Studying abroad opens various opportunities for Kenyan international students in Germany but it comes with multiple challenges. From finding a balance between academics and house chores to the weight of personal finance, students struggle to offset expenses while pursuing their dreams.
However, students are advantageous since they can alleviate their financial stress with the numerous part-time jobs available. In Germany’s diverse job market, students can explore various fields, though some might have restrictions due to visa regulations.
Keep on reading to discover the perfect part-time jobs available for Kenyan students in Germany and take a step toward financial independence. Let’s take a closer look at it!
Part-time Jobs for Kenyan Students in Germany
Here are some of the best part-time jobs available for Kenyan students in Germany.
1. Content Writers and Translators
- Approximate hours a week: 10 – 12 hours
- Average salary per hour: €12 – €30
- Required skills: Excellent writing skills and fluency in multiple languages
Kenyan students in Germany can work as content writers and translators to utilize their language skills and creativity. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer numerous opportunities for such roles.
Working as a content writer or translator provides valuable experience in language services, enhancing students’ portfolios for future job applications. This experience can especially benefit students pursuing journalism, marketing, communications, or language-related careers.
Additionally, students can improve their language proficiency, gain exposure to various industries, and develop valuable communication and research skills. As this is a freelancing position, you can explore opportunities for writing jobs through websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProZ. Moreover, you can contact local companies and language schools for job openings.
2. Campus Ambassador
- Approximate hours a week: 10 – 15 hours
- Average salary per hour: €10 – €20
- Required skills: Good communication and networking skills
Becoming a campus ambassador in Germany opens exciting opportunities for Kenyan students to represent renowned companies or organizations directly on university campuses.
As campus ambassadors, students act as the face of the brand, promoting products, services, or events to their peers and engaging with campus communities. The cities with the most campus ambassador opportunities in Germany are major university towns like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg.
Taking the campus ambassador role offers numerous advantages. Students can gain practical marketing experience while pursuing one’s studies. Furthermore, this role allows students to build connections with company representatives and industry professionals, potentially leading to internships or job offers in the future.
3. Language Interpreter
- Approximate hours a week: up to 20 hours
- Average salary per hour: €20 – €40
- Required skills: Fluency in Swahili and German language
Working part-time as a language interpreter in Germany offers an enriching and diverse career path for Kenyan students with multilingual talents. As an interpreter, you play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps between individuals who speak different languages.
Major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Stuttgart present abundant opportunities for language interpreters due to their international presence and thriving business environments.
To get this job, formal education or certification in translation or interpretation studies can enhance your chances of getting it. Many organizations, especially legal or medical ones, may require certification from recognized institutions or associations, such as the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) or the American Translators Association (ATA).
4. IT Support
- Approximate hours a week: 10 – 15 hours
- Average salary per hour: €12 – €30
- Required skills: Strong grip on IT and computer science
IT Support roles in Germany offer Kenyan students an exciting opportunity to work in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of information technology. As an IT Support professional, you will assist individuals and organizations with technical issues, troubleshoot problems, and provide solutions.
This part-time job provides students with hands-on experience in troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues, essential skills in the digital era. Moreover, students can work in various industries, ranging from startups to large corporations.
To increase their chances of securing an IT support job, students should build a strong technical skill set and update their knowledge of the latest technologies and software.
5. Delivery / Courier Service
- Approximate hours a week: 10 – 30 hours
- Average salary per hour: €8 – €20
- Required skills: Basic navigation skills and a driver’s license
Working in delivery or courier services in Germany offers Kenyan students a fast-paced and flexible job opportunity. As a delivery or courier service provider, students will be responsible for delivering packages, food orders, or other goods to customers or businesses.
Engaging in delivery services provides students with a source of income and offers advantages like improved time management and honing customer service skills. Additionally, students can choose their working hours, making it suitable for both full-time and part-time students.
To get the job, search for opportunities on job portals like Indeed or local online platforms. Also, contacting local restaurants or courier companies can lead to potential job openings.
FAQS About Getting a Part-time Job in Germany
Can I Get a Part-Time Job in Germany as a Kenyan Student?
Yes, you can get a part-time job as a Kenyan student in Germany. International students from non-European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Kenya, can work part-time during their studies. However, there are certain restrictions.
While searching for part-time jobs, students must remember that some factors, including language proficiency, especially in German, can increase their chances of finding jobs. Additionally, networking, attending career fairs, and utilizing online job portals can help you discover job opportunities.
You can easily find jobs in fields like tutoring, writing, translating, delivery services, etc., to fund your expenses. If you wish to search for these jobs, you can find them on some common job search websites in Germany. For instance, Indeed, Monster, and StepStone.
Do I Need a Work Permit to Find Work Off-Campus in Germany as a Kenyan Student?
As a Kenyan student, you will need a work permit to find work off-campus in Germany. The work permit visa for students usually comes with the student visa application. So, when you apply for a student visa, you can also apply for a work permit, which allows you to work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Before starting, it’s always beneficial to check and follow German immigration rules and regulations regarding work permits. This can help you avoid legal issues during your stay in Germany.
To apply for a work permit, you must submit some documents to the Federal Foreign Office or Immigration Office. The documents include proof of enrollment in a recognized German university, a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, and health insurance coverage.
There are multiple part-time jobs available for Kenyan students that offer a solution to ease the financial burden. You have various options, from translator to interpreter and IT support to delivery services. However, when considering a part-time job, assess your skills, personal interests, and schedule to find the perfect fit. So, embrace the journey and take that step towards a successful future.
Hopefully, this article was informative and helpful. Head on over to our Study in Germany Page for more details about studying in this European country – from the different universities to the numerous scholarship opportunities! You can also search for courses you can enroll in on our Available Programs in Germany for international students!
About the Author: Hyun Lee
