The DESY Summer Student Program 2026 is a world-class, fully funded research internship at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), one of the leading particle accelerator centers globally. For the 2026 session, the program invites approximately 100 students from around the world to Hamburg or Zeuthen (near Berlin) for 7.5 weeks of hands-on scientific research.
This program is highly competitive and designed for students who want to bridge the gap between classroom theory and elite laboratory practice in physics, computing, and natural sciences.
Program Overview: DESY 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) |
| Locations | Hamburg or Zeuthen (Berlin), Germany |
| Duration | 7.5 Weeks (Fixed dates: 21 July – 10 September 2026) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Stipend + Housing + Travel) |
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2026 (Closed for 2026; next cycle opens Dec 2026) |
Comprehensive Financial Support
DESY ensures that international “summies” (summer students) are fully supported during their stay in Germany.
- Daily Stipend: A salary of €28.50 per day (~€1,480 total) to cover meals and daily living expenses.
- Free Accommodation: Guaranteed free housing at the DESY Hostel (on-site) for the entire 52-day period.
- Travel Reimbursement: Partial to full reimbursement for travel costs to and from Germany (up to €845 depending on distance).
- Research Access: Full-time (39 hours/week) access to world-leading accelerators and laboratory facilities.
Research Fields & Activities
Students join active research groups and contribute to global experiments like ATLAS, CMS, and Belle II.
- Program A: Photon Science (Hamburg): Research in solid-state physics, molecular sciences, soft matter, and development of X-ray experimental techniques.
- Program B: Particle, Accelerator & Computing (Hamburg/Zeuthen): Data analysis, software development (Python/C++), machine learning, and hardware work on detectors.
- Program C: Astroparticle Physics (Zeuthen): Research involving the Einstein Telescope, IceCube, and gamma-ray astronomy.
Eligibility and Requirements
Selection is based on academic merit and a strong motivation for high-level research.
- Education Level: You must have completed at least three years of university-level study (final year Bachelor’s or early Master’s).
- Major: Primarily Physics, but also related natural sciences, Scientific Computing, or Engineering.
- Student Status: You must remain enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the program (this is a strict legal requirement in Germany).
- Skills: Good command of English and basic computing skills (programming knowledge is highly valued).
- Exclusions: You are ineligible if you have previously participated in the DESY Summer Program or if you have already completed your Master’s degree.
Application Documents Checklist
- Europass CV: (Tabular format, 1–2 pages).
- Academic Transcripts: All university-level grade records.
- Motivation Letter: (Maximum 1,000 characters) focused on your research interests.
- Recommendation Letter: One academic reference submitted directly by your professor.
- Certificate of Enrollment: A mandatory stamped form from your university for the 2026 period.