Working during your studies

A job alongside your studies is always worthwhile because you gain practical experience and often valuable skills for your CV. Financially, there are a few things you should consider:

• BAFöG: you can currently earn up to € 520.00 per month before your income is counted towards your BAföG.
• Health insurance: even with your health insurance, your monthly income may not exceed € 520.00. In addition, you may not work more than 20 hours a week. Thus, your studies must be clearly your priority.
• Pension insurance: generally, all jobs are subject to pension insurance.

The points listed above include numerous exceptions which allow you to work longer and earn more during the semester break for example.

It gets even more complicated if you want to work as self-emplyed like it is often required for promotions at trade fairs or in the catering trade. As a result, your student wages are often higher. In these cases, you have to register a business [Gewerbe] with the responsible tax office, possibly deal with the subject of sales tax and of course regularly make a tax return.

Our social counseling will help you in all cases and has many tips and tricks ready to help you get the most out of your job financially.