HZDR Summer Student Programme

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)

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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, chemistry, materials, engineering and related fields. Write to [email protected] for the eligibility and funding details.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Each summer, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)—one of Eastern Germany’s largest national research laboratories—welcomes 10–15 international students to Dresden for 6 to 9 weeks of hands-on scientific work. Interns join experimental or computational teams working on high-intensity lasers, high magnetic fields, ion beam physics, radiopharmaceutical cancer research, resource technology, and scientific machine learning.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Students in physics, chemistry, materials, engineering and related fields. Write to [email protected] for the eligibility and funding details.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Jan (annual; the 2027 round opens on 2 Nov 2026 and closes on 24 Jan 2027 at 22:00 CET, acceptance by the end of March, programme July - September; lectures 26 Jul - 27 Aug 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV listing laboratory techniques, radiation/materials science coursework, and programming skills.; Academic Transcripts & Enrollment Certificate: Official university grade sheets and proof of active student status for the upcoming summer semester.; Letter of Recommendation: 1 academic reference letter from a university professor or thesis advisor.; Research Area Selection: Choice of preferred HZDR institute (Ion Beam Physics, High-Power Radiation, Resource Ecology, Radiopharmaceuticals, Fluid Dynamics, or CASUS Data Science)..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Eligibility & Grade Screening → Project Allocation by HZDR Scientists (March) → Final Offer & Visa Support Letter (April).

Profile of past winners

Students in materials chemistry, physics, nuclear/medical physics, or scientific AI who show practical laboratory skills and enthusiasm for large-scale Helmholtz research facilities.

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 HZDR Summer Student Programme?

Students in physics, chemistry, materials, engineering and related fields. Write to [email protected] for the eligibility and funding details.

What does HZDR Summer Student Programme cover?

Full Fellowship (€36/day Tax-Free Living Stipend ~€1,080/mo + Free Guest House Accommodation in Dresden + Travel Subsidy + Free Bus Pass)

When is the deadline for HZDR Summer Student Programme?

Nov – Jan (annual; the 2027 round opens on 2 Nov 2026 and closes on 24 Jan 2027 at 22:00 CET, acceptance by the end of March, programme July - September; lectures 26 Jul - 27 Aug 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

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

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for HZDR Summer Student Programme?

Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV listing laboratory techniques, radiation/materials science coursework, and programming skills.; Academic Transcripts & Enrollment Certificate: Official university grade sheets and proof of active student status for the upcoming summer semester.; Letter of Recommendation: 1 academic reference letter from a university professor or thesis advisor.; Research Area Selection: Choice of preferred HZDR institute (Ion Beam Physics, High-Power Radiation, Resource Ecology, Radiopharmaceuticals, Fluid Dynamics, or CASUS Data Science)..

How are applicants selected for HZDR Summer Student Programme?

Eligibility & Grade Screening → Project Allocation by HZDR Scientists (March) → Final Offer & Visa Support Letter (April).

How much work is the HZDR Summer Student Programme application?

High: Online HZDR Application + CV + University Transcripts + Enrollment Proof + 1 Reference Letter