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DAAD RISE Professional

Research internships in Germany for graduate students and alumni from North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Research Internship

RISE Professional, which stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering, is a scholarship program that provides summer research internships in Germany to Master’s and Ph.D. students from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Ireland. The program is specifically tailored for students in the fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth science, and engineering, or closely related disciplines. Undergraduates who are alumni of the RISE Germany program and recent graduates are also eligible to apply, depending on the specific requirements of the internship placement. The initiative facilitates placements at prominent German companies and non-university research institutions with strong industrial ties, allowing participants to gain practical professional experience in a global corporate environment while contributing to high-level scientific projects. The internships generally last between three and six months and are scheduled to take place annually between May 15 and December 31. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the program offers a comprehensive support package to help cover living expenses and logistical costs. Participants receive a monthly scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) along with an additional stipend provided by the host company or institution. In addition to financial support, the program provides health, accident, and personal liability insurance, as well as a flat-rate travel allowance. To promote international scientific cooperation and networking, the program includes an annual three-day meeting in Heidelberg for all participants. While German language requirements vary by placement, many internships do not require prior knowledge of the language, and the DAAD provides optional support for language training. International students studying in the eligible countries are also welcome to apply if they have been resident there for at least twelve months at the time of application.

Program

Organizer:
Timeframe: May 15 – December 31
Duration: 70 days - 6 months
Locations: Europe
Study Areas: Computer Science & Information Technology, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Biology, Natural Sciences

Application

Deadlines:
  • November 30, 2025
  • December 15, 2025
Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled in a Master's or PhD program at a university in the USA, Canada, UK, or Ireland at the time of application. Undergraduate students are eligible only if they are alumni of the RISE Germany program. Recent graduates are eligible if they graduated no more than 7 months prior to the application deadline. International students (non-citizens) studying in the eligible countries must have resided there for at least 12 months. German citizens are eligible if they have lived outside Germany for at least 6 years. Applicants must be majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth science, engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Most internships require English proficiency; German language requirements are internship-specific. Participants must maintain enrollment throughout the internship, except for recent graduates.
Target Degrees: Bachelor, Master, PhD
Required Documents:
  1. CV
  2. Motivation letter for each project (up to 3)
  3. Official Transcript of Records (including explanation of grading system)
  4. Certificate of Enrolment (using specific DAAD form)
  5. Letter of Reference from a senior academic/professor
  6. List of subjects studied by the time the internship begins
  7. Copy of passport
  8. Previous Bachelor and/or Master certificate degree (if applicable)
  9. Letter of reference from a past employer (optional/if available)

Costs & Contact

Stipend: Monthly support varies: 1) Internships ≤ 3 months: Undergrad/Master receive €992/month, PhD receive €1,300–1,400/month. 2) Internships > 3 months or graduates: German minimum wage (approx. €13.90/hour). Includes international travel allowance, health/accident insurance, a €160 travel lump sum for the RISE meeting, and a language course subsidy of 70% (up to €250).
Cost: No program fees; participants cover their own housing and living expenses from the provided stipend/wages.
Contact: Inquiries: Annkristin Ermel - rise-pro@daad.de
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