University students as well as school pupils have the opportunity to supplement their income with a minijob. Since the winter semester or the 2024/2025 school year, higher tax-free allowances apply, allowing for a higher income to be earned without BAföG being reduced. In this article, we explain exactly what has changed as a result of the BAföG-Reform 2024 and which job options are worthwhile.
BAföG – Who is eligible?
The Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG — Federal Training Assistance Act) provides financial support to students and pupils during their education. Funding depends on various factors, including:
Age: Applications are generally possible up to the age of 45. Nationality: BAföG is usually paid to German nationals, but in certain cases also to international students. Income and Assets: Your own income as well as 그that of your parents or spouse affect the amount of funding.
The BAföG-Amt (BAföG office) examines individually whether an entitlement to BAföG exists.
BAföG-Reform 2024: New Earnings Limits
Previously, the minijob earnings limit was higher than the BAföG allowance. Anyone who earned more than this allowance had to expect a reduction in their BAföG payments. Since 1 January 2025, there has been a change:
The BAföG allowance was adjusted to 556 euros per month. This means: Students and pupils may now earn up to this limit without BAföG being reduced. Future increases in the minijob earnings limit will automatically affect the BAföG allowance.
Consequently, more students and pupils can benefit from a minijob without suffering financial disadvantages.
Minijobs for Students and Pupils – What are the options?
Many students and pupils work on the side to be more independent or to gain initial professional experience. The following variants are particularly attractive:
Minijob with an earnings limit Maximum income: 556 euros per month (from 2025) No social security contributions (except pension insurance, from which one can be exempted) Tax-free, provided the flat-rate tax is covered by the employer
Short-term employment Limited to three months or 70 working days per year Earnings amount is unlimited No social security contributions
Working student status Applies only to university students, not school pupils No limit on earnings Maximum working time during the semester: 20 hours per week Subject to social security contributions, but at reduced rates
Advantages of a minijob for students and pupils
A minijob offers not only a higher income but also many other advantages:
Flexibility: Many minijobs can be well coordinated with school or university studies.
Initial professional experience: An early start in professional life can be an advantage in the long term.
Hardly any deductions: No social security contributions (except pension insurance).
Pension entitlements: Those who pay in accumulate waiting periods for their future pension.
Tax exemption: Often no taxes are deducted because employers pay the flat-rate tax.
Popular minijobs for students and pupils
Depending on interests and availability, there are numerous opportunities for a minijob. Here are some of the most popular:
Tutor (Nachhilfelehrer/in): Particularly in demand for Mathematics, English, or natural sciences. Retail assistant: Till and warehouse activities, often with flexible working hours. Service staff in gastronomy: Good earning potential through tips. Promotion jobs: Distributing flyers or product advertising. Office jobs: Sorting documents or telephone service in companies. Delivery services: Delivering food or parcels with flexible scheduling.
Why is consulting the BAföG-Amt sensible?
Before students or pupils take up a new side job, they should inform themselves at the BAföG-Amt. This helps avoid misunderstandings or financial losses. Further information is available from the Studierendenwerk or the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung.
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Note
**This article serves as general information and was carefully created by the editorial team at Lexo.Tax. Personal tax advice can only be provided within the framework of membership with Lexo.Tax – and exclusively to the extent legally permitted under § 4 Nr. 11 StBerG (Tax Consultancy Act).