Max Planck IMPRS Research Internship 2027

The Max Planck IMPRS Research Internship 2027 is a funded research opportunity for undergraduate students interested in gaining practical scientific experience in Germany.

The programme is organised by the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) Physics from Light to Life, based in Erlangen, Germany. It provides selected Bachelor's students with an opportunity to undertake research at one of its participating institutions.

Internships may take place at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Max Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg or Universitätsklinikum Erlangen.

The programme brings together research across physics, engineering, biology and medicine. Applicants are asked to identify their preferred research topic and internship period as part of their application.

Internships can take place between March and October 2027 and last for a maximum of 90 days.

Successful applicants receive a scholarship contract covering their internship period, together with monthly financial support and flight-cost coverage.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme.
• Study Physics, Engineering, Biology or Medicine.
• Have completed at least four semesters of Bachelor's studies by the internship start date.
• Remain officially enrolled at their university throughout the internship.
• Apply for an internship lasting no longer than 90 days.
• Undertake the internship within the March–October 2027 period.
• Submit the required application documents in English or with English translations.

Additional restrictions:

• Master's students are not eligible.
• Students enrolled in integrated Bachelor's–Master's programmes are not eligible if they have Master's-level student status, regardless of their current academic phase.
• Applicants affiliated with institutions in Russia or Iran cannot currently be considered.

Selected interns receive:

• €992 Monthly Stipend: Financial support for the internship period.
• Outbound Flight Coverage: Funding for travel to Germany.
• Return Flight Coverage: Funding for the return journey after the internship.
• Research Placement: An opportunity to participate in scientific research at an IMPRS partner institution.
• International Research Exposure: Experience within a German scientific research environment.
• Practical Research Development: Opportunities to build research knowledge and laboratory or technical experience relevant to the assigned project.
• Scholarship Contract: A formal contract covering the approved internship duration.

Applicants must prepare:

• CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• Motivation Letter: A short explanation of their interest in the internship.
• Academic Transcripts: University records showing their academic progress.
• Proof of Enrolment: Official confirmation of current university enrolment.
• Passport Scan: A scanned copy of their passport.
• Preferred Research Topic: Details of the research area they wish to pursue.
• Preferred Internship Period: Proposed dates for the placement.

The published application requirements establish the following areas for consideration:

• Eligibility for the Bachelor's-only internship programme.
• Completion of the minimum required semesters.
• Continued university enrolment during the proposed internship.
• Academic background in an eligible field.
• Submitted university transcripts and academic information.
• Motivation letter and preferred research topic.
• Completeness of the application and required supporting documents.

• Scientific research experience: Gain practical exposure to research at established German institutions.
• International learning: Experience a research environment involving different scientific disciplines.
• Academic development: Explore research interests before progressing to postgraduate study.
• Professional networking: Connect with researchers and scientific teams.
• Research skills: Develop experience relevant to future academic projects and scientific careers.
• Career exploration: Better understand research work in physics, engineering, biology or medicine.