DESY Summer Student Programme

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY)

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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

Students in physics, computing and related fields. Non-EU/EEA applicants need a certificate of enrolment, a passport copy, two reference letters and permission to work in Germany.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Every summer, Germany’s premier accelerator center DESY invites international undergraduates and Master’s students to its Hamburg or Zeuthen (Berlin) campuses for an 8-week research immersion. Students join experimental or theoretical groups working on synchrotron radiation, X-ray free-electron lasers (European XFEL), particle physics, astroparticle physics, or scientific computing, complemented by a comprehensive series of lectures in English.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Students in physics, computing and related fields. Non-EU/EEA applicants need a certificate of enrolment, a passport copy, two reference letters and permission to work in Germany.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Jan (annual; applications usually run from mid-Dec to the end of Jan - check summerstudents.desy.de for the exact dates) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Curriculum Vitae: Structured CV emphasizing laboratory instrumentation, detector physics, synchrotron/materials techniques, or data analysis skills (Python, C++, MATLAB).; University Grade Transcripts: Official bachelor’s and master’s transcripts covering at least 3 full years of university education.; Two Reference Letters: Academic letters from university lecturers or lab supervisors.; Track Preference Form: Selection of preferred campus (Hamburg vs. Zeuthen) and research division..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Eligibility & Nationality Quota Check → Matching by DESY Group Leaders based on Technical Skills & Coursework (Feb–Mar) → Official Invitation Letter for Visa & Placement.

Profile of past winners

Physics, materials science, and scientific computing students who demonstrate hands-on experience in data analysis, optics, solid-state physics, or detector instrumentation.

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. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
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 DESY Summer Student Programme?

Students in physics, computing and related fields. Non-EU/EEA applicants need a certificate of enrolment, a passport copy, two reference letters and permission to work in Germany.

What does DESY Summer Student Programme cover?

A summer research placement at DESY in Hamburg or Zeuthen with lectures; funding terms are on the DESY summer student pages

When is the deadline for DESY Summer Student Programme?

Dec – Jan (annual; applications usually run from mid-Dec to the end of Jan - check summerstudents.desy.de for the exact dates) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DESY Summer Student Programme?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DESY Summer Student Programme?

Curriculum Vitae: Structured CV emphasizing laboratory instrumentation, detector physics, synchrotron/materials techniques, or data analysis skills (Python, C++, MATLAB).; University Grade Transcripts: Official bachelor’s and master’s transcripts covering at least 3 full years of university education.; Two Reference Letters: Academic letters from university lecturers or lab supervisors.; Track Preference Form: Selection of preferred campus (Hamburg vs. Zeuthen) and research division..

How are applicants selected for DESY Summer Student Programme?

Eligibility & Nationality Quota Check → Matching by DESY Group Leaders based on Technical Skills & Coursework (Feb–Mar) → Official Invitation Letter for Visa & Placement.

How much work is the DESY Summer Student Programme application?

High: Online DESY Application + CV + University Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters + Research Track Choice (Accelerators, Photon Science, Particle/Astroparticle Physics, Computing)