The DAAD RISE Internship 2026 in Germany is an excellent opportunity for bachelor's students studying at German universities to gain international research experience through a paid summer internship abroad. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service, the RISE Worldwide program connects talented undergraduate students with universities and research institutions in countries around the world.
The program is particularly suitable for students studying natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, computer science, medicine, and pharmacy. Successful applicants join international research teams and contribute to real academic projects under the guidance of experienced researchers.
Although applications take place in 2026, the internships described in this application cycle are scheduled to take place between June and October 2027. Depending on the host project, placements last between six weeks and three months.
With financial support, travel assistance, insurance coverage, and the opportunity to work in an international research environment, the DAAD RISE Internship can be an important stepping stone toward graduate study, research careers, and international academic opportunities.
The RISE Worldwide Programme is designed to give bachelor's students practical research experience outside Germany. Students are matched with research projects at universities and research institutions in more than 57 countries.
The program is administered and funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), one of Germany's leading organizations for international academic exchange.
SE Worldwide is particularly valuable for students who want to move beyond classroom learning. Participants work directly on research projects and become members of international academic teams.
The DAAD RISE Internship is part of the RISE Worldwide program. It provides bachelor's students with the opportunity to complete short-term research placements at universities and research institutions outside Germany.
The program focuses on practical academic experience. Instead of simply attending lectures or observing researchers, interns participate in research projects and work alongside international teams.
Students can gain experience with research methods, laboratory procedures, data analysis, technical development, scientific communication, and other activities depending on their chosen project.
The program is therefore especially useful for bachelor's students considering a future career in research or planning to pursue a master's degree, PhD, or other advanced academic qualification.
Selected participants receive several forms of financial and practical support during their international research placement.
RISE interns receive a monthly scholarship, with the amount depending on the destination country. This financial support helps participants manage living expenses during their internship.
Because costs differ significantly between countries, the scholarship amount is not identical for every destination.
Participants also receive a travel allowance. This helps reduce the cost of travelling from Germany to the host country and returning after the internship.
The program provides health, accident, and personal liability insurance. This is an important benefit for students completing research placements internationally.
Perhaps the most important benefit is the opportunity to gain practical research experience in an international environment.
Students can work with researchers from different academic and cultural backgrounds. This experience can strengthen their CV and provide useful preparation for future academic or professional opportunities.
Successful candidates are placed at universities or research institutions abroad. Students therefore have the opportunity to experience how research is conducted in another academic environment.
The program has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants should carefully check these requirements before preparing their application.
Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at a German university.
Foreign nationals can also apply if they are completing their entire bachelor's degree at a German university. This makes the program accessible to international students who are currently studying in Germany.
Applicants must have completed at least one semester by the time of application.
Students should therefore check their academic timeline before applying to ensure they satisfy this requirement.
The program focuses on several scientific and technical disciplines.
Eligible areas include:
Students should review individual research projects carefully because specific projects may require particular academic backgrounds or technical skills.
Applicants cannot receive funding for an internship in their home country.
For example, an international student completing a bachelor's degree in Germany cannot use the RISE funding to undertake an internship in their country of citizenship.
The wide range of eligible disciplines makes RISE Worldwide attractive to students from different scientific backgrounds.
Students in areas such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, earth sciences, and related disciplines may find suitable research projects.
Life science students can explore projects involving biology, biotechnology, molecular sciences, and related research areas.
Engineering students can gain practical experience in research and technological development. Available projects may vary depending on the host institution.
Computer science students can benefit from projects involving computing, software, data, artificial intelligence, and other technology-related research areas.
Students studying medicine or pharmacy can apply for relevant research projects where their academic background matches the requirements.
Preparing documents early is important because some components require input from university lecturers.
Applicants generally need the following:
Your CV should present your academic background, relevant skills, research experience, coursework, and other qualifications in a clear format.
Focus on information that demonstrates your suitability for the particular research projects you select.
Applicants need a motivation letter of approximately one to two pages per project.
The letter should be tailored to each project rather than using exactly the same document for every application. Explain your academic interests, relevant experience, motivation, and reasons for being a good match for the research project.
A transcript demonstrates your academic performance and helps project supervisors understand your educational background.
Applicants should provide information about relevant courses they have completed. Select courses that demonstrate preparation for the research project you are applying for.
Applicants need proof of English proficiency at B2 level.
Accepted evidence can include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, TELC, TOEIC, or a DAAD certificate.
An academic recommendation from a lecturer is also required. Students should approach their lecturer early to allow sufficient time for the recommendation to be prepared and submitted.
The application process differs depending on the destination.
For Canada, applicants should apply through the Mitacs Globalink process between 5 August and 16 September 2026.
For other participating countries, applications are submitted through the RISE Worldwide database from 15 October to 30 November 2026.
The academic recommendation must be submitted by 15 December 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final days to prepare their documents. Motivation letters, transcripts, language certificates, and academic recommendations can take time to organize.
The application process can be approached in several practical steps.
Confirm that you are enrolled in a bachelor's degree at a German university and have completed at least one semester.
Also make sure your academic field is eligible and that your intended internship destination is not your home country.
Review the available RISE research projects carefully. Look beyond the project title and study the required qualifications, research topic, expected tasks, and preferred academic background.
Choose projects that genuinely match your skills and interests.
Prepare your CV, transcript, course list, language certificate, motivation letters, and academic recommendation.Starting early gives you time to correct mistakes and improve your application.
For Canada, follow the Mitacs Globalink application process during the specified application period.
For other destinations, use the RISE Worldwide database and follow the instructions provided for the relevant application cycle.
Make sure your academic recommendation is submitted by the required deadline of 15 December 2026.
Do not assume that asking a lecturer to provide a recommendation automatically completes this part of the application. Confirm that the recommendation has been submitted according to the program's instructions.
Competition for international research opportunities can be strong. A carefully prepared application can help demonstrate that you are a good match for your chosen project.
Start by selecting projects that genuinely align with your academic background. A strong academic record is useful, but project fit is also important.Your motivation letter should demonstrate that you understand the research topic. Explain how your previous coursework, technical abilities, laboratory experience, programming knowledge, or other relevant skills connect to the project.
Avoid submitting a generic motivation letter. Tailor each letter to the individual project.
Your CV should also emphasize relevant academic and practical experience. If you have completed research assignments, laboratory work, programming projects, academic competitions, or related activities, make sure they are clearly presented.
Finally, approach your lecturer for the academic recommendation well before the deadline.
The DAAD RISE Internship is a research internship program for bachelor's students enrolled at German universities. It allows eligible students to complete research placements at universities and research institutions internationally.
Yes. Selected participants receive a monthly scholarship, with the amount varying according to the destination. They also receive travel support and insurance coverage.
The program provides substantial financial support, including a destination-dependent monthly scholarship, travel allowance, and health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Bachelor's students enrolled at German universities can apply. Foreign nationals are eligible if they are completing their degree in Germany and meet the other program requirements.
The internship lasts between six weeks and three months and takes place between June and October 2027.
Yes. Foreign nationals can apply if they are completing their bachelor's degree at a German university. However, they cannot apply for funding for an internship in their home country.
Applicants need English proficiency at B2 level or higher. Accepted certificates include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, TELC, TOEIC, and DAAD certificates.
RISE Worldwide offers research opportunities in more than 57 countries, although the available destinations and projects can vary from one application cycle to another.
For Canada, the stated application period is 5 August to 16 September 2026 through Mitacs Globalink. For other countries, applications are submitted through the RISE Worldwide database from 15 October to 30 November 2026. Academic recommendations are due by 15 December 2026.