DAAD RISE Germany 2025: Empowering Global Undergraduates In Research And Innovation

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Recognizing this need, DAAD has developed the RISE Germany program, designed to give undergraduate students from North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland the opportunity to undertake summer research internships at leading German universities and research institutions. The program stands at the intersection of advanced academic work, cultural immersion, and international networking.

In today’s globalized scientific and engineering landscape, gaining international research experience is more than just a résumé booster—it’s a gateway to new ideas, cross-cultural collaboration, and professional networks that span continents.

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Table of Contents

What is RISE Germany?

RISE stands for Research Internships in Science & Engineering. The RISE Germany program allows undergraduate students in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, computer science, or closely related disciplines to spend a summer conducting research in Germany under the supervision of doctoral students or other researchers.
Key features include:

The internships generally last around 2 to 3 months during the summer.
The working language is generally English; knowledge of German is not required for most positions.
Interns are matched with host institutions (universities or research institutes) in Germany and are given a mentor (such as a doctoral researcher) who guides their project.
The program is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, with DAAD coordinating the scholarship component.
Approximately 300 scholarships (or more in recent years) are available annually.

In essence, RISE Germany offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to become immersed in a German research environment—working on real projects, gaining lab-or field-based research experience, and making connections that may influence their future academic and career paths.

Why Choose RISE Germany? The Value Proposition

Gaining Real Research Experience

While many summer programs offer classroom or observational experiences, RISE Germany emphasizes hands-on research. Interns assist in actual research groups, work closely with doctoral researchers or other mentors, and get exposure to the rigour of European research institutions.
This experience can be a major differentiator when applying for graduate school, jobs in R&D, or international collaborations.

International and Cultural Exposure

Living and working in Germany enables participants to experience a new culture, work environment, and research infrastructure. Although German language proficiency is not mandatory, interns will likely interact with German peers and immerse themselves in the German academic context.
Such cross-cultural competences are increasingly valued in STEM and global research settings.

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Financial Support and Low Barrier to Entry

RISE is generously supported: interns receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, travel allowances, and insurance coverage. This reduces the financial burden of studying abroad or doing unpaid internships.
Because the application pool is targeted (North America, UK, Ireland) and the program is well-organized, eligible students with strong STEM backgrounds, motivation and research interest have a viable shot.

Networking and Career Boost

Through RISE Germany, students connect with German researchers, may explore doctoral or collaborative opportunities in Europe, and get recognized by a prestigious funding body (DAAD). Alumni networks and the prestige of the program can open doors long after the internship ends.

Eligibility and Requirements

To apply successfully, students must meet several key criteria. According to the 2025 information sheet:

Academic Requirements

Applicants must be undergraduate students enrolled full-time at a university in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland. (
They should have completed at least two years of their undergraduate degree by the time the internship begins. Seniors are eligible too if they will maintain undergrad status post-internship.
They should be studying in one of the target fields: biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, earth sciences, engineering or a closely related discipline.

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Language and Status

German language proficiency is not a requirement for most positions; working language will typically be English.
Applicants must maintain their undergraduate status after the internship; the program is not for graduate students (those should consider other RISE lines such as RISE Professional).

Other Practical Requirements

Students with German citizenship may face additional eligibility limitations (for example, having lived outside of Germany for a certain period) depending on the host institution’s rules.
Because this is a Germany-based internship, students should be able to relocate (for typically 2-3 months), and cover any additional logistics (though housing assistance is usually provided).

What’s Covered: Scholarship Benefits

The financial and logistical benefits of RISE Germany are substantial. From the information provided:
Here is a breakdown:

Monthly stipend: Depending on year, amounts around EUR 900-1,000 per month (e.g., ~EUR 992/month in 2025 information).
Travel allowances: An international travel subsidy to cover round-trip to Germany, and sometimes a lump sum (~EUR 160) for travel within Germany (e.g., to meetings). (
Insurance: Health, accident and liability insurance is covered by the host institution / DAAD scholarship.
Housing assistance: While not always guaranteed, host universities/research institutions generally provide support in locating accommodation.
Meeting/conference: All interns are invited to a RISE Germany meeting in Heidelberg in early July, providing additional networking, orientation and cultural experience.

These benefits ensure that the financial burden is minimized, making the internship accessible to a wide range of students rather than just those with affluent backgrounds.

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Timeline & Application Process

Key Milestones

Based on the 2025 cycle as indicated by DAAD: (

Internship offers posted by host institutions: Generally in late summer/early autumn (e.g., from August/September).
Application window for students: Typically October 15 to November 30 each year. For example, October 15 – November 30, 2025 for the 2026 cohort.
Ranking by providers (host institutions): January (e.g., January 13 – 26, 2026 in the cited cycle).
Internship start date: Earliest possible start around May 15 and typically spans into the summer months for 10–12 weeks (or up to ~3 months).

Application Process Steps

Students register on the RISE Germany database/portal. They browse or select internships offered by German research institutions.
Students submit an online application including personal details, academic record, CV/resume, motivation letter, research interests, and other required documentation as specified by DAAD.
Host institutions review applications and rank applicants; DAAD handles matching of students to host offers based on rankings and suitability.
Students receive notification of selection (typically by late winter/early spring) and prepare for travel, visa (if required), accommodation and logistics.
Commence internship: internship work in Germany, interaction with mentors, participation in orientation meeting (in Heidelberg) and full engagement in research tasks.
Upon completion, students may produce a report, participate in closing activities, and integrate the experience into their academic and career trajectories.

Important Considerations

Because this is a competitive programme, students should apply early, identify strong research interests and align their application with the host project.
Some host institutions may expect prior lab experience or relevant coursework, so preparation in advance is beneficial.
Visa/immigration: Some applicants (depending on nationality and duration) may require a German national visa rather than just Schengen visa—students should begin visa procedures early. (As per anecdotal reports from past applicants).
Housing: While assistance is provided, students should assume some responsibility to research accommodation options in Germany.

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What Does the Internship Look Like? Real-World Experience

RISE Germany interns are embedded in research groups at German universities or research institutes. They assist doctoral researchers (or at Universities of Applied Sciences, UAS – with PhD-student mentors) on defined research projects.
Typical tasks may include:

Performing literature reviews and background research
Participating in lab experiments, fieldwork, or computational modelling
Collecting and analysing data, writing summaries or reports
Presenting results (sometimes at group meetings) or participating in group discussions
Interacting with international researchers in Germany, networking, and seeing first-hand how German research institutions operate

The internship is not merely observational—it seeks to integrate the student in meaningful research activity and give them an immersive look at advanced scientific work.

Additionally, the cultural and professional aspects of the trip—living abroad, interacting with peers and mentors, speaking/immersing in another language and research culture—are important components of the experience.

Tips for a Strong Application

Given the competitive nature of the programme, here are proactive tips for applicants:

Identify your research interests early: Browse the RISE Germany internship database, find projects that align with your coursework, skills and interests, and reflect this match in your motivation letter. The better the alignment, the stronger the application.
Highlight any research or lab experience: Even if you haven’t had extensive lab experience, coursework, relevant projects, programming, data work or fieldwork count. Clearly articulate what you have done and what you bring.
Articulate how this internship fits your academic and career goals: Don’t apply just because it’s abroad—explain how Germany and the specific program will contribute to your development, research interests or career path.
Demonstrate international competence or curiosity: While German language is not required, showing interest in German culture, research context or international collaboration can strengthen your profile.
Ensure you meet eligibility and timeline requirements: Don’t wait until the last minute; prepare transcripts, CV/resume, references, and ensure you will still be an undergraduate at the time of internship.
Prepare for visa and logistic matters: Once selected, be ready to start visa procedures (if required), find accommodation, travel and insurance. Budget time for this.
Engage with the mentor fully during the internship: Once selected, treat the program as a professional engagement. Be proactive, ask questions, contribute meaningfully, network, and document your work for future use.

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Benefits Beyond the Internship: Long-Term Impact

Participating in RISE Germany offers more than a summer abroad—it can be transformative.

Academic Advancement

Interns gain research experience that can strengthen graduate school applications (both in the U.S./Canada/UK and internationally). They can foster relationships with doctoral researchers, potentially leading to further collaborations, publications or graduate study offers.

Career Opportunities

The skills gained—lab techniques, research thinking, data analysis, international collaboration—are highly valued by employers in R&D, industry, academia and beyond. The international experience signals adaptability, independence and global competence.

Personal Growth

Living abroad challenges you: cultural adaptation, language exposure, living independently in a new country—all of these build resilience and confidence. The networking that occurs at the RISE meeting in Heidelberg and through peers/mentors can lead to lifelong connections.

International Research Culture

By working in Germany, interns gain insights into how German research institutions operate: infrastructure, collaborative models, funding systems, and research culture. This exposure can shape how you view your future scientific career.

Community and Alumni Network

RISE Germany interns become part of a global community of past participants. Alumni often stay connected, share opportunities, mentor future applicants, and collaborate internationally.

Success Stories & Testimonials

Though not detailed extensively in our source, DAAD’s site highlights that interns report the program has helped them gain clarity in their research interests, build international collaboration skills, and often pursue further study or research.
On community forums (e.g., Reddit), past participants note the experience of being “matched” with specialized projects, the importance of lab experience, and how the program changed their academic trajectory. For example:

“It’s very lab-specific: if you have skill sets that the host lab really needs, you are in.”

These real-world reflections emphasize that RISE Germany is not a general study-abroad program—it is a targeted research internship demanding commitment, but with high reward.

Frequently Asked Questions (Summary)

Is German required?
No—German language proficiency is not required for most positions; the working language is generally English.
What is the duration?
Usually 2 to 3 months; some internships may last up to 90 days. Earliest start around mid-May.
Who is eligible?
Undergraduates from the U.S., Canada, UK or Ireland with at least two years’ study completed, in STEM fields. Seniors are eligible if they remain undergrads after the internship.
What about costs?
The scholarship covers monthly stipend, travel allowance, insurance; housing assistance is usually provided. Students may need to cover incidental costs or additional personal expenses.
How competitive is it?
It is quite competitive given ~300 positions annually and many applicants. Strong alignment with the host project, good academic record, research interest and clarity of motivation improve odds. Reddit reflections confirm this.
Can seniors apply?
Yes—so long as you will still be enrolled as an undergrad during the internship period (or your institution allows). Seniors graduating before the internship begins may not qualify.
What happens after selection?
After being matched with a host institution, you will deal with logistics (visa, accommodation, travel), attend the RISE Germany meeting (often in Heidelberg) and then commence your research internship in Germany under the supervision of your mentor.

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How to Prepare Early

To maximise your chances:

Start early: Explore the internship database as soon as it opens (typically August/September when host offers are posted) to identify your preferred projects.
Connect with faculty: Reach out to professors in your home institution or labs to gain experience or references.
Polish your CV and motivation letter: Emphasize research interest, previous lab or project experience, why Germany and why this host institution.
Build STEM credentials: Engage in research methods, lab skills, or computational/data skills relevant to your field.
Speak to your university’s international/awards office about funding, travel logistics, and personal preparation (such as visa, health insurance).
Attend information sessions/webinars: DAAD and some universities offer webinars on RISE Germany eligibility and process.

What Make RISE Germany Unique?

Research-only focus: Unlike many short summer programs, RISE Germany is built around actual research projects, not just observation or course-based study.
High-quality host institutions: German universities and research institutions are globally respected; working there enhances your résumé internationally.
High stipend & robust support: The monthly stipend and insurance/travel allowance mean that financial barriers are significantly lowered.
Cultural immersion plus professional development: Interns live in Germany, experience a new research culture, and build global networks.
Early career advantage: As an undergrad, you get a clear academic and professional differentiator that many peers may only experience at graduate level.

Challenges & Considerations

Logistics and relocation: Moving to Germany (even for 2-3 months) means arranging travel, visa (if required), accommodation, bank account, possibly adapting to German customs. Plan ahead.
High expectations: Since interns are integrated into active research teams, host mentors expect engagement, initiative and professional conduct.
Research fit is crucial: Being matched with a project that aligns with your skills and interest is key—poor fit may result in less satisfying experience.
Personal preparedness: Cultural adaptation, living abroad for a summer, working in a lab setting far from home—all require maturity and resilience.
Competition and selection uncertainty: Even strong candidates may face stiff competition; rejection doesn’t reflect your worth but rather the limited slots and high demand.

Alumni & Long-Term Outcomes

While specific outcome statistics are limited publicly, the program’s intention is clear: to foster cross-border research collaboration and produce STEM graduates who have international experience, are comfortable with research environments, and build bridging connections between their home country institutions and Germany.
Alumni often report that the program influenced their decision to pursue graduate school, work in Europe or continue research. The networking—both with German mentors and fellow interns—is cited as one of the most valuable aspects.

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Final Thoughts

If you are an undergraduate student in STEM and you are looking for a meaningful summer research experience abroad, RISE Germany is an opportunity worth serious consideration. It offers a rare combination of rigorous research, international exposure, financial support and cultural immersion. Imagine spending your summer working in a German lab, contributing to active research, collaborating with doctoral students, and learning in a country renowned for its scientific and engineering excellence.

From a professional perspective, RISE Germany can be a springboard: it signals to graduate schools and employers that you are capable of operating internationally, handling unfamiliar environments, and integrating in a research team abroad. From a personal perspective, it can broaden your worldview, deepen your scientific curiosity, expand your network, and perhaps change your trajectory.

As you prepare, remember that the programme looks for motivation, research alignment, clear plans and readiness to engage in real research. Start early, align yourself with projects, prepare a strong application, and if selected—make the most of your time in Germany: ask questions, make connections, reflect on your experience and carry it forward.

For anyone interested in a rigorous, rewarding and globally minded summer internship, RISE Germany represents an excellent pathway. Good luck, and perhaps your next summer will be spent in Germany, advancing research and gaining experiences that will shape your future.