Pre-study internship FAQ

Practical work in an industrial or craft company that many German engineering programmes require before or at the start of studies. It usually covers basic manufacturing: machining and assembling parts, getting to know materials. It is also called Grundpraktikum or Fertigungspraktikum.

That depends on the university and programme. Some require proof at enrolment, others by a certain semester, others only recommend it. Find your university's rule under University rules (56 rules with sources).

In our data, universities require between 4 and 10 weeks, most often 6 weeks. The current internship regulations always prevail.

Often yes: many universities allow several parts at different companies. There are frequently minimum durations per part and restrictions (e.g. no university facilities or parents' companies). Check your university's rule.

Mandatory internships and voluntary orientation internships of up to three months are exempt from the German minimum wage (§ 22 MiLoG). Whether and how much a company pays is up to the company - ask during the interview.

Start with the confirmed programmes: official sources show that they offer pre-study or basic internships. Large companies often fill places months ahead. Smaller firms are reachable with a speculative application - the cover-letter assistant helps with a draft.

Only your university's internship office (Praktikantenamt) decides. Check beforehand whether the company and the activities qualify, and keep the required proof (report, certificate). The match on Vorpraktiz is guidance only.

Depending on your residence permit, non-EU citizens may need permission from the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or approval by the Federal Employment Agency for an internship before studies. Clarify this early with the immigration office and the company. Internships abroad are sometimes recognised - ask the internship office first.

University rules and company programmes come from official sources, linked on every page with the date of the last check. Information can become outdated - you can report errors on every page.

Nothing. Vorpraktiz is a non-profit student project without ads and without tracking. Independent - no cooperation with the companies listed.