The minimum-wage matrix 2026
Mandatory internship (required by your study regulations): no minimum-wage entitlement — pay is voluntary. Voluntary internship up to 3 months alongside your studies: also exempt. Voluntary internship over 3 months: full minimum wage of €13.90/hour (2026) from day one — around €2,400 gross/month full-time.
What remains of the pay
- ✓Mandatory internship as a student: exempt from social insurance — almost all of the gross remains.
- ✓Voluntary internship during studies: runs like a working-student job — only 9.3% pension insurance.
- ✓Tax: up to €12,084/year (2026 basic allowance) effectively no income tax; deductions come back via the tax return.
- ✓BAföG: continues during a mandatory internship; the internship pay is counted without the mini-job allowance — report it to the office.
- ✓Child benefit: unaffected by internship pay during a first degree.
Housing during a practical semester
For 3–6 months, a full lease with credit checks, deposit and furniture shopping makes no sense. A23 lets rooms on interim lets from 2 months when a slot is free — furnished, all-in, one contract. Internship employers in Metzingen, Nürtingen, Reutlingen and on the Filder plain are 10–25 minutes away. Details: rooms for internships (German).
As of September 2026, without guarantee. Minimum wage 2026: €13.90/h, from 2027: €14.60.
Frequently asked questions
My mandatory internship is unpaid — is that legal?
Yes. Mandatory internships are exempt from the Minimum Wage Act; pay is voluntary. Many companies pay anyway — internships average around €1,000/month in 2026. Asking costs nothing.
From when do I get minimum wage in a voluntary internship?
If the internship runs longer than 3 months — then from day one, not from month 4. If you have already graduated, minimum wage applies immediately.
Do I get BAföG during the practical semester?
Yes, during a mandatory internship within your programme BAföG continues. The pay is counted though — with well-paid internships BAföG can drop to zero. Report it, or you risk repayment demands.
Can I rent a room at A23 for 4 months?
Yes — interim lets from 2 months when a room or time slot is available. Join the waiting list; we contact you first.