Information regarding the student job

General rules for all students who work besides their studies.

Jobbing has always been an important part of financing your studies. Even more so in times of rising living costs and inflation.

We have summarised here what should be considered when taking on a part-time job.

How many hours am I allowed to work in addition to my studies?

As a fulltime-student, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. During the lecture-free period, you may work more - but only for up to 26 weeks (182 days) within 12 months.

If you work at weekends, on public holidays, in the evenings or at night, you may also work more than 20 hours per week during the lecture period. However, this is also limited to a maximum of 26 weeks within 12 months. The job must be limited to a maximum of 26 weeks.

The 26-week rule is not based on the calendar year. It is based on the expected end of the employment to be assessed and then on the last 12 months.

If you work more than 20 hours per week (apart from the 26-week rule), you lose the working student privilege (see below).

How much additional income am I allowed to earn?

In general, you are entitled to the minimum wage of currently 12,42 euros per hour (as of  01/2024). There are no upper limits.

However, if you have family insurance, receive BAföG or live in a community of need with people who receive social benefits, different additional income limits must be taken into account:

In the family insurance, for example, you may only have a mini-job or earn a maximum of 505 euros (as of 01/2024) per month plus a proportion of the flat rate for advertising costs. The lump sum for advertising costs is 1,230 euros in 2024. Proportionately, this amounts to 102,50 euros per month. You should inform your health insurance when you take up a job.

If you are receiving BAföG, you may earn a maximum of 6,251.02 euros gross (corresponds approx. to 520 euros per month) in a 12-month approval period. Anything above this amount will be deducted from your BAföG at a rate of approx. 80%. If you are self-employed, the additional income limits are slightly different. You can find more information on the BAföG Office website

The amount of your income has no influence on your child benefit.

What is the working student privilege?

The so-called working student privilege means that students and employers have to pay less social security contributions. The reason: The contributions for unemployment insurance as well as health and long-term care insurance do not apply. However, you still have to pay your share of the pension insurance. You still have to take out health insurance. Students can choose between free family insurance (for minor employment under the age of 25), statutory student health insurance (voluntary from the age of 30) or private health insurance.

In addition to student status, the prerequisite for the working student privilege is that you do not work more than 20 hours per week during the semester, with the exception of the 26-week rule described in the first point.

Please note: You cannot benefit from the working student privilege if you are studying part-time or during a semester off. The same applies to part-time studies of up to 50 percent of full-time studies, self-employment and a few other constellations. Important for self-employed persons: Student health insurance may still be possible.

What is the difference to a mini-job?

With a mini-job, you earn up to 538 euros per month and pay no taxes or social security contributions, with the exception of pension insurance contributions. However, you can apply for exemption from these contributions. As far as taxes are concerned, employers only pay a lump sum. These regulations apply to all mini-jobbers and are independent of student status. Even with a mini-job, you are not covered by health insurance through your work and must therefore take care of this yourself.

Taxes

If your total income remains below the annual basic tax-free amount of 11,604 euros (valid for 2024) plus income-related expenses (flat-rate amount for 2024: 1,230 euros), you do not have to pay tax. However, if you have a higher monthly income (even for a limited period of time), income tax may be deducted. However, if your annual income is below the basic tax-free amount plus income-related expenses, you will usually be refunded the excess taxes paid on your tax return. In the case of a mini-job, as long as you do not have any other jobs, no income tax is usually withheld.

Am I entitled to paid leave and sick pay?

You also have a holiday entitlement as a working student or mini-jobber. You are entitled to the same number of holiday days as the other employees in your company. You are also entitled to continued payment of wages in the event of holiday or illness. However, if you are absent for more than 6 weeks, you are unfortunately not entitled to sick pay from the health insurance fund.

What do I have to consider when pregnant with regard to jobbing?

The most important thing first: Do not terminate your employment contract prematurely if you are pregnant!

As a pregnant woman*, you and your unborn child are protected by law in the workplace. Employers must ensure that your health and that of your child are not endangered. Night work, lifting heavy loads, handling dangerous chemicals, etc. are taboo. Pregnant people also have special protection against dismissal.

If employers cannot offer a suitable job, pregnant women* are usually released from work and receive maternity protection pay. For the period of statutory maternity protection, maternity allowance is available as a wage replacement benefit.

Tip for international students: After the birth, parents with a visa for study purposes also have the possibility to receive family benefits (child benefit, parental allowance, advance maintenance payment) if they cannot (fully) pursue their gainful employment due to parental leave or have an employment contract.

The situations of pregnant people or students with families are very individual. Therefore, it is best to get information from the social counselling service! The social workers can also help you find solutions in financial emergencies.

What happens if I lose my job?

As a working student or mini-jobber, unlike regular employees, you are not entitled to unemployment benefit if you lose your job. After all, you did not have to pay all social security contributions. Accordingly, you will not be able to receive unemployment benefit even after you finish your studies.