When studying abroad, working part-time can help cover your daily expenses, including travel, accommodation, and healthcare. It can be particularly useful for Iranian students studying in Germany without a scholarship. Before choosing a university, it also helps to explore courses in Germany so you can compare programs and plan your budget more effectively.
Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland, including Iran, must follow the rules for third-country students. Under a residence permit for study purposes, they may generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Alternatively, they may work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods. During semester breaks, they may work without restrictions. Student auxiliary roles, such as academic work at higher education institutions, are treated separately from this quota. You can review the official guidance on studying and working in Germany for details.
You can make the most of your time by exploring suitable part-time jobs as an Iranian student. Read this article to learn more about part-time jobs in Germany for Iranian international students.
Part-time Jobs for Iranian Students in Germany
As an Iranian student, you can explore part-time work opportunities to help cover your expenses and gain work experience. Your schedule must comply with the conditions attached to your residence permit. For employees age 18 or older, Germany’s statutory minimum wage is generally €13.90 gross per hour as of January 1, 2026, although exceptions can apply, including for certain internships. Actual pay can be higher depending on your skills, industry, and region. Here is a list of part-time jobs that may be suitable for Iranian international students in Germany:
1. Academic Assistant
- Schedule: varies by position
- Pay: varies by institution and role
- Required skills: research, communication, organizational skills, and ethical conduct
Many international students work as academic assistants in Germany. Academic assistants may supervise a library, lead tutorials, or research literature for professors. This type of role can allow Iranian students to work alongside academic staff, develop professional experience, and improve their language skills. You can look for student research assistant positions at the Technical University of Munich and other German universities.
Pay and working hours for academic assistants vary across German universities and departments. If you are interested in this type of role, contact your institute’s administrative office, ask your professors, or check your institution’s official job portal and notice boards. Student auxiliary roles may be treated separately from the standard annual work quota, but you should ask your university’s international office or the competent foreigners authority whether you need to report the position.
2. Language Tutor
- Schedule: varies by employer or client
- Pay: varies by employer, subject, and experience
- Required skills: language proficiency, teaching ability, and cultural awareness
As an Iranian student, you could use your fluency in Persian and work as a Persian or Farsi language tutor, offering lessons to individuals or groups. You could also work as an English language tutor if you are fluent in English. Tutoring roles may offer flexible hours, allowing you to balance your studies and work. Working as a Farsi tutor may also help you connect with Persian-speaking communities in Germany.
Employers and clients set their own requirements for tutoring roles. Some may prefer teaching experience or a credential such as TEFL or CELTA for English-language teaching, but these qualifications are not a universal requirement for every private tutoring position. If you work independently rather than as an employee, obtain approval from the competent foreigners authority before starting any self-employed or freelance activity.
3. Courier / Delivery Service
- Schedule: varies by employer and must comply with your residence-permit conditions
- Pay: varies by employer and role
- Required skills: time management, navigation skills, and physical stamina
Working as a courier or delivery worker may be an option for international students in Germany. Some roles involve delivering food, parcels, or other items. Before accepting a position, check whether the employment arrangement is compatible with your residence permit and whether you will be hired as an employee or asked to work on a self-employed basis.
A courier or delivery role can help you develop transferable skills, including time management and customer service. It can also provide income to help cover living expenses as an international student.
4. Waiter / Waitress
- Schedule: varies by employer and must comply with your residence-permit conditions
- Pay: varies by employer and role
- Required skills: customer service, multitasking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
One common off-campus job for international students in Germany is waiting tables at a restaurant or café. German-language skills are often helpful and may be required by some employers, especially for customer-facing roles. The position can help you develop customer-service skills and improve your spoken German through regular interaction with colleagues and customers.
Some restaurant positions may be offered as minijobs. In 2026, a minijob with an earnings limit generally means that regular earnings do not exceed €603 per month. Do not assume that every minijob automatically preserves your health-insurance status. The effect on your insurance depends on factors such as your income, weekly working hours, student status, and personal circumstances. Confirm the details with your health insurer before starting the job. You can also review the official Minijob-Zentrale guidance.
5. Persian-English / German Translator
- Schedule: varies by employer or client and must comply with your residence-permit conditions
- Pay: varies by employer, client, language pair, and type of work
- Required skills: translation skills, cultural awareness, bilingual proficiency, and reading comprehension
If you have strong bilingual skills, you could explore translation or interpreting work involving Persian-English or Persian-German. Depending on the role, you may translate general documents, support communication, or help clients understand written information. If you plan to work independently, obtain approval from the competent foreigners authority before starting freelance or self-employed work.
Requirements vary depending on the type of translation. For general translation work, employers and clients set their own requirements. For officially authorized, appointed, or sworn translation and interpreting services, requirements are governed by the laws of the individual German states. The state justice administrations maintain an official database of translators and interpreters.
FAQS About Getting a Part-time Job in Germany
Can I Get a Part-Time Job in Germany as an Iranian Student?
Yes. Germany allows international students, including Iranian students, to work part-time. Students from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted access to the German labor market and have practically the same rights as German students.
Iranian students are subject to the rules for third-country students. Under a residence permit for study purposes, they may generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. A working day of up to four hours counts as a half day. Alternatively, they may work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods. During semester breaks, they may work without restrictions.
Iranian students can explore off-campus jobs such as waiting tables, working in an office or store, tutoring, babysitting, and other suitable roles. Self-employed work and freelancing are not automatically permitted. You must obtain approval from the competent foreigners authority before starting a self-employed or freelance activity. You can review the DAAD guidance on side jobs and the official German government guidance for more information.
Do I Need a Work Permit to Find Work Off-Campus in Germany as an Iranian Student?
Iranian students with a residence permit for study purposes generally do not need separate approval from the Federal Employment Agency for employment that stays within the permitted limits. Your residence permit determines the conditions under which you may work.
Student auxiliary roles, such as academic work at a higher education institution, are not subject to the standard annual quota. However, you should ask the competent foreigners authority or your university’s international office whether the position must be reported and whether it qualifies for this treatment.
If you want to work beyond the standard limits or start a freelance or self-employed activity, contact the competent foreigners authority before starting the work. Additional approval may be required. Do not begin additional work until you have confirmed that it is permitted.
Many of these jobs may be suitable for Iranians studying in Germany. To find a role that fits your preferences, consider your academic schedule, financial needs, language skills, and professional experience. Because Iran is outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland, Iranian students should review the conditions attached to their residence permit before starting a part-time job in Germany.
To learn more about opportunities in Germany, head over to our Germany Page for details about studying in this European country, including universities and scholarship opportunities. You can also search for courses through our Available Programs in Germany for international students.
