MPIA Summer Internship — Internship

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) runs an annual Summer Internship in Heidelberg, Germany, giving undergraduate and Master’s students hands-on experience in astronomy research and instrument development. Interns join a research group for up to three months (typically May–September), work full-time on a supervised project, and receive a monthly stipend. The program is conducted entirely in English and is open to students worldwide.

Benefits & funding

Monthly stipend of roughly €1,000 net per month, with full social benefits
Travel costs supported
Assistance in finding accommodation close to the institute or the city center
Up to three months of full-time, supervised research within an MPIA group

Eligibility

Bachelor’s and Master’s students enrolled at a university anywhere in the world
Students who obtained a Master’s degree in 2024 or earlier, and students already enrolled in a PhD program, are not eligible
Non-EU Bachelor students must have completed at least four semesters by May/June 2026 and must graduate after the internship ends
Fluent English; the program is conducted entirely in English
In-person, full-time participation in Heidelberg is required
At least two positions are reserved for candidates from developing countries, and applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged

Can you apply?

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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled

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Application process

1
Prepare a single PDF (max 10 MB) containing a CV (up to 3 pages), a one-page research statement, university transcript(s), and the transcript attachment form.
2
Arrange one reference letter, which the referee submits separately.
3
Submit the application through the MPIA online application system before the deadline.

Program timeline

Application deadline (2026 cycle — now closed; all positions filled)
Jan 15, 2026
2026-05 to 2026-09
Internship period (2026 cohort)
Next call for applications to be announced
2026-12
2027-01
Application deadline for the 2027 cycle (exact date to be announced December 2026)