Student Summer Internship 2026 at Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), Heidelberg
The prestigious Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, is set to open the next application cycle for its fully funded 2026 Student Summer Internship this December 2025. This world-renowned program offers an exceptional opportunity for bachelor’s and master’s students from any country to gain hands-on research experience in cutting-edge astronomical and instrumental development projects.
About the MPIA Summer Internship Program
Founded on a mission to nurture future researchers, MPIA’s internship offers selected students the chance to work directly alongside leading scientists and engineers on real projects ranging from exoplanet exploration to instrumentation for the world’s largest telescopes. The program primarily runs between May and September 2026, though flexible arrangements can be made depending on academic calendars.
Interns will be immersed in an international environment where the working language is English, and collaboration thrives across diverse scientific teams.
MPIA Internship Package for 2026 Cohort
This opportunity is fully funded, ensuring accessibility for talented students worldwide.
- Stipend: ~€1,000 per month (net) with full social benefits.
- Travel support: Costs for travel to and from Germany are covered.
- Accommodation support: Assistance in finding affordable housing near the institute or in the Heidelberg city center.
- Equal opportunity focus: At least two positions are reserved for students from developing countries, with strong encouragement for applicants from underrepresented groups including minorities, refugees, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 summer internship:
- Applicants must be bachelor or master students currently enrolled at a university.
- Students who have already completed a master’s degree before 2024 or are enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible.
- Non-EU nationals applying for a bachelor’s internship must still be enrolled at the time of the internship’s end (May–September 2026) and must have completed at least four semesters of their degree before starting.
- Applicants should have a strong interest or background in astronomy, physics, computer science, or engineering.
MPIA values diversity and particularly encourages applications from women and minority candidates.
Application Process
The application portal will open in December 2025, with a deadline to be announced shortly after.
Applicants will be asked to upload four key documents as a single PDF:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – up to 3 pages.
- One-page Research Statement – explaining prior experiences, motivation, and project interests.
- University Transcripts – including bachelor’s and master’s level (if applicable).
- Transcript Attachment Form – listing relevant courses and grades.
Additionally, one reference letter must be submitted directly via the online internship application system. All applications are reviewed carefully, with short-listed candidates selected based on academic merit, motivation, and alignment with available research projects.
Application Timeline
The call for the Student Summer Internship 2026 at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) will officially open in December 2025. The internship program is expected to take place between May and September 2026, with some flexibility depending on each participant’s academic calendar.
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