Are you a female student who has just graduated from high school? Are you wondering whether studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is right for you? The Niedersachsen-Technikum can help you make your decision! As a technical intern, you have the opportunity to try out a technical profession without any obligation, gain real practical experience in a company, and get a taste of university life at the same time.
What is the Niedersachsen-Technikum?
Significantly more men than women still choose to study or train in STEM subjects. The Niedersachsen-Technikum is a six-month program specifically aimed at young women who want to gain an insight into STEM professions after leaving school. Since 2012, it has been offered at an increasing number of colleges and universities in Lower Saxony with the support of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture.
As a technical intern, you can choose your location and desired focus from over 100 regional companies and gain practical experience in industry four days a week. On the fifth day, you study at the university on a trial basis, attend lectures, and get to know student life. Everything is complemented by an exciting supporting program and individual support.
Your technical internship at TU Clausthal
Klara (19) and Alina (18) completed their technical internship at TU Clausthal from September 2025 to February 2026. For Klara, the location in the Harz Mountains was right on her doorstep and therefore ideal for her. Alina comes from Rhineland-Palatinate and chose Clausthal because of its familial atmosphere and personal support. During the six months, they each lived in a student fraternity.
On their “university day,” Alina and Klara attended various lectures, including technical mechanics, engineering mathematics, and an introduction to recycling. They had the opportunity to take exams and complete a pre-internship, which can be credited to their study programs later. At TU Clausthal, the Niedersachsen-Technikum program includes internal institute tours as well as (digital) workshops, supra-regional company visits, and excursions.
Outside of class, both took advantage of the university's sports offerings. While Klara played volleyball, Alina went to gymnastics. Both mingled with students at flat parties, movie nights, and joint cooking events. “We were warmly welcomed and immediately made friends with the students. The exchange with the professors is also very informal and uncomplicated,” they say enthusiastically.
Gaining practical experience in a company
Alina completed the practical part of her technical internship at Piller Group GmbH in Osterode. The company, which has been a cooperation partner of TU Clausthal since 2022, praises Alina's commitment and curiosity. She gained experience in the training workshop and in production halls.
Klara is particularly interested in sustainability and technical processes. At her company, MPM Environment Intelligence in Bad Grund, she learned about the industrial side of the circular economy and experienced how raw materials are recovered, processes are optimized, and environmental standards are met.
For the partner companies, the Niedersachsen-Technikum is a great opportunity to meet committed, inquisitive young women. For the technical interns, it is a unique chance to gain insight into real work processes. In addition, they receive a monthly stipend and a housing allowance.
Your prospects after the technical internship
Whether you want to study, do a dual degree, or train: the technical internship helps you make the right decision with confidence. Alina and Klara want to start studying in the coming winter semester. Alina definitely sees her future in the STEM field thanks to her participation. “During the technical college, we gained many different insights that we can incorporate into our choice of study,” they both report.
Many former participants report that the internship helped them overcome their fear of technology and gain a lot of confidence for their future careers. “The personal support at TU Clausthal allows us to set our own priorities and pursue our interests in the company and at the university. We can only recommend the program here,” say Klara and Alina.
The two also reported how much they enjoyed it at the closing event of the Niedersachsen-Technikum. At the end of the program, the two were given a ceremonial send-off by their companies and the team from the Equal Opportunities Office at TU Clausthal.
Apply now!
Apply now for the next round! The Niedersachsen-Technikum starts every year in September and ends in February. Contact our coordinator Nina Bredereck (contact) directly or ask your school's student advisory service for more information.
Every month, TU Clausthal also offers a digital information event where you can ask all your questions in advance. Here are the next dates: Information events on the Niedersachsen-Technikum
You can find all further information and cooperation partners on the Niedersachsen-Technikum website: www.niedersachsen-technikum.de.
Follow Klara and Alina on Instagram and accompany them on their future career paths: @planz.officials
Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topic ideas for a blog post? Then send us an email: blog@tu-clausthal.de