Officially there is no difference between these two terms, however, they are often used to distinguish between the difference in social security levels.
In 2025, job students are allowed to work a maximum of 650 hours. There is no limit for work students. Are you a job student and want to work more than 650 hours per calendar year? Then you can work as a work student starting from the 651st hour. This does have social security and possibly tax implications. Also take into account your income in order to still remain fiscally dependent on your parents.
Under certain circumstances, those doing a student job will not be required to pay social security contributions (NSSO), whereas those working as a so-called working student will be required to do so.
Working less than 650 hours per year? In this case, during your student job, you will only pay a solidarity contribution, amounting to 2.71% of your gross wage. Your employer will also pay less social contributions.
Starting from the 651st hour you may work as a working student, but you will then pay social security in the same way as other employees.
caution!
In higher education the term working student is often used to refer to someone who mainly works and is also studying (part-time). Anyone whose main status is that of an employee, but who is also studying, is no longer allowed to work under a student contract.
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