Because college isn't paid for, many students work on the side.
Even if some get a little money through a scholarship, it is still better to always have something in reserve.
Paying for college with a part-time job and not just relying on your parents' spending or BAföG (German state student aid).
As a rule, students draw their "living expenses from the following sources:"

  • Parents
  • BAföG
  • Scholarship
  • Own assets (savings)
  • Loan or credit
  • Dual degree program
  • Government benefits

Even so, it is not a bad idea to take a part-time job. If it is also in your field of study, you can gain a little extra experience for your later career. Practical experience is good for your future in this way too.

Paying for college with a part-time job on a 450-euro basis

For students it is still the most favorable option to take a job on a 450-euro basis (a German "mini-job").
The positive thing is that no taxes or social security contributions are due.
It is up to the employer to pay 15 % pension insurance and 13 % health insurance.
You can also hold several part-time jobs in parallel. These may never exceed the limit of 450 € per month, though.
As a student in a mini-job, you also have the right to a Christmas bonus and vacation pay.
If you earn in the range of 450-800 euros, the so-called transition zone (Gleitzone) applies.
Here only a reduced share of contributions is due from you. Otherwise you don't have to pay anything toward it.
If you only work during the semester and your working hours always stay under 20 hours, then you likewise have earnings that are completely exempt from insurance contributions.

Paying for college with a part-time job



Paying for college with a part-time job - what work is possible?
A broad range of options remains open to you for a part-time job. Whether it fits your later career or has nothing to do with it at all, anything is possible.
So you can pay for college with a part-time job in the classic way with things like waiting tables or working a cash register.
A working-student position (Werkstudentenstelle) would also be possible for you. That includes work you would like to do yourself later. That scores you points in your later job applications.
Often, though, this is also very time-consuming. If needed, you can also work just a few hours a week.
That also includes tutoring, temp work in an office or at trade fairs.
Sometimes you also have the chance at your department to work as a student assistant for a lecturer. Find out about this in good time.
You can also simply work in production during the semester break.

Paying for college with a part-time job: the midi-job
The midi-job is a mix between a mini-job and a normal job subject to social security contributions.
Earnings here are between 450-800 euros. For those of you who want to earn more and don't intend to work too much, this is ideal.
You are also covered by social insurance and entitled to sickness benefit.
You are exempt from other contributions.