The CaCTüS Internship program supports talented students facing challenges in higher education by offering a paid, three-month internship in Tübingen or Stuttgart. Participants gain access to premier scientific institutions, hands-on research experience, and a network within Germany’s top biological and artificial intelligence research hubs.
Application Deadline:
- Open for the 2027 intake (Refer to the official CaCTüS application portal for exact closing dates).
Tell Me About The Program:
The CaCTüS Internship Program is a fully funded, 90-day summer research internship hosted by the Max Planck Institutes in Tübingen and Stuttgart, Germany. Designed to boost the careers of talented students who experience significant personal, financial, regional, or societal barriers in accessing higher education, the program provides hands-on research experience, first-class scientific mentorship, and access to a vibrant academic network in biological and artificial intelligence research.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience
- Related biological and artificial intelligence fields
Type:
Fully Funded Summer Research Internship (Voluntary Internship)
Who can Apply:
- Academic Standing:
- Must not have started a PhD degree by the time of the internship.
- Undergraduates who have not yet finished their Bachelor’s degree must have completed at least 4 semesters (2 years) of studies before the internship starts.
- Enrollment Condition: For specific projects (Projects 1–4), applicants must remain enrolled in an academic institution from January to October 2027. For other projects, they must be enrolled or hold at least a Bachelor’s degree proven by March 2027.
- Target Audience: Highly motivated students constrained by personal, financial, regional, or societal issues that negatively affect their educational access (with strong encouragement for students from low- and middle-income countries underrepresented in science).
- Language Proficiency: Good command of the English language.
- Availability: Must be available for the entire 90-day duration between 1st July and 30th September 2027 (Note: Due to German visa regulations, stays cannot exceed 90 days).
- Exclusions: Cannot accept interns requiring course credits as part of a mandatory university course requirement.
How are Applicants Selected:
The selection process comprises three main stages:
- Pre-selection: Administrative screening by the Internship Office followed by project laboratory evaluation.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates complete a virtual interview covering personal and technical questions.
- Acceptance: Official internship offer issued via email.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Worldwide, with an explicit emphasis on students from underrepresented low- and middle-income countries).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Max Planck Institutes in Tübingen or Stuttgart, Germany.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Competitive international cohort selected annually.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Monthly Salary: Approximately 1350€ per month (covering living expenses, housing, and health insurance).
- Travel Compensation: Reimbursement for round-trip travel costs to Germany.
- Arranged Housing: Accommodation is organized directly by the Internship Coordination Office.
- Supporting Program: Soft-skill courses (presentations, applications), career counseling, research institute excursions, social gatherings, and a final scientific presentation symposium (supported by the Hanrieder Impact Fund).
How Long Will it Last:
Exactly 90 days (undertaken between 1 July and 30 September 2027).
How to Apply:
- Review the application guide, example CV, and available project list on the official portal.
- Prepare required application materials:
- Motivational statement (covering general science motivation, previous project description, preference for up to two projects, and a statement on educational access constraints)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- University transcripts (with self-provided English translation if official English copies are unavailable) and degree certificates (if available)
- Optional: One reference letter
- Submit your application exclusively through the official CaCTüS application portal (email submissions are not accepted).
