Internship - what students need to know

Nothing beats real work experience, so employers in Germany will value you more if you have practical skills. Well-known companies in Germany are eager to hire motivated graduates, and you can find many internship opportunities online.

Whether you are subject to compulsory insurance during an internship depends on a number of factors – the duration of the internship, whether it is paid or unpaid, whether it is compulsory or voluntary. We have an overview of this topic for you.

Prescribed pre- and post-study internships

In the case of an internship required by the study regulations, which takes place before or after the course of study and for which the intern is paid, the intern is considered to be employed for the purpose of vocational training and is therefore subject to insurance. The employer alone pays the contributions up to a maximum of €325 per month.

If the mandatory internship is unpaid, the student pays the health and nursing care insurance contribution, as for students subject to compulsory insurance, if there is no entitlement to family insurance.

Voluntary pre- and post-study internship

In the case of a non-prescribed and paid internship before or after studies, there is also an obligation to pay sickness, nursing care, pension and unemployment insurance, provided that there is no minor employment, i.e. the intern does not receive more than €556 per month.

If the voluntary internship is not paid, no insurance is required.

Mandatory intermediate internship

Students who complete an internship during their studies, as required by the study or examination regulations, remain exempt from insurance, including pension insurance. Prerequisite: Interns must be enrolled at a university or college during their internship.

The length of the internship, the number of hours worked per week, and the amount of income earned during the internship are irrelevant. You may continue to be covered by the same student health insurance plan.

Voluntary interim internship

If a paid voluntary internship is completed during the lecture period, there is no insurance obligation if the maximum working time does not exceed 20 hours per week – however, pension contributions must be paid.

In the case of a voluntary, unpaid internship, there is no insurance obligation.

Internship abroad

In the case of an internship abroad, students retain their German insurance coverage if they are covered by the statutory family health insurance, as well as their compulsory insurance if they are enrolled at a German university.

How do I find an internship or traineeship in Germany?

  • Local agencies: These agencies have extensive networks. They also inform students about available internship programs.

  • Career counseling offices: German Universities have Career Service Offices (Career Counseling Offices), which work with employers to help students find internships. They can give you a list of internships and arrange interviews with employers.

  • Online platforms: Websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or XING are important online platforms to help you find an internship.

  • Central organizations: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is a central organization that also helps international students. You can have a look at their website for internship listings.

  • Career fairs: At these fairs, there will be people from companies who will be on hand with information about internship opportunities. Keep an eye out for career fairs in your area.

  • Direct contact: You can contact companies directly. Look for companies you are interested in and visit their official websites and go to the internship section.

Study related internship

These are the general requirements needed to get an internship in Germany:

  • Internship agreement: You should have a formal agreement with an institution in Germany to do an internship there.

  • Relevance to your studies: Internship should relate to the field you are studying.

  • Student status: You must be currently a student at a university outside of Germany or have been a student for no more than two years prior to the date of your visa application.

  • Financial support: The institution in Germany must make a written commitment to support your living expenses and travel to your home country. This support should be available for up to six months after the end of your internship.

Last but not least - What to consider when looking for an internship in Germany

It’s not a good idea to accept the first internship opportunity that comes your way. There are many options out there, so take your time and wait for the perfect fit to come along. Before you make your decision, ask yourself

  • How will this internship benefit my career? Sometimes opportunities don’t align with your future goals.

  • What makes the most sense for you and your budget? Some internships come with a financial stipend, while others require you to cover your own expenses.

  • What’s the perfect internship length? A six-month internship gives you more experience and looks better on your resume.

  • Where is the internship located? After your internship, you want to be in a place with good job opportunities.