Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology International Summer Internship 2027

Do you want to experience cutting-edge research and learn from leading scientists at an internationally renowned institution? Then the International Summer Internship at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology is for you!

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 27, 2026
• Study LevelInternship , Masters , Undergraduate
• SponsorMax Planck Institute
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• We offer three-month internships from September to November 2027 for international Bachelor’s and Master’s students. You will receive a stipend (€1,400) covering living expenses in Berlin. Additionally, we will provide travel compensation and accommodation close to the Institute.
• The MPIIB-ISI program aims at enabling talented students who have faced or are facing significant difficulties in their scientific education to pursue an academic career. Interns come to Berlin for three months to work on research projects under the supervision of experienced scientists. The internship is paid and covers travel expenses. Students gain access to a leading scientific institution, hands-on research experience, and benefit from the extensive scientific network in Germany’s capital.
• The second key feature of the internship is the complementary program. It is designed to equip interns with the necessary soft skills for a successful PhD application. For example, we will offer courses on scientific presentations, how to find a research question, or application training. In addition, the MPIIB-ISI provides the opportunity for excursions to other research institutes in Berlin and other social events. Interns can count on administrative support before and during the internship, especially with the sometimes confusing German public administration.

Requirements

The MPIIB-ISI program is specifically designed for motivated students who are constrained by personal, financial, regional or societal issues that negatively affect their future education.

The internship is open to students who:

• Are enrolled in a university. Without enrollment, it is not possible to obtain a visa.
  • Students who have not yet received their Bachelor’s degree must have completed at least 4 semesters (i.e. 2 years) of their studies at the time of application.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Have a background in a field relevant to the proposed projects (e.g. biology, medicine, biochemistry, epidemiology or any other related field).
• Have a good command of the English language.
• Can express their motivation for both the internship program and the specific project they are applying for.
• Have strong reasons why their access to first-class higher education is constrained.
• Are available for the entire duration of the internship between September 1 and November 30, 2027 (due to visa regulations you cannot extend your stay in the country beyond the duration of the internship).
• Are doing a voluntary internship. We cannot accept interns who need credit points as part of their course requirements.

The Max Planck Society recognizes the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, marital or parental status, race, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage women to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if their suitability, qualifications, and professional performance are otherwise substantially equivalent. For this program, we strongly encourage applications from students living in low- and middle-income countries.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of three main stages:

1. Pre-selection: All applications are evaluated and a shortlist of suitable candidates is compiled.
2. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview.
3. Acceptance: If you are selected following the interview, you will receive an email with your official MPIIB-ISI offer letter.

Timeline:

• November 2026: Call for application starts
• November 27, 2026: Application deadline
• February, 2027: Final selection and commitments
• September 1, 2027: Begin of internship
• November 30, 2027: End of internship

Application Documents

You will be required to provide personal information and the following documents:

• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Motivational letter (please use the template provided below/on the side)
  • Information about your enrolment and study program
  • General motivation to pursue a career in science and to participate in this internship
  • Description of previous projects
  • Motivation for the MPIIB-ISI project that you are applying for (please refer to the available projects)
  • Statement on factors that may limit the applicant's access to higher education at an internationally renowned institution, e.g. financial, regional or personal circumstances
• A letter of reference from a professor or postdoc
• Transcripts of all your undergraduate and graduate records
  • Some universities provide unofficial academic records. These are sufficient for your application because we only need a list of the classes you took and your grades
  • If your university does not provide official English translations, please provide one yourself
• Diploma (if you have already completed your bachelor’s degree)

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please read the application guide in the webpage before applying. On the left side of this page you will find templates for the CV and letter of motivation.
• Applications are submitted through the application portal. 

For more information, kindly visit the Max Planck webpage.