Germany is known for its long tradition of offering quality and affordable education, along with many opportunities for professional and personal development. If you are an international student from Singapore, apart from exploring the culture and getting used to the chilly weather in Germany, it is also worth taking time to explore courses in Germany so you can better plan your studies and student life. Once you have a clearer idea of your academic path, it is time to consider how to earn some extra cash on the side with a part-time job.
The student job market in Germany varies by city, German language level, schedule, and employer, but international students can still find part-time options in areas such as hospitality, tutoring, delivery, and student-assistant work. For employed roles, students should also keep Germany’s statutory minimum wage in mind.
If you are looking for part-time work opportunities during your studies in Germany, read on. We have compiled a list of common part-time jobs for Singaporean students studying in Germany to give you some ideas and get you started on your job hunt.
Part-time Jobs for Singaporean Students in Germany
1. Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Approximate hours a week: Up to 20 hours during lecture periods, subject to student work rules
- Average salary per hour: From €13.90 gross for employed roles; private or freelance rates vary
- Required skills: Fluency in English, excellent verbal communication skills, and the ability to plan lessons and teach clearly.
Teaching English can be a strong part-time job option for Singaporean students in Germany since English is one of Singapore’s four official languages and is widely used in education, business, and government. German cities with large student and international communities, such as Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin, and Munich, may offer opportunities for this kind of work.
As an English language teacher or tutor, you may help learners improve their English conversation, grammar, writing, or exam preparation skills. Pay depends on the employer, your qualifications, your experience, and whether the role is employed or freelance. If the work is freelance or self-employed, check whether your residence title allows this before accepting the role.
Many language schools, tutoring centers, and private students hire part-time English teachers. You could also check your university job board for part-time opportunities or internships.
2. Working in the Hospitality industry
- Approximate hours a week: Up to 20 hours during lecture periods, subject to student work rules
- Average salary per hour: At least €13.90 gross for most employed roles; tips and shift premiums may vary
- Required skills: Verbal communication, customer service, multitasking, cultural awareness, attention to detail, and adaptability.
The hospitality industry in Germany employs many students in part-time jobs. First, you can work as a waiter, server, barista, or bartender. You get to interact with customers, practice German, and may even receive tips. Look for jobs at casual dining establishments, cafés, bars, hotels, or venues near your university.
Alternatively, you could help out at a hotel. Hotels often need extra help, especially during busy seasons, summer, and holiday periods. You could work at the front desk to greet guests and handle check-ins or check-outs, support housekeeping, or assist guests.
You could also look for catering and events jobs. Catering companies and event venues employ students to help set up, serve, and clean up at special events. The work can be sporadic and may involve nights and weekends, but it can help you gain useful experience organizing and supporting large-scale events.
If you are interested in building a successful career in the hospitality industry, you could boost your prospects by pursuing courses such as hotel and catering management, event management and marketing, food and beverage programs, or housekeeping and accommodation management.
3. Courier jobs
- Approximate hours a week: Up to 20 hours during lecture periods, subject to student work rules
- Average salary per hour: At least €13.90 gross for most employed roles; tips, bonuses, and platform conditions may vary
- Required skills: Punctuality, good customer service, trustworthiness, physical fitness, communication skills, and adherence to safety and traffic rules.
As a Singaporean student in Germany, one flexible part-time job you can consider is courier or delivery work. With demand for food, grocery, parcel, and on-demand delivery services, students may find shifts that fit around their class schedules.
To succeed in this role, you should be physically fit, especially if deliveries are done by bike. You may also need conversational German depending on the company, customers, and type of delivery. Check whether the job is offered as regular employment or as freelance platform work, because freelance or self-employed activity may require permission from the local foreigners authority.
Large cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt may offer more delivery opportunities because of their larger customer base and dense urban areas.
4. Participating in Market Research Studies
- Approximate hours a week: Up to 20 hours during lecture periods, subject to student work rules
- Average salary per hour: At least €13.90 gross for most employed roles; higher project rates may be available for specialized work
- Required skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, business awareness, numerical and analytical skills, and IT knowledge.
Market research can be a good part-time job option if you have strong analytical and communication skills. Companies may hire students to conduct surveys, support focus groups, assist with interviews, or gather insights about target audiences and industries. This could be a useful option for Singaporean students in Germany who have sufficient German language skills or knowledge of both Singaporean and German business contexts.
For example, Singaporean students could look for research, survey, bilingual support, or business development roles with companies and organizations connected to German-Singapore business. The Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce is a relevant business network and provides market research and business services, but students should check current job openings or partner vacancies directly rather than assuming student roles are always available.
Gaining experience in market research as a student is valuable in many ways. You can develop important soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and data analysis that are useful for your studies and career. You may also network and possibly find future opportunities with companies in the same sector after you graduate.
5. Tutor or Private Teacher
- Approximate hours a week: Up to 20 hours during lecture periods, subject to student work rules
- Average salary per hour: From €13.90 gross for employed tutoring roles; private or freelance rates vary
- Required skills: Excellent oral communication skills, planning and organizational skills, understanding of exams and revision techniques, interpersonal skills, and IT knowledge.
Becoming a private tutor can be an excellent way for Singaporean students to earn extra money on a flexible schedule. Tutoring jobs are especially relevant for students pursuing teacher training or education-related courses.
As an international student in Germany, you may have much to offer in this area. What are you good at? Math, English, sciences, business, coding, or languages? Whatever your strong subjects are, consider offering tutoring services. You could even tutor students interested in learning Malay, which is Singapore’s national language and one of its official languages, if there is local demand.
You can do one-on-one tutoring or work with small groups. Match your expertise to students’ needs, and check whether the role is offered as employment or freelance work. If you plan to tutor privately or work as a freelancer, confirm the rules with your university’s international office or the local foreigners authority before starting.
FAQS About Getting a Part-time Job in Germany
Can I Get a Part-Time Job in Germany as a Singaporean Student?
Yes. As an international student studying in Germany, you can take up part-time work during your studies to gain valuable experience and supplement your living expenses. However, you must follow the work conditions attached to your student visa or residence permit.
Current rules generally allow international students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. Alternatively, students may work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods. Student assistant roles and freelance work can have different conditions, so it is best to check with your university’s international office or the local foreigners authority before starting a job.
Do I Need a Work Permit to Find Work Off-Campus in Germany as a Singaporean Student?
For standard student employment within the permitted limits, you usually do not need a separate work permit from the Federal Employment Agency. Your permission to work is normally tied to your student visa or residence permit and the conditions listed on your residence document or supplementary sheet. However, Singaporean students who wish to study in Germany generally need a national visa or residence permit for study purposes before entering Germany, according to the German Embassy in Singapore.
The above are some of the best part-time jobs for Singaporean students in Germany that can fit a busy student schedule, including options for students with limited German language skills. Before you start any job, make sure it aligns with your interests and skills, follows the rules attached to your residence status, and offers opportunities for personal or professional development. These options can help you earn extra cash to support your studies and adventures, gain valuable work experience, and improve your German in an authentic setting.
We hope this article helps in your search for a part-time job in Germany. Head over to our Study in Germany and Available Programs for Singaporean Students!
