Working student status: rights and duties

In short: Working students are students who work for a company alongside their studies, usually with reduced social security contributions. The status comes with special rules on working hours and insurance.

In more detail: The working student rule only applies as long as studying remains the main focus.

In detail

• Working hours: A maximum of 20 hours per week during term, more possible during semester breaks.
• Social insurance: Working students usually pay no contributions to unemployment and long-term care insurance.
• Health insurance: Usually remains covered through student health insurance.
• Contract: A written employment contract regulates tasks, pay and notice periods.
• Practical relevance: Working student jobs often directly relate to the field of study and offer valuable work experience.
• Exceeding limits: If the hour limit is regularly exceeded, the status can lapse.
• After graduation: A permanent position after a successful working student period is common (studienfinanzierung-ueberblick).