Student jobs and HiWi positions
Student assistant (HiWi) at university
As a student assistant you work at chairs or institutes – often flexibly and close to your field. Pay follows your university's rules and varies by state and qualification. Ask chairs in your department early in the semester about openings; many are never publicly advertised.
Working student jobs
As a working student you are employed by a company and can stay in student health insurance as long as the working-student rules are met (generally a maximum of 20 hours per week during term). Pay is usually above typical mini jobs, and the practical experience pays off when starting your career.
Mini jobs and taxes
Mini jobs are exempt from social security up to the applicable threshold – check current figures, as they are adjusted regularly. As a working student or HiWi you usually pay no health insurance contributions, but income tax may apply and can be refunded via a tax return. Keep all payslips.
Hours and your studies
Make sure your job does not become a second full-time load: a rough guideline is 10 to 15 hours per week during term. Discuss flexible hours before exam periods – many employers have established arrangements for this.