Can international students do internships in Germany?
In Germany, there are countless internship opportunities & options available to international students and job seekers so the chances of you finding one are pretty high. The hiring process is generally the same for domestic and international students. You just need to meet the eligibility criteria for work authorization — more on that shortly.Study, intern, and get hired: 5 countries with best job prospects for international students. For international students aspiring to work abroad after graduation, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and Singapore offer promising pathways.
How can I apply for an internship in Germany?
If you are interested in applying for internships, you should contact your university’s Careers Office. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, use the university’s resources. During your search, you can talk to people and get first-hand testimonials. Interns can earn a wage – Unlike several countries that offer unpaid internships, internships in Germany are paid if the internship is manadatory for your studies or it’s longer than 3 months. In this case, you should earn at least the German minimum wage.If you are not enrolled at a German university and want to do an internship in Germany, you must apply for a Type C (Schengen) visa. If the internship duration is more than 3 months, a type D visa, known as a German National Visa, is required.The average hourly wage for part-time jobs in Germany ranges from €10 to €15. With the minimum wage currently set at €12 per hour (as of 2025), students can earn approximately €450 to €750 per month, depending on the number of hours worked and the type of job.In Germany, internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on certain factors. Here’s an overview: Mandatory Internships: Generally, mandatory internships integrated into a degree program are not paid. However, some companies may offer compensation or a stipend for mandatory internships, but it is not guaranteed.Is it easy to get an internship in Germany? If you would like to do an internship in Germany, you have many options. Depending on your skills and visa type, you can easily gain that work experience during a summer program in the location of your choice or during a long-term internship in popular cities like Berlin!
Are internships in Germany paid?
Many also wonder if an internship in Germany is paid. Companies are not obligated to pay students doing a mandatory internship and in some cases don’t pay for short voluntary internships. However, voluntary internships in Germany longer than 3 months must be paid for the entire duration according to German labour laws. Typically, most internships in Germany have a minimum duration of eight weeks and a maximum duration of twelve months. Like many factors, how long your internship will last depends on the company. Make sure you and the company are both clear from the beginning about the duration of your internship.Do interns pay taxes in Germany? For paid internships, the income is subject to income tax and social security contributions. Unpaid or compulsory internships (required by the curriculum) may not attract taxes.
Can I stay in Germany with an internship?
Any visa-free stay in Germany may not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period and, in addition, the internship may not total more than 90 days within one year. This privilege also applies to all other nationals who do not require visas for visits not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. You must have received full University approval under the work away procedures before the internship begins. Undertaking an internship without the necessary approval may result in a breach of your visa work conditions.A visa or residence permit to complete an academic internship shall be issued for the duration of the internship and for a maximum of six months. You may not obtain employment during this time.
Can I work 40 hours a week as an international student in Germany?
Are international students allowed to work in Germany? International students have their own employment regulations, which govern how long they can work before their taxes rise. For EU nationals, the limit is 20 hours per week during term times. During your semester break, you can work up to 40 hours a week. An experienced mechanical engineer salary in Germany with 5-10 years of experience can expect to command between €60,000 to €70,000 annually. Engineers with specialised skills in areas like automotive design, robotics, or renewable energy often command higher salaries.Mini Job = Tax-Free As a student, you can earn up to 556 euros per month without having to pay taxes to the German state (as of January 2025). So if you receive your salary every month on a mini-job basis, you will receive 6,672 euros per year. There is an annual tax-free allowance for students.Engineering is one of the most respected and in-demand fields in Germany. Mechanical, electrical, civil, and automotive engineers are needed in many industries.A salary between 64. Germany. For a single person, this means roughly 40. Salaries vary greatly by location.The average monthly living expenses in Germany (for non-students) is around €1,200, but there are many factors which can affect this, especially location.