The Gap Year in Business Studies (BWL)

The Gap Year Program at the University of Mannheim offers students a bridge between their Bachelor's and Master's degrees – a well-structures year of internships, accompanied by a high-quality academic program provided by the University of Mannheim. This program enables participants to gain valuable practical experience, build networks, and start planning their academic and professional careers at an early stage.

Program Structure

Three Internships – One Year Full of Insights

Studierende, die quer hintereinander stehen

The program consists of three consecutive internship placements, each lasting four months, which can be completed at our renowned corporate partners. Depending on individual interests and preferred areas of focus, the internships can be chosen from the following wide range of business administration fields:

Accounting & Taxation
Operations Management
Finance
Marketing
Management
Information Systems
Corporate Communications

Academic Program

Where Theory Meets Practice

The internship year is complemented by a varied academic program designed exclusively for the participants. It offers subject-specific input and inspiration for personal development while also preparing them for future master's studies. The program includes interactive workshops, expert lectures, advanced online courses, preparatory training sessions, and an excursion.

Application Process

One Application – Three Internships

With just one application submitted to the program coordination office, students can be considered for participation in the Gap Year Program. After a successful selection process, they are assigned three internships based on their individual priority list. Following the selection phase, a joint meet-and-interview day takes place, where participants have the opportunity to connect with representatives of the partner companies.

The application deadline for program participation starting in September is at the end of February each year – giving students enough time to successfully complete their bachelor’s degree, while allowing for early planning for the gap year.

More Information for Download

The academic regulations for the Gap Year program can be found under the examination regulations for the Bachelor's degree program of the Department of Business Administration.. Feel free to also take a look at our flyer (PDF) which contains all the key information about the Gap Year.

The internships were all very instructive, and each position was different, allowing me to fully achieve my goal of gaining broad insights into tax consulting.

Participant of the 2021/22 Gap Year in Accounting and Taxation

I can already say that I have learned an incredible amount, both professionally and personally. The teamwork and spirit within the company are truly amazing, and I can already see how much these practical experiences are helping me gain clarity about my future career path. The exchange with my colleagues is both exciting and enriching, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me through the Gap Year program!

Participant of the 2021/22 Gap Year in Accounting and Taxation

During the Gap Year, I learned a lot of new things and gained exciting experience in the working world. I can highly recommend the Gap Year to my friends!

Participant of the 2021/22 Gap Year in Accounting and Taxation

As an intern at some of the world’s leading auditing firms, I had the opportunity to closely observe the ongoing consulting of both national and international clients on all matters related to today’s business environment, which enabled me to develop significantly both professionally and personally.