Jobs
Working & still studying? In Germany, almost 70% of all students now work alongside their studies - a double burden that fortunately brings in more than just money. Because a part-time job also helps you to make contacts and networks, be financially independent and gain professional experience.
Tip: Yes, a job alongside your studies can be challenging, but it also offers you many opportunities that you shouldn't miss out on. You will learn how to use your time efficiently, gain valuable work experience and have the opportunity to become financially independent. And last but not least: You'll be proud of yourself when you manage to juggle it all!
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Full-time and part-time studies at TU Dresden
At TU Dresden, you can also study many direct and distance learning courses part-time. Check the student information system to see which degree programs offer part-time options - simply select the type of study in the detailed search.
Full-time study (also known as direct study) is comparable to a 40-hour working week. It is the quickest and most direct route to your degree. However, part-time study offers great advantages in some situations, e.g. if you want to work part-time, care for relatives or look after children.
For example, a Bachelor's degree program normally lasts 6 semesters (i.e. 3 years). If you study part-time, the standard period of study is extended to 12 semesters (i.e. 6 years).
Important points about part-time study:
- BAföG does not currently support part-time study programs.
- The standard period of study and examination deadlines are doubled, the processing times remain the same
- You can only take 50% of the examinations of a full-time course per semester.
- Semester fees remain the same in full.
- It is also possible to switch to part-time in later semesters (you must submit an application to the Admissions Office within the re-registration period).
SHK, WHK and working students
If you want to gain practical experience while studying and earn money at the same time, SHK, WHK or working student positions are the best choice. Whether at the university or in a company - you can apply your knowledge directly, gain insights into projects and make important contacts.
The best thing about these jobs is that you often benefit from tax and social security advantages. This leaves you with more net income and makes your part-time job even more worthwhile.
Student Assistants work at universities in departments, laboratories and libraries. They provide support in teaching, research and smaller projects. At TU Dresden, SHKs currently(as of August 2025) earn €13.98 per hour and are allowed to work a maximum of 19 hours per week. As an SHK, you must be enrolled as a student at a university.
Research Assistants work like SHKs at universities, but are allowed to take on more demanding tasks and therefore earn a little more money. As a WHK, you must have at least a Bachelor's degree. It is not necessary to be enrolled at a university as a student. At TU Dresden, a WHK currently(as of August 2025) earns €15.44 per hour with a Bachelor's degree and €21.00 per hour with a Master's degree. A maximum working week of 19 hours also applies here.
Working students or student employees can work both at a university and in companies outside the university. In contrast to SHK or WHK, the focus is more on practical activities, for example in IT, marketing, administration, laboratories or development projects.
The hourly wage is usually higher than for SHK or WHK, often depending on qualifications, sector and project. During the semester, working students are generally allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week so as not to interfere with their studies.
Tip: Why a part-time job instead of a mandatory internship can save time: Most degree programs now require a compulsory internship, which must be completed during or before your studies. However, a part-time job is more flexible than a compulsory internship. You determine your working hours, can better coordinate your studies and job and often save valuable time - without sacrificing practical experience.
Semester break job
Another way to earn money on the side is during your semester break. If your job only takes place during the semester breaks, you are generally exempt from social security contributions. Working hours and income are irrelevant. So you can really go full throttle during the semester break!
Important: Your job must be contractually limited or limited to a maximum of 3 months or 70 working days per calendar year depending on the type of employment relationship. This is legally known as short-term employment (Section 8 (1) No. 2 SGB IV).
Tip: In addition to a vacation job, you can also have a mini-job (low-paid employment). Both jobs are not counted together, so you can benefit twice.
BAföG note: The income from your vacation job is taken into account proportionately for BAföG if it exceeds €6,672 in the approval period (not to be confused with the calendar year).
Student employment agency & job portals in Dresden
Here you will find a selection of job portals and job placement offers:
- Job portal "Stellenticket" of the TUD
- Current job offers of the TUD
- Offers of the Career Service
- Student employment agency Dresden
- Campusjäger for working student positions
- Job search engine Jobsuma
- Part-time jobs via the Zenjobapp
- Or the usual job portals such as indeed, StepStone or Xing