DAAD RISE Summer Research Internship 2027

The DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) Germany 2027 programme offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain practical research experience at leading German universities and research institutions during summer 2027.

RISE Germany is organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office through DAAD and institutional partnerships.

The programme is specifically designed for undergraduate students studying at universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Eligible applicants can pursue research opportunities across the natural sciences, engineering, computer science and related disciplines.

Participants are matched with research projects at German universities, research institutes or universities of applied sciences. During their placements, interns assist doctoral researchers or other qualified supervisors with research activities.

Depending on the project, participants may contribute to laboratory investigations, experimental research, scientific analysis or other specialised activities. Each placement offers an opportunity to understand how research is conducted in an international academic environment.

A key feature of RISE Germany is its mentoring structure. Host researchers provide academic guidance, introduce interns to research teams and help them adapt to professional life in Germany.

The programme also offers cultural exposure, academic networking and opportunities to develop practical research skills.

Internships generally last three months and take place during summer 2027. Participants may begin between 15 May and 15 July 2027, with exact dates agreed upon with the host institution.

Applicants must meet the following official requirements:

• University enrolment: Be currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme at a university or college in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Ireland.
• Academic level: Be an undergraduate student at the time of application.
• Study progression: Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the beginning of the internship.
• Continuing enrolment: Maintain undergraduate status throughout the internship and continue studying after the placement.
• Academic discipline: Study biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences, engineering or a closely related field. DAAD also provides specific clarification for pre-medical students.
• International applicants: Students without U.S., Canadian, British or Irish citizenship may apply if they have studied at an eligible university in one of those countries for more than 12 months by the application deadline.
• German citizens: Must demonstrate that they have lived outside Germany for at least six years.
• Research interests: Apply for internships related to their academic background and research interests.
• Programme availability: Be available for the required research placement in Germany during summer 2027.

Important eligibility clarifications:

• Students graduating in spring or summer 2027 are not eligible if they will no longer hold undergraduate status during the internship.
• Students expecting to graduate in winter 2027 or later may qualify.
• Master's students, PhD students and recent graduates are directed towards RISE Professional rather than this undergraduate programme.
• Applicants cannot use RISE Germany funding for a privately arranged internship outside the official database.
• Students attending universities outside the four eligible countries cannot apply solely on the basis of nationality.

Successful participants receive financial assistance and academic support through DAAD and its funding partners.

DAAD Scholarship — U.S., UK and Irish University Students

• Monthly stipend: €992 per full month to support living expenses.
• International travel subsidy: Financial assistance towards travel to Germany.
• Health insurance: Insurance coverage arranged by DAAD.
• Accident insurance: Coverage during the internship period.
• Personal liability insurance: Insurance provided through the scholarship.
• RISE meeting travel grant: €160 towards travel to the RISE Germany meeting.
• Academic mentoring: Support from doctoral researchers or other qualified supervisors.
• Accommodation assistance: Help from host researchers in finding suitable housing.
• RISE Germany meeting: Invitation to the programme meeting in Heidelberg in July 2027.

Canadian Students — Mitacs and DAAD Funding

For selected Canadian students supported through the DAAD–Mitacs partnership:

• CAD 7,000 funding: Provided directly by Mitacs to support travel and living expenses.
• Insurance: Health, accident and liability insurance provided by DAAD.
• Research placement: Opportunity to work at a participating German institution.
• Mentorship and networking: Access to the research supervision and professional development offered through RISE Germany.
• Programme meeting: Invitation to the RISE Germany meeting in Heidelberg.

DAAD identifies up to 100 placements through the Mitacs partnership.

Additional Professional Benefits

• International research experience at German universities and research institutions.
• Practical laboratory or research-project experience, depending on the placement.
• Opportunities to work with doctoral researchers and experienced academics.
• Exposure to German research methods and academic culture.
• Development of technical, communication and collaboration skills.
• International networking with researchers and other interns.

Applicants should prepare the following materials for the official online application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include education, relevant research interests, work or volunteer experience and other useful academic information.
• Motivation Letter: Submit a separate motivation letter for each selected research project, explaining your interest and preparation for the position.
• Academic Transcript: Provide an acceptable official or digital university transcript showing completed courses, grades and credits.
• List of Courses: Prepare a document of no more than one page listing courses completed or expected to be completed by the internship start date.
• Certificate of Enrolment: Provide official university confirmation of student status, including the expected graduation date.
• Academic Recommendation Letter: Arrange for an academic referee holding at least a PhD to submit the recommendation through the official system.

Recommendation Letter Requirements

• The referee must be an academic who can assess the applicant's research potential.
• The letter must contain official university letterhead and the referee's signature.
• The referee must upload it directly through the individual reference link generated by the portal.
• Recommendation letters from companies are not accepted.
• A laboratory supervisor may provide a reference under DAAD's stated conditions for qualifying university-based research internships.

Important deadlines:

Application documents: 30 November 2026, 11:59 PM CET

Academic recommendation: 15 December 2026, 11:59 PM CET

DAAD uses an academic and project-matching selection process. The following factors are identified in official guidance:

• Academic performance: University grades and overall academic achievement.
• Motivation letter: Strength of the applicant's explanation of research interests and suitability.
• Practical experience: Previous laboratory, technical or related research experience, where available.
• Academic reference: Assessment provided by the applicant's university referee.
• Research alignment: Compatibility between the applicant's academic background and the selected project.
• Host ranking: Assessment and ranking of applicants by individual internship providers.
• Project demand: Number of applications received for available research projects.

The placement system combines academic rankings with host preferences and project demand.

• Practical research experience: Work directly on scientific and engineering research projects.
• Leading research institutions: Gain exposure to German universities and established research groups.
• Academic mentorship: Learn from doctoral researchers and experienced supervisors.
• International experience: Discover different research environments and professional working practices.
• Career development: Strengthen your academic profile for future research, postgraduate study or technical careers.
• Professional networking: Establish connections with researchers and fellow interns from different backgrounds.
• Cultural exposure: Experience life in Germany while gaining knowledge of its research community.