Working student in 30 seconds
If you work alongside full-time studies, you pay no health, care or unemployment insurance — only 9.3% pension insurance. Condition: maximum 20 hours per week during lecture time (more allowed in semester breaks). The minimum wage of €13.90/hour (2026) applies; many companies in the region pay working students €15–18.
The rules
- ✓20-hour rule: more than 20 h/week in lecture time ends working-student status — then full social contributions apply. You may work more in semester breaks.
- ✓Tax: up to the basic allowance of €12,084/year (2026) you effectively pay no income tax — overpaid tax comes back via the tax return.
- ✓BAföG: about €603/month remains exempt on average over the funding period — anything above reduces BAföG proportionally.
- ✓Family insurance: until 25 you can stay insured via your parents for free as long as your income stays below the limit (€603 for a mini-job) — as a working student earning more you need student health insurance (about €130/month).
- ✓Child benefit: continues during a first degree regardless of earnings (until 25).
A worked example for A23
- ✓12 h/week at €15 ≈ €780 gross ≈ €705 net (only pension deduction).
- ✓That comfortably covers the all-in rent of room 1 (€395) or room 3 (€495).
- ✓At an average of €603/month your BAföG stays untouched.
- ✓Employers with working-student roles: Nürtingen, Metzingen and the Filder plain — 10–20 minutes away.
As of September 2026, without guarantee. Minimum wage €13.90 (2026), €14.60 from 2027; basic tax allowance €12,084 (2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn without losing BAföG?
About €603/month remains exempt, averaged over the funding period (as of 2026). Working more in the breaks is fine as long as the average holds.
Does an internship count as a working-student job?
No — internships have their own rules (mandatory vs. voluntary, minimum wage, social insurance). See our internship page.
What if I exceed the 20 hours?
Single weeks (e.g. evening/weekend work) are harmless; permanently more than 20 h in lecture time ends the working-student privilege — full social contributions follow.