ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme

Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)

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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

Bachelor's or master's students (or graduates within a year) in natural sciences, maths, computer science, physics, chemistry or related fields who have completed at least the second year of the bachelor's and are not accepted into a PhD programme. Students enrolled in Russia are not eligible. Stays last 2 to 3 months between May and September.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The ISTernship at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (just outside Vienna) is an elite 8-to-12-week summer research fellowship where international Bachelor’s and Master’s students conduct independent experimental or theoretical projects inside one of ISTA’s 80+ research groups. The program culminates in a formal research symposium poster presentation and serves as a major recruitment pipeline for ISTA’s fully funded direct-entry PhD program.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Bachelor's or master's students (or graduates within a year) in natural sciences, maths, computer science, physics, chemistry or related fields who have completed at least the second year of the bachelor's and are not accepted into a PhD programme. Students enrolled in Russia are not eligible. Stays last 2 to 3 months between May and September.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Feb (annual; the programme was not held in 2026 and the 2027 call is expected to be announced in late 2026 - the 2025 round closed on 5 Feb) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Statement of Purpose: Focused research statement explaining your scientific curiosity, prior lab/coding experience, and why you want to join 1 or 2 specific ISTA faculty groups.; Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV listing coursework, research projects, programming skills, and awards.; Official University Transcripts: Complete grade records in English for all university degrees attended.; Two Academic References: Submitted directly by professors or project supervisors via the ISTA portal before the referee deadline..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Central Academic Screening → Direct Evaluation & Shortlisting by Target ISTA Professors → Video Interview with Host Lab (March) → Final Fellowship Offer.

Profile of past winners

Ambitious 3rd-year Bachelor’s and 1st-year Master’s students who analyze recent publications of their chosen ISTA professor and demonstrate strong potential for ISTA's interdisciplinary PhD track.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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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 ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme?

Bachelor's or master's students (or graduates within a year) in natural sciences, maths, computer science, physics, chemistry or related fields who have completed at least the second year of the bachelor's and are not accepted into a PhD programme. Students enrolled in Russia are not eligible. Stays last 2 to 3 months between May and September.

What does ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme cover?

Monthly fellowship of EUR 1,150 (2025 rate), a travel lump sum, and campus or OeAD residence housing where available; health insurance is not included

When is the deadline for ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme?

Dec – Feb (annual; the programme was not held in 2026 and the 2027 call is expected to be announced in late 2026 - the 2025 round closed on 5 Feb) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme?

Host countries: Austria.

What documents do I need for ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme?

Statement of Purpose: Focused research statement explaining your scientific curiosity, prior lab/coding experience, and why you want to join 1 or 2 specific ISTA faculty groups.; Curriculum Vitae: Academic CV listing coursework, research projects, programming skills, and awards.; Official University Transcripts: Complete grade records in English for all university degrees attended.; Two Academic References: Submitted directly by professors or project supervisors via the ISTA portal before the referee deadline..

How are applicants selected for ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme?

Central Academic Screening → Direct Evaluation & Shortlisting by Target ISTA Professors → Video Interview with Host Lab (March) → Final Fellowship Offer.

How much work is the ISTA ISTernship Summer Research Programme application?

Very High: Online ISTA Application + Statement of Purpose + Selection of 1–2 ISTA Professors + Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters