International Students Now Allowed 20 Hours of Work Weekly in Germany

International students in Germany are eligible to work up to 20 hours weekly while studying in the country following the latest visa visa rules on student employment effective from March 1, 2024.

Under the second part of Germany’s new skilled worker law, which came into effect in March, the hours that international students are allowed to work while studying in Germany have increased from ten hours per week in previous years to 20 hours at present, Erudera.com reports.

“The previous annual working time account of 120 full days or 240 half days will be increased to 140 full days or 280 half days. Alternatively, the new rule will allow student employees to work up to 20 hours per week,” the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) said.

These rules enable international students to combine work and studies during every stage of their higher education, including before securing a study place at a German university.

International students are also permitted to stay in Germany for up to nine months while preparing their university applications. However, they need a visa to apply for studies.

During the nine months, students must gather the necessary documents and learn German or English, depending on the study program they plan to pursue.

Previously, international applicants planning to education studies in Germany were still allowed to stay for nine months; however, they did not have the right to work.

The rules remain the same for university graduates, who are permitted to stay 18 months after completion of studies and look for job opportunities during this time. After managing to work for two years in the country, they are allowed to apply for permanent residence.

Moreover, third-country nationals interested in doing an apprenticeship in Germany are permitted to work and continue searching at the same time. These individuals are also allowed to stay in Germany to seek an apprenticeship. They now need to have a B1 Level in German.

“The age limit for potential applicants will be raised from 25 to 35 and the German language requirements will be lowered to level B1 (CEFR). This will open up residence for the purpose of seeking vocational training to a larger group of third-country nationals,” BAMF explains.

According to a report by Studying-in-Germany, some jobs for international students in Germany include:

• Academic Assistant
• Catering Roles
• Production Assistant
• Retail
• Online Work