DAAD RISE Professional

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) & German Corporate Partners

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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

Master's and PhD students in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences or engineering at universities in North America (US and Canada); alumni of undergraduate RISE Germany may also apply. Not open to students in Bangladesh - use the DAAD RISE worldwide programme instead.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

DAAD RISE Professional places Master’s and PhD students in research and development (R&D) internships lasting between 6 weeks and 6 months at leading German corporations, mid-sized hidden champions, and applied Fraunhofer institutes. Interns receive both a monthly DAAD scholarship and an additional financial stipend directly from the host company, providing an ideal bridge into the German industrial job market.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Master's and PhD students in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences or engineering at universities in North America (US and Canada); alumni of undergraduate RISE Germany may also apply. Not open to students in Bangladesh - use the DAAD RISE worldwide programme instead.
2. Note the deadline. Oct – Dec (probable; the RISE Professional call opens in autumn and the dates are published on daad.de/rise) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Corporate-Tailored Cover Letters (Up to 3): Custom letters addressing the specific R&D deliverables of up to 3 company listings in the RISE Professional portal.; Curriculum Vitae: Industry-formatted resume highlighting software tools, lab instrumentation, and project management skills.; Academic Transcripts & Reference: Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts plus 1 senior academic or industrial reference letter.; Language Proof (if applicable): German language evaluation form only if required by the selected corporate host..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Pre-Screening by DAAD → Shortlisting & Technical Video Interview by the German Host Company → Joint DAAD & Corporate Offer (February/March).

Profile of past winners

Graduate students in AI, renewable energy, chemical engineering, or biotechnology who combine strong academic research with practical coding or laboratory automation skills valued by German R&D teams.

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. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.

Quick answers

Who can apply for DAAD RISE Professional?

Master's and PhD students in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences or engineering at universities in North America (US and Canada); alumni of undergraduate RISE Germany may also apply. Not open to students in Bangladesh - use the DAAD RISE worldwide programme instead.

What does DAAD RISE Professional cover?

A DAAD scholarship plus a stipend from the host company or institute for an internship of up to six months in summer or autumn

When is the deadline for DAAD RISE Professional?

Oct – Dec (probable; the RISE Professional call opens in autumn and the dates are published on daad.de/rise) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DAAD RISE Professional?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DAAD RISE Professional?

Corporate-Tailored Cover Letters (Up to 3): Custom letters addressing the specific R&D deliverables of up to 3 company listings in the RISE Professional portal.; Curriculum Vitae: Industry-formatted resume highlighting software tools, lab instrumentation, and project management skills.; Academic Transcripts & Reference: Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts plus 1 senior academic or industrial reference letter.; Language Proof (if applicable): German language evaluation form only if required by the selected corporate host..

How are applicants selected for DAAD RISE Professional?

Pre-Screening by DAAD → Shortlisting & Technical Video Interview by the German Host Company → Joint DAAD & Corporate Offer (February/March).

How much work is the DAAD RISE Professional application?

High: DAAD RISE Portal Dossier + 3 Tailored Corporate Cover Letters + Reference Letter + Company Video Interview