Department 1.2 - Committees and Elections Unpaid Work Policy

Before carrying out unpaid work at the University, individuals must seek permission from the relevant superior in Division I by completing a request form. This can include, e.g. finishing research in a lab after obtaining a doctorate. This arrangement does not constitute an employment or instructional relationship, nor does it entail a work mandate or remuneration.

Agreeing to perform unpaid work as outlined above establishes an affiliation with the University, which provides statutory accident insurance coverage for the rooms in which these activities are performed.
(Note: This insurance does not include commuting-related accidents, which is why we recommend obtaining personal accident insurance).

Please make sure to carefully read and take note of the legal framework outlined on the back of the request form. If you agree to the terms, check the box on the front page of the form. Once you have filled out the form, ask your superior to sign it and then submit the original “Approval for Performing Unpaid Work Request Form” to: Universitätsverwaltung, Dezernat Recht und Gremien, Seminarstraße 2, 69117 Heidelberg.

Please also note:

Individuals such as senior professors, honorary professors, visiting professors, teachers, research assistants, scholarship recipients (insofar as the funding comes from the University or one of its institutions), enrolled students, doctoral candidates, and individuals linked to partner universities with a formal agreement for scholar exchange are exempt from completing this form. These individuals already have corporate-level status or affiliation as members of the University or have been granted permission to carry out work through a cooperation agreement with the sending partner institution.

In case you are interested in an internship at Heidelberg University, please reach out to Division 5.3 (Personnel development).

Non-EU-citizens are required to submit a valid visa with their request form.

Antrag Unentgeltliche TätigkeitApplication unremunerated work