Germany Expands Work Rights for International Students and Trainees

🔹 1. Expanded Employment for Students

Before:
International students on a German student visa could work 120 full days OR 240 half days per year.

Now:
They can work 140 full days OR 280 half days, or alternatively, up to 20 hours per week year-round, with no restrictions on salary or job type.

✅ Example:
A student enrolled in a university program in Germany can now legally work 20 hours per week throughout the year, providing greater financial flexibility.

🔹 2. Work Permission During University Prep

Before:
Students enrolled in preparatory courses (like language or foundation programs) often couldn’t work from the start.

Now:
They can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) immediately, even while taking university preparation classes.

✅ Example:
A prospective university student enrolled in a German language course can begin working part-time right away, without waiting for a degree program to start.

🔹 3. Work While Looking for a University Place

Before:
Third-country nationals were allowed to come to Germany to look for a university spot, but could not work during this time.

Now:
They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while searching for a study program.

✅ Example:
Someone entering Germany to apply directly to universities can now support themselves financially by working part-time during the application period.

🔹 4. Improved Access to Vocational Training Opportunities

Before:

• Age limit: under 25
• Language: minimum B2
• Stay: 6 months
• No work allowed

Now:

• Age limit: raised to 35
• Language: lowered to B1
• Stay: extended to 9 months
• Can work 20 hours/week and do 2-week job trials

✅ Example:
An applicant seeking vocational training can now stay longer in Germany, start working part-time, and try out short internships before committing to a specific program.

🔹 5. Apprenticeship + Part-Time Job Allowed

Before:
Some apprentices were not allowed to work outside their training.

Now:
All apprentices can now do secondary employment of up to 20 hours per week.

✅ Example:
A person doing an apprenticeship in Germany can now take up an evening or weekend part-time job to increase their earnings.

Impact on Pakistani Students:

1. More Work Allowed:
   Pakistani students can now work 140 full days or 280 half days OR 20 hours/week, helping them support living costs.
2. Work During Preparatory Courses:
   Students in language courses or Studienkolleg can now work part-time from the start.
3. Work While Searching for University:
   Students on a visa to find university admission can now work up to 20 hours/week.
4. Easier Access to Vocational Training:

• Age limit raised to 35,
• Language level lowered to B1,
• Stay extended to 9 months,
• Allowed to work part-time and do job trials.

5. Apprentices + Jobs:
   Apprentices can now do secondary part-time jobs (20 hrs/week)

✅Result: More earning options, easier access, and better career-building chances for Pakistani students in Germany.