CaCTuS Fully Funded Internship 2027

The CaCTüS Internship program aims to boost the careers of talented students who experience significant difficulties in their pursuit of higher education and scientific development. Interns will have the chance to come to Tübingen or Stuttgart for a paid, three-months internship. The programme provides access to first-class scientific institutions, hands-on research experience and a scientific network in one of Germany’s leading locations for biological and artificial intelligence research.

During the internship, students will work on research projects under the supervision of experienced scientists. In addition to gaining work experience, interns will have the chance to connect with other researchers on campus.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 16, 2026
• Study LevelInternship
• SponsorMax Planck Institute
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Interns will receive a monthly salary of roughly 1350€ that fully covers living expenses, housing and health insurance. Interns also receive compensation for their travel costs. Expenses for visa matters (visa application fee, trips to the embassy, etc.) cannot be reimbursed. Since finding a suitable place can be very difficult, the Internship Coordination Office will arrange a accommodation for you.

Requirements

The CaCTüS Internship specifically addresses motivated students who are constrained by personal, financial, regional or societal issues that negatively affect their future education.

Internships are open for students who:

• have not started their PhD degree by the time of the internship
• students that have not yet finished their Bachelor’s degree must have completed at least 4 semesters (i.e. 2 years) of their studies before the internship starts
• Applicants for Projects 1 – 4 must be enrolled in an academic institution during the entire period from January to October 2027 in order to participate in the program. For the other projects they have to be enrolled or have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree and can provide proof of their qualification by March 2027.
• have a strong academic record
• have a background in a field relevant to the projects proposed (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or any other related field)
• have a good command of the English language
• can express their motivation
• have strong reasons why their access to first-class higher education is constrained
• are available for the entire duration of 90 days between 1st July and 30th September 2027 (note: due to visa regulations you cannot extend your stay in the country beyond 90 days)
• are undertaking a voluntary internship (note: we cannot host interns that require course credits as part of their course requirement)

Selection Process

The selection process consists of three main stages:

1. Pre-selection: all applications are pre-screened by our Internship Office before they are made available to project laboratories who will evaluate candidates‘ applications and suitability for projects.
2. Interviews: shortlisted candidates are invited to complete a virtual interview. These interviews include personal as well as technical questions.
3. Acceptance: if you are selected following the interview, you will receive an e-mail with your official CaCTüS Internship offer letter.

Application Documents

Please provide the following personal information:

• Motivational statement
  • General motivation to pursue a career in science and to participate in this internship 
  • Description of previous project
  • Motivation for up to two specific projects sorted by preference (see available projects further below)
  • Statement on factors that may constrain the applicant’s access to higher education in an internationally renowned institution, e.g. financial, regional or personal circumstances

Additionally you will need to submit the following documents:

• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Optional: one reference letter
• Transcripts from all your university studies (if no official English translation is available from your university, please provide one yourself in the first instance), and degree certificates (if available)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications must be submitted directly through the application portal; we do not accept submissions via third-party providers.

For more information, kindly visit the CaCTüS webpage.