Are you trying to get an internship in Germany? If so, you might have questions about whether internships are paid, how to apply, or if you need to speak German. If these questions concern you, this is the right place for answers.
Germany is the best country for international students who want to gain practical experience. It has a strong economy and many global companies, offering plenty of internship opportunities. This makes it an ideal place to start your career. However, finding the right internship, understanding visa rules, and getting financial support can be overwhelming.
I created this guide to help you find internships in Germany. You will learn where to find internships, which industries offer the highest pay, how to apply, and whether you need to know German. By the end, you will have a clear plan to get the right internship in Germany in 2025.
Paid Internships in Germany for International Students
A common question students have is, “Do interns in Germany get paid?” The answer is: it depends! Many internships in Germany pay international students. Some do not, but if an internship lasts longer than three months, it must legally offer a stipend that is at least equal to the minimum wage.
There are two types of internships in Germany:
- Compulsory Internships (Pflichtpraktikum): If your university requires you to complete an internship as part of your studies, companies are not legally required to pay you. Some may offer a small stipend, but it’s not guaranteed.
- Voluntary Internships (Freiwilliges Praktikum): If you’re interning by choice, German law requires companies to pay you at least €520 per month if your internship lasts longer than three months. Many big companies offer much more, depending on the industry.
How Much Do Interns Earn in Germany?
These are the starting range and reset depending on your industry.
- Minimum Wage: Internships over three months must comply with Germany’s minimum wage law.
- Monthly Stipend: Ranges between €300 – €1,500, depending on the industry and company.
- Fully Funded Internships: Some programs, like DAAD RISE, cover living costs.
Salaries for internships vary by industry. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect:
- Engineering & Mechanical Internships: €800 – €1,500 per month
- IT & Computer Science Internships: €1,000 – €2,000 per month
- Finance & Business Internships: €900 – €1,600 per month
- Medical Internships: Usually unpaid, but some offer small stipends
- Marketing & Communication Internships: €500 – €1,200 per month
So, if you’re in a technical field like IT or engineering, you’re more likely to get a well-paid internship. In fields like healthcare or research, stipends may be smaller or nonexistent.
Can You Find Fully Funded Internships in Germany?
Yes! Some programs cover travel, accommodation, and even a stipend. Here’s where to look:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Offers financial aid for students interning in Germany.
- Erasmus+: Provides grants to European students doing internships in Germany.
- University Programs: Some German universities and research institutions offer financial support for international interns.
Fully funded internships are competitive, so apply early!
Internships in Germany in English: Are They Available?
Many companies offer internship opportunities in English, even though German is the main language of work. Multinational companies and startups often hire English-speaking interns, especially in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Here’s where to look:
- Big Companies: BMW, Siemens, SAP, and other multinational firms often have English-speaking roles.
- Tech Startups: Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich have many startups where English is the main language.
- Research Institutes & Universities: Some STEM-related internships don’t require German.
Learning basic German can increase your chances of getting hired and help you adjust to workplace culture.
Internship Opportunities by Field
Engineering & Mechanical Internships
If you are a mechanical engineering student, consider doing an internship in Germany. Companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, and Airbus have great internship programs. These internships usually pay well and can sometimes lead to permanent jobs.
Computer Science & IT Internships
Germany’s technology sector is growing quickly. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt have many startups and large companies looking for interns. These internships are available in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.
Some top companies hiring interns include SAP, Deutsche Telekom, Zalando, and Bosch. If you’re in IT, expect good salaries and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
Medical Internships
If you’re a medical student, be prepared for a challenge. Unlike other fields, medical internships in Germany are often unpaid. However, they offer valuable experience in hospitals and research centers.
Some programs, like DAAD and Erasmus+, may provide funding for research-based internships. If you want to work in clinical settings, be prepared for extra paperwork.
Can You Do an Internship in Germany After Graduation?
Yes, but your visa status determines your options.
If you are still on a student visa, you can keep interning after graduation without any problems. Just make sure your visa is valid for the entire time of your internship.
If your student visa has expired, you may need to apply for a Job Seeker Visa. This visa lets you stay in Germany for up to 18 months while you look for work, including internships.
If you are from outside the EU, you might need a work permit for a post-graduation internship. This depends on the type of work and the company’s rules.
Many companies in Germany hire recent graduates as interns, especially in fields like finance, consulting, IT, and engineering. Some companies use internships to find full-time employees later. Applying for these positions can improve your career opportunities.
How to Find the Best Internships in Germany
Securing the best internship is a primary goal for students, and with the right resources, it is definitely achievable. Many companies begin looking for interns 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for structured programs at well-known firms. Regularly check job boards, company websites, and your university’s career center to improve your chances for the latest listings.
As per my experience, here are the best platforms to find internships in Germany:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): This offers fully funded research internships, making it an excellent choice for students in STEM and social sciences.
- ErasmusIntern: Ideal for European students seeking financial aid for internships in various industries across Germany.
- StepStone Germany: One of the largest job platforms in Germany, featuring a vast range of internship opportunities in fields like engineering, business, and IT.
- Glassdoor and LinkedIn: These platforms list internships from multinational corporations and startups and provide reviews from past interns.
- Company Websites: Major companies such as BMW, Siemens, and SAP have dedicated internship portals where you can apply directly for positions.
- University Career Centers: Many German universities partner with local and international companies, offering internship placements tailored for students.
- Here is a linked list of over 13,000 internships in Germany. Please be cautious, as there may be some fraud on LinkedIn. Verify properly before applying.
Applying early gives you a decisive advantage, especially for high-demand industries like finance, tech, and engineering. Tailoring your applications, networking with professionals, and preparing for interviews can further boost your chances of securing a great internship.
Summer Internships in Germany
A summer internship might be a great option if you can’t commit to a full-semester internship. These typically last 8-12 weeks and are common in finance, tech, business, and research.
Many universities and research centers offer summer programs where you can gain experience without interrupting your studies. Some are paid, while others may be unpaid but offer networking and learning opportunities.
Final Thoughts: How to Get Started
Germany is great for international students to get work experience, earn money, and start a global career. You can find paid internships, summer programs, and fully funded opportunities. There is something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Internships provide real work experience: You’ll work on meaningful projects, not just small tasks.
- Networking is crucial: Internships help build strong professional connections.
- Many internships lead to full-time jobs: Companies use internships as recruitment pipelines.
- Cultural exposure matters: You’ll adapt to German work culture and enjoy a high standard of living.
- A German internship boosts your resume: Employers value experience from Germany.
- Paid internships are common: Internships over three months must follow minimum wage laws.
- English-speaking internships are available, especially in tech, finance, and multinational companies.
- Finding an internship quickly: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed Germany, and compan
Do interns in Germany get paid?
Yes, if an internship lasts more than three months, it must follow minimum wage laws. Shorter internships or those part of university programs may be unpaid.
Is 3 months enough for an internship?
Yes, 3 months is enough to gain valuable experience, build connections, and improve your skills. However, longer internships (6+ months) are preferred for deeper learning and better job prospects.
Are there English internships in Germany?
Yes, many multinational companies and startups in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer English-speaking internships, especially in IT, engineering, finance, and marketing.
How can I find an internship immediately?
To find an internship right away, start with LinkedIn, Indeed Germany, Glassdoor, and the DAAD internship databases. You can also apply directly on company career pages like Siemens, BMW, and Deutsche Bank. For more options, contact your university’s career center or attend job fairs. Networking can be very helpful, too!
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