ISTernship Summer Research Program — Fellowship

The ISTernship is a summer research fellowship of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna.

Students and recent graduates from around the world join an ISTA research group for two to three months, work on a project agreed with the group, and present a poster. The program is paused for the 2026 and 2027 cycles; ISTA will post updates on its website.

Benefits & funding

Monthly payment toward living costs: €1,150 a month in 2025.
Travel lump sum based on distance; it may not cover last-minute or extra-luggage bookings.
Campus guest house or OeAD residence in Vienna, subject to availability; free shuttle bus.
Health insurance not included for those without a European Health Insurance Card; the OeAD offers a subsidised option (FAQ).
Full-time, in person, in English.

Eligibility

Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in good standing, or graduated within one year of the start date.
Bachelor’s students must have finished at least two years (four semesters) by the start date.
Natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry or related interdisciplinary fields.
Open to all nationalities; applicants currently enrolled at universities in Russia are ineligible.
Not open to anyone accepted to or enrolled in a PhD program before the start; an invitation to an ISTA PhD interview also ends ISTernship eligibility.

Can you apply?

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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled · Bachelor · Master

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Application process

1
Choose one or two ISTA research groups.
2
Submit a CV, statement of purpose, transcripts and diplomas, and contacts for 1–2 referees through ISTA’s online system; no English test is required.
3
At least one referee must send a letter by the application deadline, or the application is not reviewed.
4
Those offered a place set exact dates and length with their host group.

Program timeline

5 February 2025, 15:00 CET
last application deadline (2025 cycle)
fellowship window (2–3 months, dates set individually)
15 May – 15 September
no cycle — program paused
2026 and 2027