time Jobs in Germany for Students