Pension points (Rentenpunkte) during studies arise mainly when contributions to statutory pension insurance are paid during your studies, for example through a working student job that is subject to pension insurance. According to German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, DRV), the study period itself counts as a crediting period (Anrechnungszeit). This distinction matters if you want to understand what is recorded in your pension account.
Short answer: According to the DRV, university study periods count as crediting periods, from the 17th birthday and up to eight years in total for school and study periods. Pension points are generally earned through contributions, for example from a working student job subject to pension insurance. Status: October 2026.
The key points
- According to the DRV description, university study periods are crediting periods. They close gaps in your pension account.
- Crediting starts at the 17th birthday at the earliest. School and study periods together are capped at eight years. A degree is not required.
- Pension points are generally earned through contributions, for example from employment subject to pension insurance.
- The periods are not recorded automatically. The DRV needs evidence such as certificates or enrolment confirmations.
- Periods beyond the eight-year limit can be voluntarily paid in, according to the DRV, up to the 45th birthday.
What counts as a crediting period, and what as a contribution period?
The DRV describes crediting periods for attendance at general schools, vocational schools, universities and colleges, and preparatory vocational measures. Periods abroad count too. Crediting begins at the 17th birthday at the earliest and is capped at eight years in total. Crediting periods mainly help to close gaps in your pension account and to meet minimum insurance periods, for example for the early old-age pension.
The DRV notice does not state explicitly whether study periods also bring earnings points (Entgeltpunkte). However, the rule on voluntary payment for periods beyond the limit suggests that they do not automatically create pension points. Pension points that raise your pension are generally based on contributions.
| Period | Classification | What to note |
|---|---|---|
| University study from age 17 | Crediting period (DRV) | Together with school periods, capped at eight years. A degree is not required. |
| Study abroad | Also counts according to the DRV | Submit evidence so the period can be taken into account. |
| Working student job with pension contributions | Contribution period | Contributions build pension entitlements, the amount depends on your earnings. |
| Periods beyond the eight-year limit | Not creditable | Voluntary payment possible, according to the DRV up to age 45. |
Source: German Pension Insurance, notice of 30 June 2025 on school and study periods (in German). The page does not name a legal paragraph, so check the exact provision in the statute.
How do working students earn pension points?
Students who work alongside their studies have different types of insurance. Up to 20 hours a week, working students remain exempt from health, long-term care and unemployment insurance. There is no such privilege in statutory pension insurance: anyone in employment is generally compulsorily insured there. That is why a working student job can bring pension points.
The position in an individual case depends on hours, earnings, semester breaks and several jobs. In practice, several jobs are added together. The detailed rules are in the joint circular on the insurance status of students (in German). For more on the 20-hour limit, see Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks.
Is it worth paying in for study periods?
You can only pay in for periods that do not count as crediting periods. That mainly concerns school and study periods beyond the eight-year limit. Periods within this limit need no payment; they are credited once the evidence is available.
Whether a voluntary payment is worthwhile depends on your overall picture. This includes your expected retirement start, your other insurance periods and your other retirement provision. The DRV can give you an assessment and show your insurance record.
How do you check your pension account?
The DRV notice makes clear that study periods do not land in your pension account on their own. If you do not report them, they may be missing. Evidence is therefore important.
- Request your insurance record (Versicherungsverlauf) from the DRV and check which periods are missing.
- Collect evidence such as enrolment confirmations, school certificates and documents for study abroad.
- Report the periods to the DRV and have the crediting confirmed in writing.
- For working student jobs, check whether pension contributions were paid, and clarify gaps with your employer.
What does a working student job add to your pension?
Pension points are calculated as earnings points (Entgeltpunkte). Your annual earnings are set in relation to the average earnings (Durchschnittsentgelt) of all insured persons in that year. If your earnings equal half the average, you earn half an earnings point for that year.
Assumption: your annual earnings from the working student job equal half the average. Then you collect 0.5 earnings points for that year. The DRV sets the average figure each year. We do not state an amount here, because it changes from year to year and was not verified in the sources reviewed.
It is therefore worth checking your payslips. A pension insurance contribution should appear on them. If it is missing although you are compulsorily insured, clarify this promptly with your employer and the DRV.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mini-job treated the same as a working student job?
A mini-job can also be subject to pension insurance. If you opt out of pension insurance for a mini-job, you pay no pension contributions there. The decision therefore directly affects your pension points. Whether it is worthwhile depends on your income, health insurance and other retirement provision.
How much pension does a working student job bring?
There is no flat figure. Your pension rises with the earnings points you collect over your working life. A single working student job is usually a small building block. The DRV can show you how much of it counts in your case through your insurance record.
Does a university degree automatically bring pension points?
According to the DRV, study time is a crediting period. It closes gaps in your pension account. The notice does not say whether it additionally brings earnings points. Pension points are generally earned through contributions from employment.
Do I have to report study periods?
According to the DRV, the periods are not recorded automatically. You should therefore submit evidence when you check your pension account.
What happens if my studies take longer than eight years?
Periods beyond the eight-year limit do not count as crediting periods. According to the DRV, you can pay them in voluntarily up to your 45th birthday. Clarify whether this is worthwhile before you do so.
Do periods abroad count as well?
According to the DRV notice, periods abroad count too. You do need evidence so that the period can be taken into account.
What to do next
- Ask the DRV for your insurance record and check the gaps.
- Collect evidence for study, school and any time abroad.
- Clarify whether your working student jobs were properly reported to pension insurance.
- Only then decide whether a voluntary payment is an option for you.
Related guides
- Pension insurance during studies: compulsory insurance, exemption and pension points (in German)
- Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks
- Part-Time Jobs and Taxes for Students in Germany
- Riester Reform 2027 for students and young professionals
Sources: German Pension Insurance: school and study periods count for pension (notice of 30 June 2025, in German) and joint circular on the insurance status of students and interns (2016 version, check the current version, in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
