Fully Funded CaCTUS Internship Programme 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 DeadlineNot Specified
• 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
• 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)

For more information, please read our FAQ page.

The Max Planck Society recognizes the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, color, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. We explicitly encourage women to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if their suitability, qualifications and professional performance are otherwise essentially equal. Furthermore, with this program we also explicitly encourage applications from students living in low- and middle-income countries which are currently underrepresented in science.

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.

Visa

Please be aware that the process of obtaining a visa can vary substantially in time and that it is outside our control. We will support accepted students who require a visa in the process as best as we can. However, we cannot guarantee that visas will be granted in time for the internship. In cases of delays in the visa application process, we will try to seek solutions on an individual case basis (such as deferral of the internship position by a year).

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)

1. Please check out our application guide before you apply:
   • Application guide
   • Example CV
2. You find our list with projects you can apply to here:
   • Available projects
3. Once your application is complete, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from the application portal. If you have not received such an email, your application is incomplete and needs to be fully submitted before the deadline to be considered during selection.

We recommend that you also read our FAQ page.

Only complete applications submitted via our online application portal will be considered. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be assessed.

All applications must be submitted through the official CaCTüS application portal. Please do not contact supervisors or mentors (labs) to promote your application or send applications by email. Once you have completed your application through the portal, rest assured that it will be reviewed by the relevant project teams. If you have questions about the program or the application process, reach out to the CaCTüS Coordination Office.

Use of AI in Applications

AI tools can be used to improve the clarity, grammar, style, and overall quality of written language. However, they must not be used to generate ideas, develop concepts, or produce original intellectual content. All ideas, analyses, and substantive contributions must originate from the applicant.

Application Deadline

Not Specified

How To Apply

• The portal for 2027 summer internship applications will open on October 21, 2026. 

For more information, kindly visit the CaCTüS webpage.