How to Find a Werkstudent Job in Munich

A Werkstudent (working student) contract is a specific type of employment designed for students enrolled at a German university. It allows you to work part-time, typically 20 hours per week during the semester, and more during semester breaks, while enjoying reduced social insurance contributions compared to regular employment.

The key advantage is that on a Werkstudent contract, both employer and employee pay significantly lower health, nursing care, and pension insurance contributions. This makes hiring students attractive for companies and means you take home a larger proportion of your gross salary than a regular part-time employee would.

Munich's job market is particularly strong for working students. The city is home to major multinational companies (BMW, Siemens, MAN, Allianz), a thriving startup ecosystem, and a large number of consultancies, engineering firms, and tech companies. Opportunities exist across nearly every field from engineering and data science to marketing, finance, law, and design.

The most effective search platforms are LinkedIn, Stepstone, Indeed, and Xing (a German professional network similar to LinkedIn that is widely used in the DACH region). Search for "Werkstudent" alongside your field. You will find plenty of results, especially in Munich.

University career portals are also valuable. TUM's TalentBridge and LMU's career centre post verified Werkstudent listings regularly. These companies have already signalled an interest in working with students from those specific institutions, which can give your application an advantage.

Company websites are underestimated. Many large firms list Werkstudent openings directly on their careers pages under tags like "Students" or "Working Students." BMW, Siemens, and many consulting firms hire dozens of working students continuously.

Networking also works well. Talking to professors, attending career fairs at your university (TUM Career Fair, LMU Career Service events), and connecting with Moroccan professional networks in Munich can all open doors that job boards would not show you.

German job applications have a specific structure that differs from what you might be used to. Understanding this structure and adapting to it significantly increases your chances of getting a response.

Your CV (Lebenslauf) in Germany is almost always in reverse chronological order and typically includes a professional photo at the top right corner. This is standard practice in Germany and expected. Keep the design clean and professional. One to two pages is ideal. Include your education, any work experience, language skills (B2 German or above is a strong plus), and technical skills relevant to the role.

The cover letter (Anschreiben) is still used widely in Germany, even for student positions. Keep it to one page. The letter should explain why you are applying to this specific company, what relevant skills or experience you bring, and what you hope to contribute. Avoid generic phrases. Personalise each letter.

Language: If the job posting is in German, your application should be in German. If it is in English, apply in English. Demonstrating at least a B1 to B2 level of German, even if not native, is a real advantage in Munich's market.

Make sure every document is saved as a PDF with clear filenames (for example, CV_YourName.pdf). Send your application as a single organised package in one email unless the employer specifies otherwise.

As a non-EU student on a study residence permit, you are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days or 240 half days per year. In practice, this means you can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester without exceeding the annual limit. During semester breaks (usually January to March and July to September), you can often work full-time without it counting against your annual allowance, though this depends on your permit's specific conditions.

Keep track of your hours carefully. Exceeding the work limit can jeopardise your residence permit renewal. If you are unsure whether a specific working arrangement is within the rules, ask the International Office at your university.

Your residence permit card should state "Beschäftigung erlaubt" (employment permitted) or specify the conditions under which you may work. Always carry a copy of your permit with you when working.

Once you start working, your employer will need your tax ID number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) and your social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer). Your tax ID is sent to your registered address a few weeks after your Anmeldung. Your social security number is assigned the first time you work in Germany and is sent to you by the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

On a Werkstudent contract, you benefit from the "Werkstudentenprivileg," which means health, nursing care, and pension insurance contributions are waived as long as you work no more than 20 hours per week during the semester. You still pay income tax and solidarity surcharge on your earnings if your annual income exceeds the basic tax allowance (currently around 11,600 euros).

Your monthly payslip will show your gross salary, the deductions applied, and your net take-home pay. Keep all payslips, as you may need them for your residence permit renewal or future visa applications.