While Germany is a dream destination for international students thanks to its reputation for affordable high-quality education, the cost of living in Germany can make studying there an expensive affair for students from foreign countries. To offset this, many students opt to undertake part-time jobs. Germany has a thriving job market that provides opportunities for international students to find part-time work. Many international students take on academic jobs in the university they are studying at or work in the hospitality industry. Iraqi students proficient in Arabic or Kurdish can also opt for language jobs. However legal professions, public schooling, and other public sector jobs will not be available for part-time international students.
This article will explore the best part-time jobs available to Iraqi students studying in Germany.
Part-time Jobs for Iraqi Students in Germany
Many international students choose to work on the side while pursuing their studies abroad to make ends meet. Continue reading to explore five top part-time jobs for Iraqi students studying in Germany:
1. Student Assistant
- Approximate hours a week: 10-20 hours
- Average salary per hour: €10-€15
- Required skills: Proficiency in relevant subjects, strong communication abilities, and good organizational skills
A popular part-time job for Iraqi students studying in Germany is working as a student assistant at their university. This role involves supporting professors, assisting with research projects, and performing administrative tasks. The advantages of being a student assistant include gaining exposure to academic research, enhancing subject knowledge, and networking with faculty and fellow students.
To secure a student assistant position, students should approach their department’s faculty or visit the university’s job portal. Prior relevant coursework and good academic standing are often preferred qualifications. The flexible hours make it suitable for both part-time and full-time students, allowing them to balance work and studies effectively.
Networking with professors, expressing enthusiasm for the subject matter, and demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills during interviews can increase the likelihood of landing a student assistant role.
2. Arabic/Kurdish Tutor
- Approximate hours a week: 10-15 hours
- Average salary per hour: €15-€25
- Required skills: Fluency in Arabic or Kurdish, teaching ability, and patience
Iraqi students who are proficient in Arabic or Kurdish have the opportunity to work as language tutors in Germany. Cities with diverse international communities, such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, offer better tutoring prospects. As language tutors, students can share their native language expertise and cultural knowledge, making a positive impact on language learners and fostering cultural exchange.
Creating engaging and structured lesson plans, offering trial sessions, and sharing personal language learning experiences can make Iraqi students stand out and attract more potential learners. This is an excellent part-time job for Iraqi students in Germany as it requires them to use a language they are proficient in.
3. Translator/Interpreter
- Approximate hours a week: 10-15 hours
- Average salary per hour: €15-€25
- Required skills: Bilingual proficiency, strong communication, and cultural understanding
Iraqi students with bilingual proficiency in Arabic, and German or English, have the opportunity to work as translators or interpreters. This role involves translating written documents or providing interpretation services in business meetings, conferences, or community events, contributing to effective cross-cultural communication.
Building a strong language portfolio with samples of translated documents, attending language-related workshops or conferences, and networking with language service providers can boost Iraqi students’ chances of securing translation or interpretation jobs.
4. Retail/Restaurant Worker
- Approximate hours a week: 15-20 hours
- Average salary per hour: €10-€12
- Required skills: Good communication, teamwork, and customer service skills
Part-time positions in retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets are available for Iraqi students in cities across Germany. These roles involve customer service, cashiering, and assisting with daily operations, offering exposure to a diverse work environment and improving interpersonal skills.
While the income may not be as high as some other part-time jobs and is insufficient to cover your expenses, it will help offset the high costs of living. Displaying enthusiasm for the job during interviews, being attentive to customer needs, and showcasing a positive attitude can improve the chances of landing a retail or restaurant position.
5. Delivery Worker
- Approximate hours a week: 15-20 hours
- Average salary per hour: €10-€12 (plus tips)
- Required skills: Strong time management, physical stamina, conversational German knowledge, and customer service abilities
For Iraqi students seeking a physically active and flexible part-time job in Germany, working as a delivery worker can be a viable option. With the rise of online food delivery platforms and e-commerce services, cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne offer ample opportunities for delivery jobs. This role involves delivering food orders or packages to customers, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.
Delivery workers typically earn an average of €9 to €12 per hour, with the potential to earn additional income through tips. This will not cover all expenses but will ease some of the financial pressures.
FAQS About Getting a Part-time Job in Germany
Can I Get a Part-Time Job in Germany as an Iraqi Student?
Yes, Iraqi students studying in Germany are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies. Part-time jobs in Germany are diverse and can include roles such as student assistants at universities, retail associates, hospitality staff, and language tutors. Additionally, opportunities may arise in industries like IT, customer service, and research assistance.
Do I Need a Work Permit to Find Work Off-Campus in Germany as an Iraqi Student?
No, you don’t need a work permit for part-time work if you are enrolled in a full-time degree program at a German university. Iraqi students, like other non-EU citizens, are typically permitted 120 full days or 240 half days without a separate work permit. These days can be spread throughout the year as part-time work. If you want to work for longer than the permitted 120 days, you will need to first apply for approval from the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Registration Authority). If you work at your university as a student assistant, then the time restrictions don’t apply, but you must still keep the Ausländerbehörde informed.
Iraqi students studying in Germany have access to a variety of part-time job options that cater to their skills and interests, such as student assistants, language tutors, translators, retail/restaurant workers, and delivery workers. When selecting a part-time job in Germany, Iraqi students must consider their personal skills, interests, and academic schedules.
Hopefully, this article on the best part-time jobs for Iraqi international students in Germany will help you find an ideal part-time job to chip into your finances. Head on over to our Germany Page for more details about studying in Germany – from the different universities to the numerous scholarship opportunities! And if you are in search of courses to enroll in, check out these Available Programs for international students!
