How to get an internship in Germany as an international student?
International students enrolled at German universities can do an internship as part of their student visa. 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. 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!Germany offers attractive career opportunities for international skilled workers. There is a particularly high demand in health care, medical technology, hotel and gastronomy, and the educational sector.
Do internships in Germany pay?
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. Paid Internships: Some companies actually pay their interns. That is a good option if you want to learn and get paid at the same time. Unpaid Internships: These are common in non-profit organizations like charities. While the intern usually does not receive payment, the experience adds value.That said, many employers do pay their interns. Some companies recognize there is value in training someone who could become an employee after they graduate college. The majority of Fortune 500 companies pay interns, as do jobs in the private sector.Generally, for-profit businesses cannot offer unpaid internships unless they meet the educational criteria above. If an intern performs work similar to that of a paid employee, they must be paid at least minimum wage ($16 per hour statewide in 2025, with higher rates in some cities).Demonstrating Potential: Many companies use internships as a way to evaluate potential full-time hires. A 3-month internship allows interns to prove their skills and fit within the company culture, increasing their chances of receiving a full-time offer.
When to apply for internships in Germany?
If you are applying for an internship within Germany, you need to apply at least 3 months in advance, and 6-9 months for an internship outside Germany. Minimum Employment Duration This job must be related to your field of study and meet the required salary level. If you hold an EU Blue Card, the waiting time is shorter. You can apply for PR after 33 months of work. However, if you prove to have B1-level German proficiency, you can apply after 21 months instead.You can become a permanent resident after 24 months if you hold a German professional or university degree, you’ve worked successfully as a skilled worker under sections §18a, §18b, or §18d AufenthG for two years, and you’ve made compulsory pension contributions for 24 months.
Who is eligible for DAAD internship?
An internship should offer students with: Career connections, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the organization/industry. Training, either “formal,” on-the-job or virtual/remote along with constructive, on-going feedback for personal and professional development.Completing an internship helps in gaining work experience , developing research skills, understanding different departments, building a professional network, creating an engaging resume, securing recommendations and improving confidence.A 3-month internship is often enough to gain essential skills, complete projects, build your resume, and make connections. It provides a solid foundation and can open doors for future roles, even if a longer internship may be better suited for more complex or advanced learning goals.