Students are also entitled to the statutory minimum wage – but not always. There are important exceptions, especially for internships, that students should be aware of in order not to miss out on fair pay.
Basic rule: Minimum wage also applies to students
Since January 2026, the statutory minimum wage in Germany has been 13.90 euros gross per hour. In principle, this regulation also applies to students who work alongside their studies – whether in a mini-job, as a working student or in other forms of employment. Student status alone does not change this entitlement as long as the person is at least 18 years old.
For a mini-job with a maximum earning limit of 603 euros per month, this results in a maximum working time of around 43 hours per month. Even for working student positions where a maximum of 20 hours per week can be worked during the lecture period, at least the statutory minimum wage must be paid.
As can be seen from Studis Online, a further increase in the minimum wage to 14.60 euros is planned for 2027. This shows that the minimum wage will continue to play an important role in the fair remuneration of student employees in the future.
Important exceptions for internships
However, the situation becomes more complex with internships, where there are crucial exceptions. According to the Minijob Center, students are not entitled to a minimum wage for compulsory internships as part of their studies. These are considered an integral part of the training and not a regular employment relationship – the remuneration is therefore voluntary.
The minimum wage requirement also does not apply to voluntary internships that last less than three months. This applies to internships for career orientation as well as short-term internships that accompany your studies. An important special feature: If students have already completed an internship with the same employer, both internship periods are added together. If the total duration exceeds three months, the minimum wage applies from the first day of the second internship.
As dpa reports, unsure students can use a quick check on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to find their way. In just a few clicks you can find out whether an internship is subject to a minimum wage or not.
Working student jobs as an alternative with a minimum wage guarantee
Working student jobs are an attractive alternative for students who want to gain practical experience and be paid fairly. Unlike internships, the statutory minimum wage applies here without exception.
The big advantage of working student positions is that they are professionally related to your studies and at the same time represent a reliable source of income. You can work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks. This creates significantly higher earning potential than with a mini-job.
In addition, working students benefit from the so-called working student privilege: They are exempt from contributions to health, nursing care and unemployment insurance, regardless of their earnings. Only pension insurance contributions are due, although special conditions also apply here.
Close inspection is important
Before starting a job, students should carefully check what type of employment they have. If you are unsure, the Federal Ministry of Labor’s minimum wage hotline can help. Even if there is no legal right to a minimum wage, many companies still pay compensation – especially for mandatory internships.
However, anyone who decides to do an internship should also consider the impact on other financial support. BAföG recipients must expect reductions in their internship remuneration, as their income is counted towards the funding.
In addition, documenting working hours is particularly important to ensure that the minimum wage is calculated correctly. In the case of mini-jobs, this is crucial in order not to exceed the earnings limit and thus become subject to social security contributions.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net