Germany has specified that students from outside the EU, classified as third‑country nationals, may work for up to 140 full days or 280 half‑days each year without needing approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

A shift of four hours or less counts as a half‑day under the new regulations.

During the lecture period, the same 20‑hour weekly limit that applies to German students also applies to third‑country students and those from EU/EEA or Switzerland.

When semester breaks begin, the weekly hour restriction is lifted, allowing students to take on additional work.

Different rules for EU/EEA and Swiss students

The German guidelines distinguish between students from EU, EEA member states or Switzerland and those from third countries, applying separate limits during semester breaks.

Student assistant positions at universities, research institutes or libraries are exempt from the general work‑hour restrictions.

Employment as proof of financial support

Germany notes that a student job can serve as evidence of sufficient financial resources when renewing a residence title, though students are advised to confirm eligibility with local foreigner authorities.

To qualify as a financial guarantor, a student must demonstrate access to at least €992 (approximately KSh 147,242) per month from the secondary income.