How to find a bachelor or master thesis in industry

Many German companies — from start-ups to large engineering firms — offer bachelor and master theses (Abschlussarbeiten, Bachelorarbeit, Masterarbeit). You work on a real problem, often get paid, gain experience for your CV, and sometimes receive a job offer afterwards. This guide shows the timeline, where to find positions, how to apply and what to agree before you start.

1. Talk to your university first

A company thesis still needs a supervisor at your university (Betreuer/in, Erstprüfer/in). Before you apply:

• Ask whether your examination regulations allow an external thesis and which language it can be written in.
• Find a professor in your field who is open to industry topics. Some want to see the topic description before you commit.
• Check the time frame: registration deadlines and the official processing time (Bearbeitungszeit) are fixed by your regulations. Bachelor theses often have two to four months, master theses four to six months.

Doing this first saves you from accepting a topic your university won't approve.

2. Where to find thesis positions

• Company career pages — search for Abschlussarbeit, Masterarbeit, Bachelorarbeit or thesis. On InternsValley, all thesis positions are collected in one place, with the language requirement shown.
• Your chair or institute — many already work with companies and post topics on their websites or notice boards.
• Research institutes (e.g. Fraunhofer, Helmholtz, Max Planck) often supervise theses together with universities.
• Your previous internship or working-student employer — they know you, and you know their data and problems. This is one of the most common routes.
• Speculative applications — if a company works on something that fits your field, write to them with a short topic idea.

3. Applying

Most companies expect a short CV, a transcript of records and a cover letter that names the topic area, your planned start date and your university supervisor (if you already have one). Mention your relevant courses and methods — for example statistics, simulation tools or programming languages.

If the posting says “German is a plus”, it's worth applying in English. If it says “fließende Deutschkenntnisse”, the team probably works in German, even if the thesis itself could be written in English. See our application guide for CV and cover-letter tips.

4. Agree on the details in writing

• Topic and goals — your supervisor must accept them, and the topic must be academically suitable, not just a project for the company.
• Confidentiality — companies often require a non-disclosure agreement. Make sure your university can still read and grade the thesis. A Sperrvermerk (blocking notice) that keeps the thesis from being published for some years is common.
• Ownership of results — who may use your code, data and findings afterwards?
• Pay and contract type — some companies employ thesis students as working students or interns, others pay a fixed monthly amount, some pay nothing. If you're employed as a working student, the minimum wage applies.
• Location and equipment — on-site, hybrid or remote; access to data, software and labs.
• Supervision at the company — who is your contact, and how often do you meet?

5. Non-EU students: check your work limit

If you are not from the EU and your thesis comes with a paid contract, ask your Ausländerbehörde whether it counts toward your work limit of 140/280 days. A thesis that's part of your studies is treated differently from a working-student job alongside it.

6. During the thesis

• Register on time with your exam office — the deadline clock starts with registration.
• Agree on check-ins with both supervisors. Company and university goals can drift apart; regular meetings keep them aligned.
• Keep the academic standard in mind: literature review, method, evaluation. Your grade comes from the university, not the company.
• Ask for a reference at the end. Many students get job offers from their thesis company — make it easy for them.

Browse bachelor theses or master theses.