The RISE Germany Internship (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) program is an initiative by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It offers summer research internships in Germany for undergraduate students from select countries (mainly the USA, Canada, the UK, and Ireland) who are studying in the fields of science and engineering.
Students are matched with PhD students or researchers at German universities or research institutions who act as mentors. The internships last about 10–12 weeks during the summer (May–August), and English is the working language for most projects.
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Rise Germany Internship Summary
| Host Country | Germany |
| Host Institutes | German universities or Institutes |
| Funded By | German Federal Foreign Office |
| Eligible Nationalities | North Americans, the UK, and Ireland |
| Eligible Degree Level | Undergraduates/Bachelor’s |
| Eligible Background | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or a closely related field |
| Internship Duration | 3 Months |
| Deadline | 30 November 2025 |
Objectives of the Rise Program
The RISE Germany program aims to:
- Promote research cooperation and cultural exchange between Germany and other countries.
- Give undergraduate students practical research experience in German laboratories and institutions.
- Strengthen the students’ scientific and technical skills through hands-on research under expert supervision.
- Encourage participants to consider graduate studies or research in Germany in the future.
- Build an international network of young scientists and engineers.
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Benefits of the RISE Germany Internship
RISE Germany provides several academic and financial benefits to participants:
- Monthly Stipend: €934–€1,049 per month (depending on placement), sufficient to cover living costs in Germany
- Health, Accident & Liability Insurance: Fully covered by DAAD
- Travel Allowance: Partial contribution towards international travel costs
- Accommodation Support: Hosts often assist in finding housing
- Cultural & Academic Networking: Invitation to a three-day meeting of all RISE interns in Germany
- Language Requirement: English proficiency is sufficient; German is not required
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Eligibility Requirements of the DAAD RISE Research Internship
To apply for RISE Germany, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship/Enrollment: Must be enrolled in a university in the USA, Canada, the UK, or Ireland at the time of application.
- Field of Study: Undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, earth sciences, engineering, or a related field.
- Academic Standing: Must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study.
- Status During Internship: Must still hold undergraduate status during the internship period (i.e., not yet graduated).
- Language: English proficiency required. German language skills are an advantage, but not mandatory.
- Nationality Restriction: German citizens are eligible only if they have lived outside Germany for at least six years.
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Required Documents for DAAD RISE Research Internship
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the online application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
- Motivation Letter (customized for each internship project)
- Official Academic Transcript (including grading scale).
- List of Relevant Courses (especially if not reflected clearly on the transcript)
- Letter of Reference from a professor or academic supervisor
- Copy of Passport (for identification purposes)
- Proof of University Enrollment (showing current student status)
All documents are uploaded in PDF format to the DAAD RISE online portal.
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How to Apply for the RISE Germany Internship
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official RISE Germany Application Portal.
- Create an Account: Register with your email to access the internship database.
- Search for Projects: Browse available internship listings by field, topic, or location.
- Select up to 3 Projects: Choose projects that align with your academic background and interests.
- Prepare Documents: Gather and upload all required documents (see list above).
- Submit Application: Complete your submission before the deadline.
- Recommendation Submission: Your referee must upload their letter separately by the specified date.
- Selection & Matching: DAAD and German supervisors review applications; results are announced around February/March.
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RISE Germany Application Timeline (2025–26 Cycle)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2025 (11:59 pm CET) |
| Letters of Reference Due | December 15, 2025 |
| Ranking by Providers (Supervisors) | January 13 – January 26, 2026 |
| Announcement of Internship Positions | February – March 2026 |
| Internship Period | May – September 2026 (10–12 weeks) |
| RISE Meeting in Germany | Early July 2026 |

