Internship allowance in the hospitality industry

Internships are an important part of the training for future hospitality professionals. Especially in hotels, many students gain practical experience. But what about compensation? Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about internship allowances in the hotel industry. We look at whether an allowance is mandatory, typical amounts, agreements in the hospitality collective labor agreement (CLA), differences by education level, and give tips on how to discuss compensation with your employer.

Is an internship allowance mandatory?

In the Netherlands, an internship allowance is not legally required. Employers are therefore not legally obliged to pay their interns. An intern is considered a learner, not a regular employee, so minimum wage rules do not apply. The exception to this rule is if you are essentially being used as a regular employee; in that case, the minimum wage could be enforced by the Labor Inspectorate.

Although there is no law requiring compensation, it has become common for companies to offer a monthly allowance as a token of appreciation and to cover expenses. Educational institutions also encourage this. Politically, there have been developments: the government has passed a motion that led to research into minimum internship allowances. In addition, the House of Representatives has asked the cabinet to include internship allowances in collective agreements, and in the Stagepact MBO it was agreed that MBO students must receive at least an expense allowance for costs incurred (such as travel and materials).

In short, an internship allowance is not legally enforceable unless it is included in a CLA or contract. In practice, however, it is the norm to offer some form of compensation, especially for long-term internships. This also applies in the hospitality industry: you may not have an absolute right to it under the law, but many hospitality businesses (and schools) consider it perfectly normal to pay interns.

How much is a typical internship allowance?

The amount of an internship allowance can vary widely. Since there is no general minimum, each company can set its own amount (unless a CLA prescribes a minimum). Factors include your education level, year of study (for example, graduation internships are often paid more than exploratory ones), the duration and type of internship work, and the type of company. An internship at a large hotel chain may be compensated differently than one at a small family-run hotel.

As a general guideline, you can expect a few hundred euros per month for a full-time internship. FNV Young & United (the youth department of the union) states that allowances typically range between €100 and €400 per month. Many interns receive something within this range. A commonly cited “average” in the Netherlands is around €200 to €300 per month for a full-time internship. Note: these are not strict rules, there are outliers both higher and lower. A government letter dated March 12, 2025, indicates that more and more students are receiving an allowance and that an increasing number of CLAs now include agreements about this.

In the hospitality industry, it was long common for interns to receive only travel or expense reimbursements, or relatively low amounts (especially at MBO level). However, this is changing due to new agreements in the industry (see the next section about the CLA). In addition, hotels often provide extra benefits in kind: free meals during shifts, work clothing, tips (if applicable), or even housing if you come from far away.

What does the hospitality CLA say about internship allowances?

Since 2024, the hospitality CLA has included a minimum internship allowance for the first time. This applies to MBO-BOL and HBO students interning in the hospitality industry.

From January 1, 2025: at least €400 gross per month for a full-time internship (5 days). Fewer days = pro-rated.

This arrangement does not apply to short introductory internships for high school students or university students (WO). Hotels may pay WO students an allowance, but it is not mandatory.

This agreement is an important improvement: previously, allowances were voluntary and often low. Always check whether the hospitality CLA applies to your internship, as some hotel chains have their own arrangements.

(Note: The hospitality CLA applies to most hotels affiliated with Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) or those that voluntarily follow it. Some large hotel chains have their own employment terms; always check whether the CLA applies to your situation.)

Differences in internship allowance by education level

Internship allowances can vary depending on your education level. Generally speaking, the higher your education level, the higher the potential allowance. This relates to age (WO and HBO students are often older), the complexity of tasks, and the value companies place on higher education. However, this is not black and white — other factors also play a role, and there is debate about whether this distinction is fair.

Broadly speaking, outside the hospitality industry:

MBO interns: usually receive the lowest compensation. Many MBO internships pay a few hundred euros per month or less. According to FNV, MBO students typically receive between €130 and €230 per month. In some cases, an MBO intern may only get travel or expense reimbursement, especially for short internships or with smaller companies.
HBO interns: usually fall in the middle range. HBO students generally receive more than MBO but less than WO students. Average HBO internship compensation is around €300 per month. For a third-year internship, it might be €200–€300, while a fourth-year graduation internship is often higher, usually €300–€450. Many companies pay more for graduation internships because students handle more complex tasks (e.g., research projects) and are almost finished with their studies.
WO interns: tend to receive the highest compensation, often above €300 per month, sometimes around €350–€450. Still, this is well below the starting salary for a WO-level job. Research shows that university interns earn slightly more than HBO interns, for example, €400 vs. €370 per month according to a CBS analysis. As with other levels, final-year master internships are usually paid more than short exploratory internships.

Note: These amounts are averages and estimates across all industries. In practice, there are large differences per company and sector. In the hospitality industry, compensation was traditionally low, but thanks to the new CLA, MBO and HBO interns in hotels now have a relatively high minimum (€400 per month full-time). This means MBO interns in hotels earn more than many MBO interns in other sectors.

Discussing your internship allowance

Talking about money can be nerve-wracking, but remember that it’s perfectly normal to seek clarity about your internship allowance. Here are some tips for bringing up the topic and negotiating with your (future) internship company:

Be informed beforehand – Know if a CLA applies and what it states. For example, the hospitality CLA sets a minimum, which you can keep in mind. Also, check with your school to see if they have guidelines (many schools expect internships to be paid and can communicate this to the company). Knowing typical amounts in your field gives you a stronger position.
Choose the right timing – Don’t bring up the allowance as the very first topic in your interview. Preferably wait until the end or until the company brings up terms. You might ask, “Does this company offer an internship allowance for interns?” or “Is it possible to receive an allowance for my work here?” By phrasing it as a question, you keep it polite and non-demanding. Employers understand that you want to know.
Be polite but clear – Express your enthusiasm about the internship and eagerness to learn, and politely ask about compensation options. For example: “I’m very motivated to intern here. I was wondering, does your organization also provide an allowance or travel reimbursement?” This shows interest without sounding demanding.
Mention any expenses – If you have high travel costs (e.g., daily train rides) or need to temporarily relocate for the internship, you can explain this. Pointing out that an allowance would make the internship financially feasible often encourages employers to cover at least your expenses.
Negotiate within reason – If the company offers a very low amount (or nothing), gently explore whether there is room for more. You can mention that many internships do include compensation and that you were hoping for a certain amount (based on what is typical). Keep the tone positive and understanding. This isn’t a formal salary negotiation, but a little negotiation could get you an extra €50–€100 per month.
Consider alternatives – If no allowance is available, ask about other benefits. Maybe they can offer travel reimbursement, free lunch, or extra free time (e.g., one day per week off so you can work a part-time job). Sometimes creative solutions can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Involve your school or supervisor – If you don’t feel comfortable asking directly, discuss it with your school supervisor. They can either inquire on your behalf or advise you on how to approach the conversation. Schools also want their students to be treated fairly.
Weigh the experience versus the allowance – Ultimately, an internship is for your growth. A valuable learning experience can be worth it even if the pay is modest. That doesn’t mean you should accept exploitation, but consider the overall picture. If one hotel offers €100 more but less valuable learning opportunities, don’t decide based solely on money. Aim for a balance between experience, job satisfaction, and financial feasibility.
Get it in writing – Make sure all agreements about the allowance (and any other compensation) are clearly written in your internship contract. This prevents misunderstandings. The contract usually specifies the monthly or hourly amount and when/how it will be paid. Also, check whether benefits like vacation pay or days off are included (often not, but some companies provide a form of compensation).

Finally: speak up promptly if something is wrong. If you don’t receive the agreed allowance, or if you are being used as a regular employee without pay, discuss it with your employer or report it to your supervisor or school. While interns aren’t employees, your contribution is valuable and deserves recognition. Thanks to new agreements like the hospitality CLA, this value is increasingly acknowledged.

Good luck with your internship in the hotel industry!

This article has been reviewed by:

Sander (A.J.C.) Theunissen
Employment Lawyer (Counsel) - CLINT | Littler

Sander (A.J.C.) Theunissen has over fifteen years of experience and specializes in labor law and works council law. He has gained experience in labor law for the hospitality industry, among other areas.