Finding a part-time job abroad is one of the top questions students ask before moving to Germany, Austria, or any other popular European destination. And it makes sense—working part-time is not just about extra income. It’s about managing your living expenses, gaining international work experience, building confidence, and integrating into the local culture.
But what’s the actual ground reality like?
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How many hours can international students legally work?
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What types of jobs are common and realistic?
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Where should you search?
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Why do some students struggle to get a job even after applying?
At Span International, we guide thousands of students each year, and here’s what we’ve learned:
👉 Students who take consistent action and try multiple strategies land jobs faster.
👉 Most students who struggle simply don’t try enough.
So here’s your complete, practical, easy-to-follow guide.
Why Part-Time Jobs Matter for International Students
Studying abroad is exciting, but also expensive. Part-time jobs help you:
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Reduce your monthly living costs
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Gain work experience in a European environment
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Improve your communication skills
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Build local networks
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Become more confident and independent
And for countries like Germany and Austria, part-time roles are widely available—if you know where and how to look.
5 Proven Tips to Get a Part-Time Job Abroad (Especially in Germany & Austria)
1. Start With Networking — Your Strongest Tool
If there’s only one tip you follow, let it be this.
Most part-time jobs abroad are filled through referrals, not online applications.
Whom should you ask?
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Your roommates
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Classmates
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Seniors and juniors
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Students from your home country
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People working in local shops, cafés, supermarkets
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Your college mates
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Friends in nearby universities
Don’t hesitate—you must have the guts to ask. A simple
“Is there any vacancy where you work?”
can open doors you didn’t expect.
The more people you talk to, the faster your chances increase.
2. Join University & Regional Student Groups
This is the trick that most successful students use.
Universities abroad have several groups and communities:
Types of groups to join
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University international student clubs
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Country-specific groups (e.g., Malayali community, Tamil groups, Telugu associations, etc.)
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Regional student groups on Facebook
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WhatsApp and Telegram student communities
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Erasmus groups
Why is this important?
Because whenever a job vacancy comes up, these groups are the first places where it gets shared.
More people = more connections = more job leads.
3. Optimize Your LinkedIn — It’s Not Just for Full-Time Jobs
Many students believe LinkedIn is only for professionals.
Wrong.
There are plenty of part-time roles, internships, and student assistant jobs listed there.
What your LinkedIn should have:
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A clean, professional profile photo
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A strong headline (e.g., “International Student | Actively Seeking Part-Time Role in Germany”)
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Brief description of your skills
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Updated education details
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Any volunteer or project experience
Use LinkedIn actively:
Search for jobs → Apply → Connect with employees → Message politely.
Consistency pays off.
4. Prepare a CV in the Local Language
This is a game changer especially in Germany and Austria.
If your CV is in English only, your chances immediately drop—because employers prefer:
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German CVs in Germany
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German CVs in Austria
Why this matters
Local shop owners, supermarket managers, café owners, and small businesses often receive CVs directly from students. When your CV is in their language, you look more serious and trustworthy.
Pro Tip
Carry 10–20 printed copies of your CV.
Walk into shops, ask politely, and hand it over.
This simple action puts you ahead of 80% of students.
5. Explore On-Campus Jobs — The Most Student-Friendly Option
Universities offer some of the best part-time jobs:
Common On-Campus Opportunities
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Library assistant
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Office assistant
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Administrative helper
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Student ambassador
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Research assistant
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Lab assistant
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Exam helper
Most of these are posted on:
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University notice boards
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Internal portal/job boards
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Email newsletters
These jobs are flexible, pay well, and understand student schedules.
Legal Working Hours for Students (Germany & Austria)
Germany
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120 full days OR 240 half-days per year
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Minijobs (up to €538/month) are popular
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University jobs often allow more flexibility
Austria
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Students usually need a valid work permit (your employer helps with this)
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Part-time roles are widely available in restaurants, supermarkets, and cafés
Always follow visa rules—universities take this seriously.
Why Many Students Don’t Get a Job (Real Talk)
Let’s be honest.
Most students apply for 2–3 jobs, get rejected, and then…
stop trying.
But job hunting abroad requires consistent effort.
You must:
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Apply everywhere
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Keep asking
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Keep visiting places
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Keep refining your CV
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Keep networking
The ones who hustle get hired.
The ones who wait… keep waiting.
Important Disclaimer for International Students
Your studies must always come first.
A part-time job is helpful—but never at the cost of your grades, attendance, or visa compliance.
Take a job only if you can manage:
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Your coursework
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Assignments
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Exams
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Time effectively
A job should support your education, not become your priority.
Your Part-Time Job Journey Starts With the First Step
Finding a part-time job abroad—especially in countries like Germany or Austria—is absolutely possible. Thousands of Span International students do it successfully every year.
The key is simple:
👉 Keep trying
👉 Keep improving
👉 Stay consistent
👉 Don’t hesitate to ask
Your dream of studying comfortably abroad, managing expenses, and gaining valuable experience is within reach.
If you need personalised guidance for studying in Germany, Austria, or any other country, Span International is here to help.
