Organisation and search for an internship in Germany or abroad

Whether you're in Germany or abroad, many employers prefer candidates who have some specialist knowledge from their studies, typically having completed at least 2-3 semesters. Most Viadria students undertake their compulsory internship during their 5th or 6th semester.

In addition to specialist knowledge, having some initial practical experience can be beneficial when applying. This experience can be gained through volunteering, a part-time job, or student employment. For internships abroad, it is crucial to have a good command of the working language.

It is advisable to allow for a 3-month window for your internship since shorter internships are less frequently available. A longer internship provides the opportunity to tackle more complex tasks and to learn more. If you're interning abroad, additional time is necessary to acclimate to the foreign work culture and language.

 

You should begin your search for an internship 3-6 months prior to your planned start date, depending on the industry and the company or institution. It may take some time to receive an acceptance letter for an internship, so early planning is crucial. For internships abroad, we recommend a lead time of 6-8 months, particularly if a visa is required for your destination country.

The first step is deciding on the area you want to explore and gain experience in. Naturally, language skills are also important when undertaking an internship abroad.

We Support You with Finding Internship Opportunities

• You can discover internship offers from companies, foundations, and NGOs on the Career Center's job portal.
• Additionally, you can conveniently receive selected internship offers in Germany and abroad by email through our newsletter.
• Upon request via email, we provide link lists with search engines relevant to your degree program, filtered by field of work.
• For searches related to internships abroad, we have compiled lists of employers who have hired Viadrina students in the past, organized by country.

We Help You with Your Application

Each semester, we offer workshops on application and self-marketing strategies. If you're unfamiliar with the application process, these sessions are highly beneficial. If you'd like feedback on your application documents, feel free to send them to us. We can either discuss them with you during a consultation session or provide written tips for improvement.

We Support You with Certificates

If you require confirmation from the internship center, consulate, Bafög office, etc., that your internship is related to your studies, please email us at careercenter@europa-uni.de.

Having Trouble Finding an Internship?

Schedule a personal consultation by email, and we'll be happy to assist you!

 

Internship in Germany

If you are completing an internship in Germany, an internship contract is not legally compulsory and is also not required by the university. Also there is no need to register an internship with us in advance for it to be recognized, and a contract is no condition for recognition.

However, we recommend that you sign an internship contract to ensure that all details are documented. This includes how the internship will be organized, your responsibilities, and your supervision. You can find a template for the internship contract in our list of links, which can be adapted as needed. Please note: For internships in Germany, the university typically does not sign contracts but provides you with a certificate that the internship is part of your studies. If you host organisation insists on a signature, please contact us.

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Special Regulations for Internships Abroad

In some countries, such as France, Spain and sometimes Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy, national laws require an internship contract to be signed by the university. In France, for example, a Convention de Stage from the university is often required. We have contract templates available for these countries. Please contact us by e-mail if your internship site requires a contract.

The distinction between madatory and voluntary internships significantly impacts your legal status and situation during the internship.

Mandatory Internship

Compulsory internships are required by the study and examination regulations as part of the degree program and must generally be completed while you are studying. These internships are considered part of your education, not a typical employment relationship, meaning you retain your student status. There is no legal entitlement to remuneration, holiday leave, or continued payment of remuneration during illness.

The legal framework for a compulsory internship is determined by the specific study and examination regulations of your degree program and the internship contract. Requirements regarding content, minimum duration, and recognition are detailed in the internship guidelines of your study program.

As compulsory internships are part of your studies, they do not count towards the 140 days that non-EU students are allowed to work in Germany without authorisation of the Ausländerbehörde.

If you receive remuneration during your compulsory internship—no matter the amount—you are not required to pay social insurance contributions. However, if your income exceeds certain limits. Please consult your health insurance provider for more information.

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Voluntary Internship

A voluntary internship is the counterpart to a compulsory internship,  any internship that does not fulfill the criteria for a compulsory internship is considered voluntary. These internships are not part of the degree program but are pursued by students as a supplement. The only legal foundation here is the internship contract.

During a voluntary internship, you are considered an employee with corresponding rights and obligations. If your internship lasts longer than three months, you are legally entitled to appropriate remuneration, which must be at least equal to the minimum wage. You are entitled to holiday leave, and, if the internship is paid, to continued remuneration during illness.

Voluntary internships can impact your social insurance status (including health, long-term care, pension, unemployment insurance) and accident insurance. Whether social security contributions are required depends on the duration, timing, and remuneration of your internship. Your health insurance status may change, so it is best to consult your health insurance provider.

For students from non-EU countries, a voluntary internship counts towards the 140 days you are allowed to work under your student visa. If you work more than this, you will need a permit from the Ausländerbehörde and Agentur für Arbeit

More Information

In principle, interns are covered by the Minimum Wage Act. However, many student internships are exempt from the minimum wage requirement.

Compulsory internships are legally exempt from the minimum wage as they are part of the training program. Despite this exemption, it is advisable to negotiate for a salary. The payment amount does not affect the recognition of the internship for academic credit.

For voluntary internships, the remuneration depends on the duration of the internship. If an internship lasts longer than three months, companies are required to pay at least the statutory minimum wage. Voluntary internships of less than three months are not subject to the minimum wage, but you can certainly negotiate payment or other benefits.

EU/EEA Students
Students from the EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to intern in Germany or any other EU-country. They have the right to move freely within EU countries and undertake internships without additional permits.

Non-EU Students Studying in Germany:
If you are currently studying in Germany with a student visa, you are generally allowed to do an internship. However The distinction between voluntary and compulsory internships is particularly important for you:
Compulsory internships or internships that are recognised as coursework are part of your studies. No authorisation other than your student visa is required for them.

Voluntary internships legally count as a normal employment relationship, even if they are not paid. This is why they count towards the 140 full/ 280 half days that you are allowed to work without a permit. If your internship lasts longer than 140 days or you also work during your studies, you will need a permit from the foreigners authority and the employment agency.

For an internship abroad you usually will need a visa, even within the EU and in the framework of Erasmus+.