Guides
The rules behind our labels, in plain English — with diagrams, examples and the 2026 numbers. Last reviewed November 2026.
Start hereInternship in Germany for international students: the complete guide (2026)Everything international students need for an internship in Germany: work permits, mandatory vs. voluntary, language, pay, where to find positions and what to do after you sign.
Working student (Werkstudent) in Germany: hours, salary, insurance and tax (2026)The 20-hour rule, what a Werkstudent earns, which social insurance you pay, student health insurance, income tax and the extra rules for non-EU students — explained for 2026.
Pflichtpraktikum vs. voluntary internship: what's the difference?Mandatory and voluntary internships follow different rules for pay, minimum wage, holidays, social insurance and work limits. Here's how to tell them apart — with a comparison table.
Minimum wage for interns in Germany (2026 and 2027)When interns are entitled to the minimum wage, the exemptions, monthly amounts and how to check an offer: €13.90/hour in 2026, €14.60/hour in 2027.
Work rules for non-EU students in Germany (140/280 days)The 140 full-day / 280 half-day limit, how days are counted, which internships and jobs count, working-student jobs and what to check with your Ausländerbehörde.
How to apply for an internship in Germany: CV, cover letter and documentsWhat a German CV (Lebenslauf) and cover letter (Anschreiben) look like, which documents to attach, when to apply and how to follow up — for internships and working-student jobs.
How to find a bachelor or master thesis in industryWhere companies post Abschlussarbeiten, the timeline from first idea to submission, how to apply and what to agree with your company and university supervisor.