Global Affairs Study and Teaching

Working a student job

Earn money - make valuable experiences - find your profession

International students are allowed to take up a student job in Germany. There are certain rules and conditions, however. Also different rules apply depending on whether you are from an EU– or non-EU-country.

Working a student job can secure additional funding for your studies, but in practice it is not enough to secure your livelihood. Try to work during the lecture-free periods so it will not unnecessarily prolong your studies. During the lecture period students should work no more than 10-15 hours per week so that there is sufficient time for studying.

If possible, wait until the end of your first semester in Germany before looking for a job. This way you will be more able to estimate how many hours of work per week you can manage parallel to your studies.

Your jobs should get more demanding over the course of your studies and be related to your field of study. Be proactive and enquire about student jobs or internships at companies or institutions where you might like to work later.

Jobs at the university’s institutes, libraries or other facilities are much sought after and can complement your studies in an ideal way. If you are interested, ask about positions of student or research assistant and tutors at your institute’s or faculty’s office. Some institutes have email newsletters and send out offers, so sign up to stay informed. Also check notice boards outside libraries, lecture halls and the cafeteria. There you can find many offers for sideline jobs. Ideally, you find a student job that advances your studies and prepares you for the profession you aspire to. This would offer two advantages – you earn some money and at the same time acquire skills and experience for your later career and job hunt. Employers appreciate it when students gain experience in a relevant area of work during their studies, and you are more likely to be invited for an interview with this kind of background.

Advice services offered by Goethe University

Goethe University offers a wide range of advice services related to work and career questions. Even if you are only considering a part-time job during your studies, or an internship, you should take advantage of these offers. For example, you can ask for your application and CV to be checked to ensure that they comply with common practice in Germany. You can get advice for a job interview, attend various informative events and much more!

Career Service

Offers related to job orientation and career design for German and international students: individual consulting (Career coaching, Checking your application, Coaching for tests), workshops and lectures (Practical experiences, Job orientation, Training for applications, A good start to the job, Qualifications for specific professional areas, Seminars on life/work balance). There is also a special Career service for international students!

>> Career Service

Career Center and Arbeitsagentur (federal employment agency)

The Career Center forms part of the Career Service to help students and graduates find jobs in cooperation with external partners from the business world. Furthermore, there are courses for additional qualifications, and career fairs.

Both the Career Center and the Arbeitsagentur (federal employment agency) offer consultation hours in the Hörsaalzentrum (main lecture hall building, Campus Westend).

Arbeitsagentur: Mondays & Fridays 09:00-13:00

Goethe University Career Center: Mondays 14:00-17:00 and Thursdays 13:00-17:00

>> Further information

General advice services of the AstA (students’ representative body) Frankfurt and the DGB Jugend (German trade unions’ youth organisation)

First-step advice on matters of employment law (for all students) in the AstA Campus Office (Campus Westend, white bungalow between the Casino and the PA building, room 7)

>> Further information