This internship is designed for students who want to gain serious laboratory or research experience. You aren’t just an “assistant”—you are an integral part of a PhD student’s research project for 10 weeks.
1. Key Dates & Deadlines
- Application Period: October 15 – November 30, 2025.
- Note: Since today is February 8, 2026, the application window for the Summer 2026 cycle has closed. If you are looking ahead, the 2027 cycle will likely open in October 2026.
- Internship Period: Summer 2026 (Minimum 10 weeks, starting between May 15 and July 15).
- Announcement of Selection: February / March 2026.
2. Financial Coverage (Updated for 2026)
The DAAD provides a comprehensive funding package to ensure you have no out-of-pocket costs:
- Monthly Stipend: €992 per month (up from previous years).
- Travel Subsidy: A lump sum to cover your international flights (amount varies by country).
- Insurance: Full health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel Allowance: €160 specifically for travel to the mandatory RISE Meeting in Heidelberg (July 10–12, 2026).
- Accommodation: While the DAAD doesn’t pay for housing directly, your mentor or host university will help you find a student dorm, which you pay for using your monthly stipend.
Eligibility: The “Strict Geography” Rule
RISE Germany has a very specific eligibility filter. To apply, you must be:
- An undergraduate student (Master’s students should look at RISE Professional).
- Enrolled at a university in the USA, Canada, UK, or Ireland.
- Majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Earth Sciences, or Engineering.
- In your 2nd or 3rd year of a 4-year degree (or 2nd year of a 3-year degree).
[!IMPORTANT] Since you are a student at SRM Institute of Science and Technology in India, you are generally not eligible for the standard RISE Germany program (unless you are on a long-term exchange in one of the countries listed above). However, you are eligible for the DAAD WISE Program (Working Internships in Science and Engineering), which is specifically for Indian students.
The DAAD WISE Alternative for You
Since you are studying in India, the DAAD WISE program is your direct equivalent to RISE. It offers:
- Stipend: €861 per month.
- Travel Subsidy: €1,050 for flights.
- Eligibility: 3rd or 4th year Bachelor’s students or 1st-year Master’s students in STEM.
Required Documents (For Your Future Application)
- Motivation Letter: You apply to up to 3 specific projects. You need a tailored letter for each one.
- CV/Resume: Use the Europass format, which is the standard for European applications.
- Official Transcript: Must show your current GPA (a minimum of 3.2+ is recommended).
- List of Courses: A one-page document listing the courses you will have completed by the time the internship starts.
- Letter of Reference: From a professor in your major field.
Strategy for AI Students
If you plan to apply for German research internships (WISE or RISE), focus on these three things:
- The “Industry 4.0” Connection: Germany is the home of smart manufacturing. Highlight how your AI skills can be applied to automation, robotics, or sensor data.
- The “Mentor Match”: In your motivation letter, mention the specific PhD student’s research paper if available in the database.
- Heidelberg Meeting: Mention your interest in attending the RISE/WISE networking meetings, as they are a major part of the program’s “community” aspect.
Conclusion
The RISE Germany 2026 program is a gold-standard internship for students in the West, while the WISE program serves as the counterpart for Indian students like yourself. Both offer a fully funded gateway into the “Land of Ideas.”