DAAD RISE Germany

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Undergraduate students from Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States who study science, engineering or computer science and have completed at least two years of study (fourth-year students must still be enrolled afterwards). Not open to undergraduates from other countries.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

RISE Germany pairs undergraduates with doctoral researchers in Germany for a summer research internship. You choose projects in the DAAD portal and the host group ranks applicants.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Undergraduate students from Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States who study science, engineering or computer science and have completed at least two years of study (fourth-year students must still be enrolled afterwards). Not open to undergraduates from other countries.
2. Note the deadline. Oct 15 – Nov 30 (annual; the portal for summer 2027 opens 15 Oct and closes 30 Nov 2026 at 23:59 CET, letters of reference by 15 Dec, results in Feb - Mar 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Three Custom Motivation Letters: Up to 3 project-specific cover letters addressed individually to the German PhD mentors whose projects you select from the RISE database.; Official University Transcript: Complete grade transcript verifying at least 2 years of undergraduate STEM coursework.; Academic Reference Form: Submitted confidentially via the DAAD portal by a university professor or lecturer from your home department.; Curriculum Vitae & Enrollment Certificate: Technical CV and official verification of full-time undergraduate enrollment..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic GPA & Coursework Screening by DAAD → Direct Project-Fit Ranking by the Hosting German PhD Mentor → Final DAAD Match & Stipend Award (Feb/March).

Profile of past winners

Undergraduates who carefully read the PhD mentor's experimental setup in the RISE database and write three highly personalized cover letters explaining how their lab techniques match each specific project.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for DAAD RISE Germany?

Undergraduate students from Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States who study science, engineering or computer science and have completed at least two years of study (fourth-year students must still be enrolled afterwards). Not open to undergraduates from other countries.

What does DAAD RISE Germany cover?

Monthly scholarship of EUR 992 for a research internship of about 3 months (minimum 10 weeks) at a German university or research institute during the summer break

When is the deadline for DAAD RISE Germany?

Oct 15 – Nov 30 (annual; the portal for summer 2027 opens 15 Oct and closes 30 Nov 2026 at 23:59 CET, letters of reference by 15 Dec, results in Feb - Mar 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DAAD RISE Germany?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DAAD RISE Germany?

Three Custom Motivation Letters: Up to 3 project-specific cover letters addressed individually to the German PhD mentors whose projects you select from the RISE database.; Official University Transcript: Complete grade transcript verifying at least 2 years of undergraduate STEM coursework.; Academic Reference Form: Submitted confidentially via the DAAD portal by a university professor or lecturer from your home department.; Curriculum Vitae & Enrollment Certificate: Technical CV and official verification of full-time undergraduate enrollment..

How are applicants selected for DAAD RISE Germany?

Academic GPA & Coursework Screening by DAAD → Direct Project-Fit Ranking by the Hosting German PhD Mentor → Final DAAD Match & Stipend Award (Feb/March).

How much work is the DAAD RISE Germany application?

High: DAAD Portal Application + up to 3 Tailored Cover Letters to Specific German PhD Mentors + Transcripts + 1 Academic Reference