The Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology runs this three-month, in-person research internship in Berlin. International students enrolled in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs join an institute laboratory and work on a listed infection-biology project under scientific supervision. The 2026 projects cover the human microbiome, host–microbe interactions and malaria parasite biology.
A complementary program develops research presentation, question-formulation and PhD-application skills. The latest published call is closed.
Benefits & funding
- A €1,400 stipend for living expenses during the three-month stay.
- Accommodation close to the institute.
- Travel compensation to and from Berlin.
- Research supervision, professional-skills training, institute visits and administrative support.
- Visa fees are not covered, although the International Office assists selected interns with the process.
Eligibility
- Applicants must remain enrolled at a university for the entire internship and be studying in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
- Applicants who have not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree must have completed at least four semesters by the application date.
- Applicants need a strong academic record, good English and a background relevant to an offered project, such as biology, medicine, biochemistry or epidemiology.
- Applicants must be available in Berlin from August 1 through October 31, 2026 and must treat the placement as a voluntary internship rather than one required for course credit.
- The program page asks applicants to explain barriers to first-class higher education. The FAQ says students without significant barriers may still apply, while applicants facing such barriers receive preference.
- No nationality or residency restriction is stated. Students living in low- and middle-income countries are encouraged to apply, but this is a preference rather than a requirement.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1During an open call, review the listed internship projects and choose the project that best matches the applicant’s background.
- 2Prepare a two-page CV, the required motivation-letter template, a reference letter from a professor or postdoc, transcripts in English and a Bachelor’s diploma if already completed.
- 3Submit every document through the online application portal before the deadline; emailed or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
- 4Shortlisted applicants attend an online interview, after which selected candidates receive an official offer.
Program timeline
Latest published call opened
October 2025
Application deadline
November 21, 2025
Final selections and commitments
February 2026
March 1, 2026
Applicants not contacted by this date may assume they were not selected
Internship begins
August 1, 2026
Internship ends
October 31, 2026