Max Planck Research Internships 2026
Information last updated: March 2026
Scholarship Information
Complete Details About Internship Program
Max Planck Research Internships 2026 – Fully Funded Computer Science Opportunities in Germany
The Max Planck Institutes for Informatics (Saarbrücken), Software Systems (Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern), and Security and Privacy (Bochum) offer fully funded research internships in all areas of Computer Science. These prestigious internships provide exceptional students worldwide with the opportunity to pursue world-class research in one of Germany's leading research networks.
If you are passionate about computer science research and want to gain hands-on experience, this is your chance to work alongside distinguished faculty members. For more opportunities across Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students.
About the Max Planck Internship Program
The Max Planck Society is one of the world's leading research networks, known for its excellence in basic and applied sciences. Interns at these institutes work directly with an assigned faculty mentor on cutting-edge research projects, with successful internships often resulting in coauthored publications at top academic conferences.
The working environment is English-speaking, multicultural, and diverse, with no German language requirement.
A typical internship lasts 12 to 14 weeks, though longer internships are possible. Internships can be completed at any time of the year, but most interns prefer the summer months (May to August).
Who Can Apply?
Internships are open to exceptional Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral students worldwide, as well as outstanding individuals from industry interested in gaining academic research experience in computer science. To be eligible, you must:
-
Be interested in academic research in Computer Science
-
Have a strong background in Computer Science (roughly the first three years of a standard Bachelor's program by the start of the internship) or prior research experience in relevant areas
-
Have an excellent academic record, irrespective of its length
Applicants with interdisciplinary interests, such as those intersecting social science, economics, or law, are also welcome. The program particularly encourages applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups in Computer Science.
What Does the Internship Cover?
All internships are fully funded and include:
-
A monthly living allowance sufficient to cover living costs in Germany
-
Accommodation costs
-
Round-trip travel expenses from your country of residence to the hosting institute
For international interns, the institutes provide necessary documentation for visa applications.
Important Deadlines
The application deadlines depend on when you wish to start:
-
Summer internships (starting May–August): Apply by November 1 of the previous year (strict deadline). Successful applicants are typically notified before March.
-
Internships outside summer months: Apply at least 5 months before your intended starting date. Successful applicants should hear back within 3–4 months.
For similar prestigious research opportunities in Europe, check the latest scholarships in Germany for all nationalities.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online at the official Max Planck application portal. You will need to provide:
-
Your CV
-
Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts and unofficial English translations are accepted)
-
Contact information for at least one reference (letters are not requested immediately)
-
An optional motivation letter
-
Optional: faculty members you would like to work with and your preferred internship period
Do not email any application materials—applications by email are not accepted. After submission, research groups review applications, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a phone interview. Successful applicants are notified by email and put in touch with their assigned faculty mentor to finalize internship dates and project scope.
Why Choose a Max Planck Internship?
The Max Planck Institutes offer an internationally renowned research community with world-class faculty across the full spectrum of Computer Science. Interns gain direct, hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, and successful internships often result in coauthored publications at top academic conferences.
It is an excellent way to kick-start a future research career and explore research areas before committing to a PhD.
For a broader view of funding options in Germany, refer to financial aids for students in Europe.
Final Thoughts
The Max Planck Research Internships offer a unique opportunity to conduct world-class research at one of Germany's most prestigious research institutions.
With full funding, direct mentorship from leading faculty, and the chance to contribute to pioneering research, this program is highly competitive—so prepare your application carefully and submit it well before the deadline.
For a comprehensive list of study and research opportunities, see the list of all open scholarships in Germany.
