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FAQ for International Students

Are you an international student and new to our city? Or are you thinking about moving here for your studies or a job? Then this article might answer some of your questions.

Working / Studying in Mannheim

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How do I find a job/internship and what are the requirements?

  • The German Federal Foreign Office has a Visa Navigator to help you figure out which kind of visa you will need for your stay.
  • If you are looking for jobs (full-time, freelance or mini jobs/internships), these are some sites you might want to check out:
  • Additionally, in Mannheim there is an info centre for jobs (Berufsinformationszentrum BiZ, website is in German). The BiZ is the right place for you if you are looking for professional orientation. It provides information and help for your choice of studies and profession, for your job search or for your professional development.
  • Don't forget to check the dedicated career websites of the companies that you are interested in. Some companies post job offers only on their own websites.
  • A residence permit usually allows employment of up to 120 full days or 240 half-days per year in addition to any student jobs on campus. If you find an internship that lasts longer than 120 days or you want to be informed about this rule, please contact the international office at University of Mannheim.
  • Please be aware that the job application process in Germany may be different from what you are used to. To find out more about what you need for an application, check out these webpages:
  • For information about the German tax system, check out this article.

 What are my chances to find a job/internship/master’s programme without speaking German?

  • Well, it depends ... International master’s programmes at the University of Mannheim are taught in English. Classes in English studies, Romanic studies, and Slavic studies, are often taught in English, French, Spanish or Russian respectively. Some larger international companies in the region (such as SAP, Roche or BASF) use English as a working language. However, if you want to stay in Germany for a longer time, we recommend you learn German to connect with people outside of work and manage everday life more easily. Find out more here.

Living in Mannheim

© Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH, Alexander Grüber

How difficult is it to learn German and are there any (free) beginners courses?

  • Learning proper German without any previous knowledge might take some time. However, there are several options either to get started or to improve your German. There are some institutions as well as online offers for learning German from beginner level to advanced level:

What are important things to consider before moving to Germany?

  • The German Federal Foreign Office has a Visa Navigator to help you figure out which kind of visa you will need for your stay.
  • For third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU citizens), it is important for each visa application to be able to ensure your own livelihood, i.e. that you are not dependant on public benefits. Your livelihood is ensured by means of a blocked account. Your subsistence is considered to be guaranteed if you have deposited 853 € / month over 12 months on a blocked account. For more information about blocked accounts, check out this article.
  • For more information about the visa process and regulations, please get in touch with the German embassy in your home country or check out this article.
  • Opening a bank account online: With most German banks, you can set up your account online and in advance to coming to Germany.
  • Inform yourself about what kind of (health) insurance you will need.

How long does it take to get citizenship in Germany?

What's the history of the city of Mannheim?

  • Mannheim is known for its industry and inventions. It is a city that shapes the future. Here, creative minds are given free rein, not slowed down. Although Mannheim may not immediately spring to mind as a city of inventors, you can sense it when you are here. A pervasive „anything is possible“ atmosphere inspires and motivates. Not only the car, the bicycle and even spaghetti ice cream were invented here, but also the first ever organic supermarket in Germany, the blood glucose meter for home use, one of Europe's largest and best district heating networks and even the TÜV standards organisation. Alongside innumerable other inventions and innovations, they have ensured global recognition for the Made in Mannheim concept.
  • Mannheim, City of Squares. Mannheim has precisely 144 of them. Neatly arranged between the Baroque Palace and the river Neckar, they stretch from the "Wasserturm" to the Kurt Schumacher bridge. This unique appearance can be traced back to the beginning of the 17th century. When Elector Frederick IV of the Palatinate laid the foundation for the city in 1606, it was intended to fulfil all military requirements while also reflecting Renaissance ideals of beauty.

Which areas are good to live in as a student?

  • Most students in Mannheim live close to the city centre. This is where you probably meet more internationals as well. These districts are called: Innenstadt/Jungbusch, Neckarstadt West, Neckarstadt Ost, Schwetzinger Vorstadt, Lindenhof. For more information about these districts, check out this website.

Where can I find a flat/apartment/accommodation in Mannheim?

If my address changes, do I have to register again at “Bürgerdienste” in K7?

  • Yes, you will always have to register your current address at “Bürgerdienste”.

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