RISE Germany

RISE Germany, which stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering, provides undergraduate students from North American, British, and Irish universities with the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. The program is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and specifically targets students majoring in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, or closely related STEM fields. Participants are matched with host institutions according to their specific areas of interest and work directly with Ph.D. students or researchers who serve as their personal mentors. The internships typically last for three months, with a minimum stay of ten weeks and a maximum duration of 90 days, with start dates usually falling between mid-May and mid-July. The program aims to promote international academic exchange and offer students hands-on research experience within Germany’s world-class research landscape. Working languages are in English, and prior knowledge of the German language is not a prerequisite for participation. To support the students, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses. For most international students, this includes a scholarship of approximately 992 Euros per month, while Canadian students may receive funding through partnerships like Mitacs. In addition to financial support, the program includes a travel subsidy, comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance, and housing assistance provided by the host institutions. A notable feature of the experience is the mandatory RISE meeting in Heidelberg, which facilitates networking and cultural exchange among the participants. Applicants must have completed at least two years of their degree program and maintain their undergraduate status for the duration of the internship.