Everything you need to know about your student job
Working during your studies? For about 70% of students in Austria, it's already a part of daily life. Rent, groceries, and other fixed expenses take up a big chunk of the budget, and housing is often the most important factor. That's why finding an affordable place to live, like Home4students residences, is so important. But leisure time, hobbies, and spending time with friends also need to be paid for.
If you're thinking about working while studying, want to know how much you can earn with a student job, or are unsure about the difference between a mini job or a part-time job, you'll find an overview here - we'll help you find the right student job for your studies.
Mini Job vs. Part-Time Work: Differences and earnings in students jobs
First things first: when it comes to a student job, it's not just the number of hours you work that matters, but also how much you earn each month. This determines whether your student job is classified as a mini job or part-time work and, consequently, which social security regulations apply to you. This can have different advantages and disadvantages.
Mini Job
You are considered to be in minor employment if your monthly income doesn't exceed €551,10 (as of 2026). In this case, you don't have to pay any social security contributions. This means you will receive your salary without any deductions. However, with a mini student job, you are only covered by accident insurance. Students up to age 27 are generelly covered under their parents' health insurance. If you are older than 27 and working part-time, however, you will need to arrange your own health insurance and pay the corresponding premiums.
In most cases, a mini job involves working up to 12 hours per week. This leaves you plenty of time for friends, hobbies, and, of course, studying. You also generally have more flexibility in your work schedule - perfect for balancing your job and your studies. Popular part-time student jobs include positions in the food service industry, retail, customer service, or industry-specific temporary jobs.
Part-Time Job
If you earn more than €551,10 per month in a student job, your employment is classified as part-time. While social security contributions are deducted from your pay, you are fully covered by social security. In addition, under certain conditions, you can claim a refund for overpaid taxes through the employee tax assessment (also known as tax adjustment).
a part-time student job often involves between 13 and 30 hours per week. This means it's more time-consuming than a minor employement arrangement and requires good self-management. Helpful study apps, such as calendar apps or organizational tools, can help you stay on top of things and improve your time management.
What do I need to keep in mind?
If you receive a student grant or family allowance for students, you should definitely be aware of the applicable income limit. For both types of assistance, this limit is currently €17.212 per year (as of 2026). With a mini job arrangement, you are always on the safe side. However, if you work part-time, the income from your student job may exceed the additional income limit. In this case, your grant will be reduced by the amount by which you exceed the limit.
It's also important to note the difference in how these are calculated: for the student grant, special payments such as vacation and christmas bonuses are included in the income limit. For family allowance, however, these special payments are not taken into account. It's therefore worth caluclating your annual income realistically to avoid unpleasant repayments.
Ready for your student job?
Whether it's a part-time or a mini job, a student job is a great way to increase your budget while you're studying and gain valuable experience at the same time. If you reseach your earnings, work hours, and legal requirements in advance, it will be easier for you to find the right job. That way, you can keep track of your income and balance your studies and work with ease.