Who can apply for DAAD RISE Germany?

Undergraduates enrolled full-time at universities in the US, Canada, the UK or Ireland, in fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences or engineering, with at least two years of their degree completed.

What does DAAD RISE Germany funding cover?

Funding typically includes a monthly stipend for living costs, insurance, a travel allowance and help finding housing, though exact amounts are set each year on the official programme page.

Is German language required for DAAD RISE Germany?

No. Most projects operate in English, and German is not required, though a few basic phrases help outside the laboratory.

When is the DAAD RISE Germany deadline?

The project database typically opens in mid-October and applications close at the end of November, with recommendation letters due shortly after.

What if I study outside the eligible countries?

Indian undergraduates can apply through DAAD WISE, and students from many other countries may be eligible for DAAD RISE Worldwide, which follows a similar model.

DAAD RISE Germany: Funded Summer Research

DAAD RISE Germany is one of the most established funded summer research programmes for undergraduates, placing students from the United States, Canada, the UK and Ireland into research groups across Germany for two to three months each summer. RISE stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering, and it is run by DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office. Since the programme began, thousands of bachelor's students have worked alongside doctoral mentors in university laboratories and research institutes connected to the Max Planck, Helmholtz, Fraunhofer and Leibniz networks.

This guide covers who is eligible, what the funding includes, how the matching process works, and how to write an application that stands out. If you are an undergraduate in a STEM subject who wants genuine research experience in Europe with your main costs covered, DAAD RISE Germany deserves a close look. Every section below is written as a direct question and answer, so you can jump straight to the detail you need.

Key takeaways

Before you read any further, here is the short version of what DAAD RISE Germany involves and who it is built for.

RISE Germany is open to undergraduates enrolled at universities in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland.
Eligible fields include biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences and engineering.
You must have completed at least two years of your degree by the time the internship begins.
Funding typically includes a monthly stipend, a travel allowance, insurance and housing assistance.
The working language is English, so German is not required for most projects.

Add one more item to that list and the summary is complete: DAAD RISE Germany is a matching programme, so you apply to individual research projects rather than to a single generic internship. That single fact shapes almost every other decision you will make, from how you write your motivation letter to how you rank your project preferences.

What is DAAD RISE Germany?

DAAD RISE Germany is a funded summer research placement for undergraduates in science, engineering and closely related subjects, coordinated by the German Academic Exchange Service and funded through the German Federal Foreign Office. It is one of the longest-running international research mobility schemes in Europe.

What does RISE actually stand for?

RISE stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering. The name describes the work precisely: interns join a defined research question, contribute to experiments, data analysis or simulations, and report their findings. DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, administers the programme on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office, which is why the money flows from a government source rather than from a single university.

Is DAAD RISE Germany a single internship or a matching programme?

It is a matching programme rather than a single internship. German doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers advertise real research projects in the RISE database, and eligible undergraduates apply directly to the projects that interest them. Hosts then review applications and select the student they want to work with, so every placement is a genuine collaboration instead of a general traineeship. In practical terms, your project choices carry real weight, and a well-targeted application to a small number of suitable projects beats a scattershot approach.

Who hosts interns under DAAD RISE Germany?

Hosts are usually doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and group leaders based in university departments or in non-university research institutes. Over the life of the programme, thousands of bachelor's students have worked in laboratories and facilities connected to the Max Planck, Helmholtz, Fraunhofer and Leibniz networks, as well as in university-based groups. Working alongside a PhD-level mentor means you are embedded in a real group with real deadlines, not observing from the side.

How long does a DAAD RISE Germany placement last?

Internships last roughly ten weeks to three months between late spring and early autumn, usually starting between mid-May and mid-July. Interns work on a defined research question, assist with experiments, data analysis or simulations, and present their results, all under the supervision of a PhD-level mentor. Because the placement is time-limited, preparation and prioritisation matter more than you might expect.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for DAAD RISE Germany is defined by three things: your country of study, your subject and your stage in your degree. Check all three before you invest time in an application.

Which countries can I apply from?

You must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate at a university or college in the United States, Canada, the UK or Ireland. These four countries are the only ones covered by the standard DAAD RISE Germany programme. If you are reading this from anywhere else, jump to the section on alternative DAAD schemes later in this guide, because the answer changes considerably.

Which subjects are eligible?

You must be studying biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences or engineering, or a closely related STEM field. That list is broad enough to include mathematics, materials science, environmental science and biomedical engineering, but narrow enough that arts, business and pure humanities applicants are not eligible. If your degree title does not obviously fit, check the project list before assuming you are disqualified, because closely related STEM degrees are accepted.

How far through my degree do I need to be?

You need to have completed at least two years of your degree programme before the internship, and you must still hold undergraduate status after it finishes. Recent graduates and master's students are generally not eligible for RISE Germany. The logic is that the programme is designed to catch you mid-degree, while you are early enough in your studies that a research placement can still shape your path.

Do I need a minimum grade or any German skills?

There is no strict grade cut-off published by DAAD, but selection is competitive and hosts tend to favour students with strong academic records and clear research motivation. German language skills are not required for most projects, though a few everyday phrases help outside the laboratory. Treat language as a differentiability rather than a barrier: a small number of projects want German, and the database flags them clearly.

What does the funding cover?

The funding package is the reason DAAD RISE Germany is worth serious application effort. Here is what it pays for and what it does not.

Is DAAD RISE Germany a job or a scholarship?

DAAD RISE Germany is not a job, so there is no salary. Instead, DAAD provides a monthly stipend designed to cover living costs in Germany, and the amount is updated periodically, so check the official RISE page for the current figure. What you receive is intended as living support for a student abroad, not as compensation for work performed, and that distinction matters for tax and benefit purposes at home.

What is included in the DAAD RISE Germany package?

On top of the stipend, the programme usually includes health, accident and liability insurance, a travel allowance toward your transatlantic flight, and a contribution toward the expenses of the mid-programme meeting for interns. Insurance is a genuine benefit rather than a minor extra, because health insurance is mandatory in Germany and a short-term visitor policy rarely satisfies local requirements or a landlord.

How is housing handled?

Housing is arranged with the help of the host institution, which typically helps you find a place in a student dormitory or a shared flat. Because the stipend is calibrated to German living costs rather than to your home country's economy, most interns find that the package covers their core expenses for the summer. The catch is timing: dormitory allocation happens before the placement starts, so you need to apply the moment you receive your confirmation.

How does the matching process work?

The DAAD RISE Germany timeline runs on a fixed annual cycle, which means you can plan an entire year backwards from your expected graduation.

When do applications open and close?

Each autumn, DAAD opens the RISE project database at daad.de/rise. You create a profile, upload your documents, and apply to a selection of advertised projects that match your field and interests. Applications usually open around mid-October and close at the end of November, with recommendation letters due a couple of weeks later. The short window is one reason serious applicants prepare documents well before October.

What happens after I apply to DAAD RISE Germany?

Host researchers review the applications they receive and rank their preferred candidates. DAAD then works through the rankings to assign placements, and offers are typically announced between February and March. If you are selected, you receive instructions on paperwork, insurance and your start date, and your host helps you settle in when you arrive. Between submission and the offer you are largely in a holding pattern, so use that time for language study, reading and funding research.

How to build a strong application

Because hosts select their own interns, project fit matters more than a generic impressive CV. Read each project description carefully, apply only to projects you can genuinely contribute to, and say exactly why that project interests you in your motivation letter.

What documents does a strong DAAD RISE Germany application include?

Strong applications usually include a clear CV, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and one or two recommendation letters from professors who know your work. Each item plays a different role. The transcript shows whether you can handle the technical content, the CV gives supervisors a structured overview, the motivation letter is where fit is argued, and the recommendation letters carry weight because a professor vouching for your laboratory competence is a stronger signal than a self-reported claim.

How do I show project fit in my motivation letter?

It also pays to mention any coursework, projects or laboratory experience that connects to the research topic. A student who can point to a specific technique or course that relates to the project is far more convincing than one who simply says they love science. If you are still building your profile, our guide to building a competitive scholarship profile has practical advice that transfers directly to internship applications.

How do I apply for DAAD RISE Germany?

You apply online through the RISE database that DAAD opens each October. Create your profile first, upload your transcript and CV, write a motivation letter tailored to the projects you have selected, and list your project preferences in order. Two references are typically required, and those referees upload their own letters through the system by the deadline given to them. Submitting early gives you a buffer if the portal is slow or a document fails to upload correctly.

What if you are not eligible?

Not being eligible for the standard programme is frustrating, but it is not the end of a funded research summer in Germany. DAAD operates parallel schemes that cover other nationalities.

Which DAAD programmes can I apply to instead?

If you study outside the four eligible countries, RISE Germany is not open to you, but DAAD runs related programmes. Indian undergraduates can apply through DAAD WISE, and students from many other countries can apply to DAAD RISE Worldwide, which follows a similar model. For a broader view of what DAAD offers, see our guide to DAAD scholarships explained. RISE Worldwide is generally administered through your home country's DAAD chapter, so contact them early in your degree rather than in the autumn of your application year.

How to apply: next steps

If you want a concrete action list rather than background information, the following sequence takes you from uncertainty to a submitted application.

What should I do in the months before the October deadline?

Start by confirming your eligibility, then mark the opening of the RISE database in your calendar for October. Prepare your transcripts, CV and a motivation letter template in advance so you can customise it quickly once projects are live. Decide which projects best match your background, ask your referees for letters early, and submit before the November deadline. Most of the work happens in September, not November, and applicants who prepare in advance get to spend the deadline week reading project descriptions instead of panicking about formatting.

Where do I confirm dates and stipend amounts?

Always confirm current dates, eligibility and stipend amounts on the official RISE Germany page at daad.de, because details change each year. For more funded summer options, browse our internships hub and our broader guide to funded summer research internships abroad. Treat any figure you read on a third-party page, including this one, as indicative rather than authoritative.

How to find and contact DAAD RISE supervisors before applying

One of the most effective strategies for strengthening your DAAD RISE application is to contact potential supervisors before the application deadline. While the DAAD matching process assigns placements algorithmically based on your preferences and the available projects, reaching out to professors whose work interests you can significantly improve your chances of being matched with a suitable project.

Should I email supervisors before applying to DAAD RISE Germany?

Yes, provided you keep the message short and professional. Reaching out is not a way to bypass the process, because placements are assigned by DAAD, but it is a way to make sure your name is attached to the project in the supervisor's mind when they rank candidates. Supervisors see many applications, and a short email from a student who has read their work is memorable in a way that another generic application is not.

How do I use the RISE project database effectively?

The RISE project database, which is published on the DAAD RISE website, lists available research projects with descriptions, supervisor names, required skills and language requirements. Review the database carefully and identify three to five projects that align with your academic background and interests. Read the project descriptions thoroughly: they indicate the specific skills and knowledge the supervisor is looking for, which helps you tailor your application. Three to five is a deliberate number; more preferences dilute your ranking, fewer makes a single mismatch costly.

What should my email to a supervisor actually say?

Write a concise, professional email to the professor introducing yourself, stating that you are applying for the DAAD RISE programme and explaining why their specific project interests you. Attach your CV and a brief transcript. Do not send lengthy emails or ask the professor to commit to selecting you; the matching process is managed by DAAD. The purpose of the email is to express genuine interest and to make your name and application memorable. Three short paragraphs, one specific reference to their research, and a polite sign-off is the right shape.

Should I follow up if I get no reply?

Follow up once if you do not receive a response within two weeks. Professors are busy, particularly during the academic term, and a polite follow-up is appropriate. If you still do not hear back, do not take it personally; focus your energy on other projects in the database. Many successful RISE matches result from the algorithmic matching process rather than direct supervisor contact, so silence is normal and rarely a judgement on your application.

How does the DAAD RISE Germany application actually work?

DAAD RISE Germany runs on a project-application model with a matching step at the centre. You choose several advertised projects, submit one application package through the portal, and the host researchers rank the candidates who applied to them. DAAD then reconciles those rankings with the preferences you submitted and issues placements. Because both sides are ranked, a strong application to the right projects matters more than an exceptionally polished one aimed at a project you do not fit.

What should you ask a supervisor if you do connect?

When you do connect with a professor, ask specific questions about the project: what stage the research is at, what you would be expected to contribute and what skills or preparation would be most useful. This demonstrates genuine engagement and gives you information that strengthens your application essay. Avoid asking about funding, visa status or start-date flexibility at this stage, since those are administrative matters handled by DAAD and your host institution later.

What are the DAAD RISE Germany requirements?

DAAD RISE Germany has specific eligibility requirements that vary depending on your country of study, and understanding these rules before you apply ensures you do not waste time on an application you cannot complete. There are academic requirements, residency requirements and document requirements, and each one is checked at different points in the process.

Who qualifies under DAAD RISE Germany eligibility rules?

The programme is open to students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland. If you are studying at a university in one of these four countries and are enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme in science, engineering or a closely related field, you are eligible to apply. Students from other countries are not eligible for the standard RISE programme, though DAAD operates similar schemes for other nationalities through different channels.

Must I still be enrolled when I apply?

You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the time of application and must not yet have graduated. Students who have already completed their bachelor's degree are not eligible. The programme is specifically for undergraduates who are still in the process of completing their degree. At the time of writing, there is no strict year-of-study requirement, but the most competitive applicants are typically in their second or third year of a three or four-year degree programme.

Do I need German to meet the requirements?

You must be studying in a field that is relevant to the available projects. RISE focuses on science, engineering, mathematics and related disciplines. Students in computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and environmental science are all well-suited. Language requirements are project-specific, with some conducted entirely in English and others requiring some German. The project listing in the RISE database indicates the language requirements for each project, so check this carefully before selecting your preferences.

What the DAAD RISE funding covers and realistic cost expectations

DAAD RISE Germany provides funding that covers the major costs of a summer research placement in Germany, though it is important to understand exactly what is included and what you will need to cover yourself. The difference between the advertised package and your actual outgoings is usually small, but it is not zero.

Does the stipend really cover your living costs?

At the time of writing, DAAD RISE provides a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses during the placement. The stipend is intended to cover accommodation, food, local transport and personal expenses. In addition to the stipend, DAAD provides health insurance coverage for the duration of the placement, which is a significant benefit as health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Because the amount is revised periodically, build your budget from the current published figure rather than from figures in older articles or from fellow students from previous years.

How much travel funding does DAAD RISE Germany provide?

DAAD also contributes to travel costs, though the amount may not fully cover your airfare depending on your departure city and the time of booking. The travel grant is intended as a contribution rather than full reimbursement, so budget for the gap. Booking flights early and being flexible with dates can help reduce the out-of-pocket travel cost. Return flights booked months ahead, ideally once you know your placement dates, routinely cost less than the grant covers.

What are realistic monthly costs in a German university city?

The stipend is set at a level that reflects the average cost of living for a student in Germany, which at the time of writing is manageable in most university cities. Germany's cost of living is lower than many Western European countries, and student accommodation, university canteen meals and public transport are all affordable. Monthly costs in a typical university city range from roughly 800 to 1,100 euros including accommodation, food and transport. Munich and some other high-demand cities sit at the top of that range, which is worth factoring in if you are choosing between projects.

What does the funding not cover?

What the funding does not cover includes personal expenses beyond basic living costs, weekend travel, entertainment and any costs incurred before or after the placement period. Budget for the weeks before you receive your first stipend payment and for any expenses that arise during travel to and from Germany. Having a personal buffer of 300 to 500 euros is prudent. The placement typically lasts two to three months during the summer, and the stipend is paid monthly, with the first payment sometimes delayed by a few weeks after arrival.

Preparing for a research internship in Germany: practical advice

Preparing for a DAAD RISE placement in Germany involves both academic preparation and practical logistics, and attention to both dimensions ensures a productive and enjoyable experience. The students who struggle most are usually the ones who treated the offer as a holiday that happens to include a lab.

How should I prepare academically before I arrive?

Academically, review the project description in detail and prepare by reading relevant literature before you arrive. Contact your assigned supervisor or their research group to ask about specific preparation: particular software tools, experimental techniques or theoretical frameworks you should familiarise yourself with. Arriving prepared to contribute from the first week makes a strong impression. Ten weeks is short, and the reading you skip in July is reading you will have to do in your first fortnight.

How do I arrange accommodation once I have a placement?

Practically, arrange your accommodation early. Many RISE placements are at university cities where student accommodation is available through the university's student services or Studierendenwerk. Apply for a student dormitory room as soon as you receive your placement confirmation, as demand is high during the summer months. Budget roughly 300 to 500 euros per month for accommodation depending on the city and type of housing. If the dormitory route closes, private shared flats in the same area are usually the next best option.

Do I need a German bank account during the placement?

Open a German bank account shortly after arrival if your placement lasts more than a few weeks. Many landlords and service providers require a German bank account for payments. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and N26 are commonly used by international students and all have English-language services. Bring your passport, proof of enrolment and your RISE acceptance letter to the bank when you apply. The same documents usually cover registering with the local authority, which you will need if your stay exceeds a certain period.

How much German should I learn before going?

Learn basic German phrases before you arrive. Even if your research is conducted in English, daily life in Germany involves German: shopping, transport, administrative tasks and social interactions. A few weeks of language practice before the placement makes a significant difference in your comfort level and your ability to navigate the country independently. Plan for the social and cultural aspects of the placement as well: Germany has a rich cultural landscape, and the experience of living and working in Germany is as much about cultural immersion as it is about research.

After the DAAD RISE placement: leveraging the experience for your career

A DAAD RISE placement is a significant professional achievement, and leveraging it effectively after you return to your home university strengthens your career trajectory. The students who benefit most from RISE are those who treat the placement as the beginning of a professional relationship rather than a standalone summer experience.

How do I stay in touch with my German supervisor?

Start by maintaining contact with your supervisor and colleagues in Germany. A brief email after returning home thanking them for the experience and summarising what you learned keeps the relationship alive. If you produced any research outputs during the placement, such as a poster, report or presentation, share these with your supervisor and ask for feedback. This demonstrates professionalism and keeps the door open for future opportunities. Silence for two years is what turns a supervisor into a former supervisor.

How should I document the placement for my CV?

Document the experience thoroughly for your CV and professional profiles. Describe the project, the research methods you used, the skills you developed and any outcomes. International research experience is highly valued by graduate programmes and employers, and a well-documented RISE placement strengthens your applications significantly. Write it while the details are fresh, because reconstructing methods and results from memory three years later produces vague applications.

What if the placement changes my academic or career goals?

Consider whether the RISE experience has clarified or redirected your academic and career goals. Many RISE alumni pursue graduate studies in the research area they explored during their placement, sometimes returning to Germany or to the same research group. Others discover new interests or confirm that research is not the right path for them, which is equally valuable. Reflect on what you learned about yourself, your field and the kind of work environment where you thrive.

How can I help the next cohort of applicants?

Share your experience with students who are considering RISE. Write a brief summary for your department's website or student newsletter, speak at an information session, or offer to advise applicants. Contributing to the RISE community strengthens the programme and builds your reputation. Finally, explore whether your university has partnerships or exchange agreements with German institutions that could facilitate a return to Germany for graduate study. The connections you built during your RISE placement may open doors that you would not have discovered through standard application channels.

What do RISE alumni say about the research itself?

Hearing from previous DAAD RISE participants provides practical insight that official programme descriptions cannot. Alumni consistently report that the summer research experience in Germany was one of the most formative periods of their academic careers, combining rigorous research with cultural immersion in a way that few other programmes can match. Many alumni describe the research experience as the first time they felt like genuine scientists rather than students completing assignments. Working alongside doctoral researchers and principal investigators in a German laboratory or engineering group exposes you to the reality of research life: the day-to-day problem-solving, the collaboration, the setbacks and the breakthroughs. This experience often clarifies whether a research career is the right path, which is valuable regardless of which direction you ultimately choose.

What is cultural immersion in Germany like for two to three months?

Culturally, alumni report that living in Germany for two to three months provides a deeper understanding of European academic culture than any short visit could. German universities operate with a level of independence and self-discipline that many international students find refreshing. The structure of a German research group, where students are treated as colleagues rather than subordinates, is often cited as a highlight of the experience. A full season rather than a week of term time is what makes that culture legible.

What kind of network do RISE alumni build?

The professional network built during a RISE placement is another commonly cited benefit. Alumni maintain contact with their supervisors, fellow interns and colleagues in Germany, and these relationships have led to graduate school placements, research collaborations and job opportunities. The RISE alumni community itself is a valuable resource, with many alumni willing to advise current and prospective participants. The value compounds, because the network includes other international interns who are now scattered across labs and companies worldwide.

What do alumni recommend before applying?

Practically, alumni recommend applying early, being flexible with project and country preferences, and arriving well-prepared with relevant coursework and reading. They also recommend learning some basic German before arrival and budgeting carefully for the first few weeks before the stipend payments begin. The RISE experience rewards preparation and initiative, and students who approach it with curiosity and energy consistently describe it as a turning point in their academic and professional development.

DAAD RISE Germany application tips for a competitive candidacy

A strong DAAD RISE application demonstrates genuine scientific curiosity, relevant technical preparation and the maturity to thrive in a research environment abroad. The programme receives thousands of applications each year from students across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the selection process rewards candidates who combine academic ability with practical readiness.

How competitive is the DAAD RISE Germany application?

Very. Thousands of applications arrive each year for a fixed set of advertised projects, and each project attracts more applicants than it has places. Competition is not uniform: a niche project in a less popular city with a specific technical requirement is easier to match with than a broadly described project in a heavily subscribed city. Where you apply therefore matters as much as how well you present yourself.

How much do my grades matter?

Your academic record matters, but it is not the only factor. Strong grades in your major field are expected, but the selection committee also looks at the breadth of your preparation: have you taken courses that are directly relevant to the projects you are applying for? Do you have laboratory experience, programming skills or research methodology training? If your transcript shows strong performance in the subjects most relevant to your chosen RISE projects, that is more valuable than a high GPA in unrelated courses.

How should I choose projects from the database?

The projects database is your most important resource. Spend time reading through the available projects carefully, paying attention to the required skills, the language of the project and the supervisor description. Select projects that genuinely match your preparation and interests, not just the ones in the most popular destinations. Students who apply for projects that align closely with their skills and coursework receive offers more often than those who apply broadly to projects that are only loosely related to their background.

How specific should my application essay be?

Be specific about why you are interested in the projects you have selected. Reference the supervisor research, explain how your coursework or project experience has prepared you for the work, and describe what you hope to learn. Avoid generic statements about wanting to study abroad or gain international experience. The committee wants to see that you are motivated by the science, not just the travel. Naming a specific question the group is working on does more work than any amount of enthusiasm in the abstract.

What are the DAAD RISE Germany deadlines and timeline?

The cycle is predictable: projects go live in mid-October, applications close at the end of November, reference letters are due a couple of weeks after the application deadline, hosts rank candidates over the winter, and offers usually land between February and March. Placements then begin between mid-May and mid-July. Working backwards from that start date, your preparation window is essentially the whole preceding academic year.

Which administrative details do applicants most often miss?

Finally, consider the practical aspects of your application. Make sure your transcripts are up to date and clearly show your grades. Ask your professors for recommendations early and give them enough time to write strong letters. Submit your application well before the deadline. These administrative details may seem minor, but a complete, polished and timely application signals the professionalism and attention to detail that a research placement demands.

DAAD RISE placement countries and what each offers

DAAD RISE placements are available across Germany, and understanding the characteristics of different locations helps you choose projects strategically. Germany has a decentralised research landscape, meaning that excellent research is conducted across the country rather than concentrated in a single city or region.

Why does location choice matter for a RISE placement?

You are committing two to three months of your life, and the city shapes your cost of living, your social life and the field research culture you are immersed in. Because the stipend is uniform but living costs are not, city choice is also a financial decision. A strong project in a cheaper city will often produce a better overall experience than a marginally better project in an expensive one.

What does a RISE placement in Munich offer?

Munich is home to some of Germany's leading technical universities, including the Technical University of Munich and Ludwig Maximilian University, as well as research institutes in the Max Planck and Fraunhofer networks. Munich is an expensive city but offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transport and proximity to the Bavarian Alps. Research placements in Munich tend to focus on engineering, physics and computer science. Expect to budget at the upper end of the typical range for accommodation.

What is research in Berlin like for interns?

Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with a dynamic research community centred on institutions such as the Technical University of Berlin, Humboldt University and the Free University of Berlin. Berlin is more affordable than Munich and offers a diverse, international environment. Research placements in Berlin span engineering, natural sciences and interdisciplinary fields. The size of the city means more project options, but also longer journeys between the lab, your flat and the social scene.

Which fields dominate RISE projects in Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is one of Germany's oldest university cities and is home to Heidelberg University, one of the country's most prestigious research institutions. The city is compact, beautiful and focused on academic life. Research placements in Heidelberg often involve biomedical research, chemistry and physics, with strong connections to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the German Cancer Research Centre. The compactness that makes it pleasant to live in also makes it easy to walk between several collaborating institutes.

Which other cities host RISE projects?

Other major RISE locations include Hamburg, Stuttgart, Aachen, Dresden and Karlsruhe, each with its own research strengths and character. Hamburg is strong in logistics, maritime engineering and climate science. Stuttgart is a centre for automotive engineering and manufacturing. Aachen is known for engineering and materials science. Dresden has growing expertise in microelectronics and nanotechnology. Karlsruhe is strong in computer science and nuclear engineering. Consider not just the research focus but also the living environment when choosing your project preferences, as two or three months in the right city makes a significant difference to your overall experience.

DAAD RISE Germany frequently asked questions

Prospective DAAD RISE applicants often have practical questions about the programme. This section addresses the most common queries to help you prepare a strong application and plan your placement effectively.

Can I apply to more than one project?

Yes. You typically indicate several project preferences in your application, and the DAAD matching team uses these preferences to find the best fit. Being open to multiple projects and countries significantly improves your chances of receiving a placement. The trade-off is that each additional preference needs genuine justification, so three or four carefully ranked projects usually work better than a long undifferentiated list.

What if I have no previous research experience?

RISE is designed for undergraduates who are developing their research skills, so prior research experience is valued but not strictly required. What matters more is your coursework, your technical preparation and your genuine interest in the project. Strong grades in relevant subjects and a well-articulated motivation can compensate for limited research experience. Coursework-based project work, including final-year or individual research modules, counts as preparation even without a lab placement on your CV.

Do I need to speak German to apply?

The language requirements depend on the specific project. Many RISE projects are conducted entirely in English, particularly in international research groups. However, some projects require basic or intermediate German proficiency, especially those in more locally focused research groups. Check the project listing for language requirements and factor them into your preferences. Applying to projects that require German you do not have is the single most avoidable reason for a disappointing outcome.

What happens if I am not matched with any project?

If you are not matched in the first round, you may be offered a placement in a second round if additional projects become available. If no placement is found, you can apply again the following year. Some successful RISE alumni were not selected on their first attempt and used the additional year to strengthen their preparation. A second attempt with the same unchanged application rarely produces a different result, so treat the extra year as preparation time.

Can I extend my placement beyond the standard duration?

The standard RISE placement is two to three months. Extensions beyond this period are possible in some cases, but they depend on the host organisation willingness and the availability of additional funding. Discuss this possibility with your supervisor early in the placement if you are interested in extending. The core RISE funding covers the standard duration, and any extension would need to be supported separately. Visa and insurance implications also need to be resolved before the original end date, not after.

Is there any obligation to return to my home country?

Unlike some scholarship programmes, RISE does not impose a return-home obligation. The programme is designed to provide international research experience and to strengthen connections between German research institutions and universities worldwide. Many RISE alumni return to Germany for graduate study or later in their careers, and the programme actively encourages ongoing connections with the German research community. The lack of an obligation is precisely what makes early conversations about a longer stay easier.

What DAAD RISE Germany tips should you follow?

The tips that consistently separate placed applicants from the rest are unglamorous: start early, apply to a small number of well-matched projects, name specific methods in your essay, ask referees for letters before the deadline is close, learn some German, and confirm every published figure on daad.de rather than on an aggregator site. None of these requires exceptional talent, but all of them require a calendar and a first draft finished weeks ahead of schedule.

Making the most of your DAAD RISE placement academically and personally

Once your DAAD RISE placement begins, making the most of it requires deliberate effort in both your research and your cultural experience. The two to three months pass quickly, and the alumni who rate their placements most highly are those who planned how to engage fully from the start.

How should I treat the placement academically?

Academically, treat the placement as a professional research role rather than a student exercise. Arrive prepared: review the project description, read relevant literature suggested by your supervisor and ask questions from the first day. Ten weeks is short, so the faster you can contribute, the more you will accomplish and learn. Attend group meetings, present your work when asked and seek regular feedback from your supervisor and colleagues. Presenting your results, even incompletely and early, is usually the moment where the placement starts to feel real.

How do I deliberately build research skills?

Use the placement to strengthen your research skills deliberately. Learn the laboratory techniques, software tools and analytical methods the group uses. Ask experienced researchers how they approach problems, how they design experiments and how they interpret results. Observe how the group communicates, writes and collaborates, and model your own habits on the best examples. These professional practices will serve you throughout your academic career, and they are what graduate admissions committees mean when they ask about research maturity.

How do I get the most out of living in Germany?

Personally, engage with German culture and life. Practice your German, even in the research setting. Join fellow interns for weekend excursions, attend local events and explore the cities and countryside around your placement. Many RISE participants form friendships across nationalities that last for years, and the cultural immersion is one of the most enriching aspects of the programme. In your final weeks, reflect on what you have learned and document your experience for your CV, graduate applications and future plans.

Is the DAAD RISE community part of the experience?

Yes, and it is the part people remember longest. Remember that the DAAD RISE community itself is part of the experience, so connect with your fellow interns early, exchange tips and keep in touch after returning home. Your cohort becomes a network of contacts working in labs, hospitals and companies across several countries, and it is one of the few elements of the programme that costs nothing to invest in and compounds over years.

Official sources and references

daad.de — official information and resources.
make-it-in-germany.com — official information and resources.

DAAD RISE internship package

What funded summer research through DAAD RISE includes. The table below is the shortest possible answer, and it is the version worth printing and pinning above your desk while you budget for a placement.

Component	Included	Notes
Monthly stipend	Yes	Covers living costs
Language course	Optional	Pre-trip study
Travel	Partial	Booked after placement
Placement	Yes	Matched lab placement
Visa support	Guidance	Advice and letters

Read the Notes column carefully, because two of the five lines are not what applicants sometimes assume. Travel is a contribution rather than a reimbursement, and visa support is guidance and letters rather than a handled application. The other three lines are straightforward, and together they explain why DAAD RISE Germany remains one of the few programmes where an undergraduate can spend a full research season in Germany without a family-funded budget.