RISE Germany Internship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

If you’re an undergraduate student majoring in science, engineering or a related field and looking for an immersive research experience abroad, the RISE Germany programme by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a stellar opportunity. This summer opportunity allows students from North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland to engage in research at top German universities and institutions. (DAAD)

Overview

RISE stands for “Research Internships in Science and Engineering” and, specifically for the Germany track, opens the door to 2 to 3 months of full-time research collaboration under mentorship in Germany. The working language is generally English, so German language skills are not required. (DAAD)
This programme is aimed at fields like biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering and related disciplines. (DAAD)

Key Features & Benefits

• Monthly stipend to support living expenses while in Germany. (DAAD)
• Housing assistance from host universities/institutes. (DAAD)
• Research mentorship: each intern is paired with doctoral students or researchers at host institutions in Germany. (DAAD)
• Participation in a community of international researchers, valuable cultural and academic exposure, and the chance to build a strong research profile abroad.

Application Timeline (2026 Cycle)

• The online application portal opens October 15, 2025. (DAAD)
• Application deadline: November 30, 2025 (11:59 pm CET) for regular applications. (DAAD)
• Letters of reference must be submitted by December 15, 2025. (DAAD)
• Internship positions announced around February/March 2026. (DAAD)

Eligibility – Who Should Apply

• Must be enrolled at a university or college in the US, Canada, UK or Ireland (undergraduate level) in a relevant STEM or related field. (DAAD)
• A minimum of two years of university study completed by the start of the internship and must maintain undergraduate status when the internship begins. (ufo.osu.edu)
• German citizens may apply only under special conditions (e.g., they have lived outside Germany for six years or more). (ufo.osu.edu)
• No German language proficiency requirement for most placements, though knowledge of German is advantageous for everyday living. (DAAD)

 How to Apply

1. Register in the RISE Germany internship database and browse available research projects in your field of interest. (DAAD)
2. Complete the online application form and upload required documents:
   • Motivation letter (for each project you apply to)
   • Curriculum vitae (CV)
   • List of courses completed by your internship start date
   • Official university transcript
   • Certificate of enrolment verifying your undergraduate status (DAAD)
   • Letter of reference from an academic mentor.
3. Monitor application progress and await placement announcements.

 Why This Opportunity Matters

• A research internship in Germany through RISE offers exceptional exposure to world-class labs and institutes in Europe.
• It adds strong research credentials to your academic profile, which is beneficial for graduate study or research-oriented careers.
• The cross-cultural experience and international network you build can open doors to global collaborations and future opportunities.
• The stipend and support mean you can focus fully on research without financial or logistical burdens.