Working during your studies? For about 70% of students in Austria, it's already a part of daily life. Rent, groceries, and other fixed costs 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. Of course, you will also want to cover hobbies, leisure activities, and time spent with friends.
If you're thinking about working while studying, here's everything you need to know.
Getting Started
Before you start looking for a job, think about how many hours you can realistically work alongside your studies. Most students work between 8 to 20 hours per week. How much you can manage depends largely on the structure and demands of your courses.
Also, consider when you would prefer to work. Can you set aside a fixed day during the week for your part-time job, or is your schedule so full that evenings or weekends are a better option? Being honest with yourself will help you balance work and study effectively.
Next, think about what type of job suits you best. From hospitality and retail to tutoring or jobs related to your field of study, there are plenty of options for students. Especially at the beginning of your studies, it can make sense to choose a less demanding job to get used to student life. Once you’ve built a solid academic foundation, it’s worth looking for a part-time position related to your field. This way, you can not only earn money but also gain valuable practical experience and start building professional contacts for your future career.
Mini-Jobs vs. Part-Time Work
Once you’ve decided how many hours you want to work per week, it’s important to understand the legal framework. In Austria, a distinction is made between mini jobs (geringfügige Beschäftigung) and part-time employment.
You are considered a mini job worker if your monthly income does not exceed €551,10 (as of 2026). In this case, you don’t pay social security contributions, so your salary is paid to you in full. However, mini job employees are only covered for accidents. Students under the age of 27 are usually insured through their parents. If you’re over 27 and have a mini job, you need to arrange your own health insurance and pay the corresponding contributions.
If you earn more than €551,10 per month, your job is considered part-time. While social security contributions are deducted from your salary, you are fully covered. Under certain conditions, you can also reclaim overpaid taxes through the employee tax assessment (Arbeitnehmerveranlagung).
What do you need to keep in mind
If you receive student grants or family allowance, it’s essential to pay attention to the current income limits. For both types of support, the limit is €17.212 per year (as of 2026). With a mini job, you’re generally safe. However, if you work part-time, your income could exceed this limit. In that case, your allowance will be reduced by the amount that exceeds the threshold.
It’s also important to understand how the calculation works. For student grants, special payments like holiday and Christmas bonuses count toward the income limit. For family allowance, these extra payments are not included. That’s why it’s worth realistically estimating your annual income to avoid any unexpected repayments.
Okay, got it. What's next?
Now that you know how many hours you want to work and when, it’s time to start applying! You can find suitable job offers on online portals, company career pages, university notice boards, or through personal recommendations from friends and Home4students housemates.
Even if it’s “just” a part-time job, you’ll usually need an up-to-date CV and a short cover letter. Don’t worry - there are plenty of helpful tips and templates online that you can use as a guide. The most important thing is that your application is neat, complete, and tailored to you.
Getting an interview invitation is already a success. Prepare thoroughly, think about answers to common questions, and clarify important details during the interview, such as working hours, flexibility, or shift-swapping options. This ensures the job fits well with your studies.
A part-time job while studying is entirely manageable with proper planning. By realistically assessing your available time, understanding the legal and financial framework, and choosing a job that suits you, you can not only boost your budget but also gain valuable experience. With the right approach, it’s possible to successfully balance work and studies.