Fully Funded Summer Exchange Program in Europe 2026

Top Summer Programs in Europe 2025–26 | Internships, Research & Summer Schools

Your Guide to Internships, Research Programs & Summer Schools

Europe remains one of the most popular destinations for summer programs that combine academic rigor, global networking, research experience, and cultural exposure. Whether you’re a high-school graduate, undergraduate, master’s student, or early-career professional, European institutions offer a wide range of summer opportunities across science, technology, business, arts, and social sciences.

Below is a curated list of top summer opportunities in Europe for 2025–26.

🇨🇭 1. CERN Summer Student Programme – Switzerland

Best for Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Students

The CERN Summer Student Programme is one of the most prestigious research opportunities in the world. Students spend 8–12 weeks working with CERN scientists on cutting-edge research, attend lectures, collaborate with experts, and explore the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.
Benefits may include accommodation, stipends, and access to CERN’s world-class research ecosystem.

🇨🇭 2. ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowship – Switzerland

Ideal for Computer Science & Engineering Students

ETH Zurich offers a highly competitive 2-month summer fellowship for students in computer science or related fields. Participants work on research projects supervised by ETH professors and gain first-hand experience in advanced computing, software development, robotics, AI, and machine learning.

🇦🇹 3. ISTA Summer Internship / ISTernship – Austria

Flexible Research Internships in Multiple Disciplines

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria hosts internships for students in natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, neuroscience, and related fields. Internships run year-round, with many students joining during summer.
Interns collaborate on research, attend seminars, and gain scientific exposure in a highly international research environment.

🇦🇹 4. Vienna BioCenter Summer School – Austria

Perfect for Biology & Life Sciences Students

This fully funded 9-week summer school is ideal for students passionate about molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and related fields. Participants receive accommodation, monthly stipends, and work alongside leading researchers at the Vienna BioCenter.

🇩🇪 5. RISE Germany – Research Internships in Science & Engineering

For Undergraduate Students in STEM

RISE Germany places international undergraduates into research labs across Germany for hands-on scientific experience. Participants work directly with PhD candidates on real research projects in chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, and life sciences.

🇪🇸 6. IE University Summer School – Spain

Business, Leadership, Innovation & Social Sciences

IE University’s Summer School welcomes international students to Madrid for short academic programmes in business management, leadership, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, marketing, and international relations.
It offers a blend of classroom learning, industry visits, and cultural immersion in Spain.

🇪🇺 7. ENGAGE.EU Summer School – Multi-Country Europe

Social Sciences, Economics & Policy Studies

The ENGAGE.EU Summer School brings together students from various partner universities to study interdisciplinary challenges such as sustainability, digital governance, societal transformation, and European public policy.
Programs usually last 1–2 weeks, and participants work with peers from across Europe.

🇪🇺 8. EUTOPIA Alliance Summer & Winter Schools – Across Europe

Multi-disciplinary Academic Mobility Programs

The EUTOPIA Alliance, a network of several European universities, hosts various summer and winter schools each year. Topics range from sustainability and global health to computer science, entrepreneurship, arts, and humanities.
These programs provide inclusive academic environments and mobility opportunities.