Part-time alongside studies:
In Germany, students can work or complete an internship alongside their studies. However, you should observe legal regulations and take care not to neglect your studies.
In principle: Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during the lecture period.
Students from non-EU countries are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days a year.
Please note:
- Compulsory internships do not count for the 120-days rule, but voluntary internships do.
- A job at the university (e.g. as student assistant) does not count for the 120-days rule.
After finishing your studies:
Students from the EU have free access to the German employment market after graduation.
Students from non-EU countries can extend their residence permit by a maximum of 18 months after graduation, in order to find suitable employment in Germany. You can apply for this extension at the appropriate foreigners’ office.
As soon as you have found a job in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit or the “EU Blue Card” for your extended stay at the foreigners’ office.
Please note:
- During the 18 months you have to seek employment, you will still have to be able to prove that you can finance your living expenses (e.g. through a blocked account or a letter of commitment by a relative in Germany).
- When looking for employment, make sure that it matches your qualification and that the salary will suffice for covering your living expenses. This will be checked by the foreigners’ office when you apply for a residence permit.
You will find job advertisements and further information here:
For students and graduates:
Bielefeld UAS job board
Bielefeld UAS career centre: Career advice for students from the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics