The HZDR Summer Student Program in Germany 2026 offers international students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in one of Europe’s leading scientific centers. Running every summer from July to September, the program is hosted by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, allowing participants to collaborate with research groups and actively contribute to ongoing projects. This summer program is designed for senior university students in natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, technology, or related fields, providing a platform to advance scientific research on an international and interdisciplinary scale.
During the program, students work closely with HZDR researchers who create customized project plans and guide participants through the research process. In addition to practical laboratory work, data analysis, scientific computing, and theoretical tasks, the program includes lab tours, lectures, and workshops, offering a comprehensive understanding of various research activities at HZDR. The internship allows students to develop valuable skills while gaining European research experience, and the duration of the program can be tailored between six and nine weeks, with eight weeks recommended.
Participants in the HZDR Summer Student Program 2026 receive multiple benefits, including a daily stipend of 36 euros to cover living expenses, free accommodation, travel insurance, and bus tickets for easy commuting. The program also encourages networking with researchers, professionals, and fellow students, and provides structured feedback to enhance academic and research skills. Students will have the opportunity to attend scientific lectures and engage in individual discussions with their assigned supervisors, ensuring an enriching and immersive research experience.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be enrolled senior university students with a strong academic record, a valid student ID, and proficiency in English. The program is not open to students who already hold a master’s degree but are not enrolled in a course, PhD students, or applicants with a contractual engagement at HZDR within the year prior to the program. Selection is based on academic performance, curriculum vitae, and a recommendation letter from a professor or research supervisor.
Applicants must submit a CV, academic transcripts, a copy of their student ID, a recommendation letter, and information about their educational background and research interests. Preferences for research areas and the type of work, whether experimental or theoretical, should also be indicated, along with the timeframe of availability. Participation requires a minimum stay of six weeks and a maximum of nine weeks, with presence during the core period between week 31 and week 35 mandatory. Acceptance notifications will be sent by April 2026, and the application deadline is February 22, 2026.
The HZDR Summer Student Program 2026 in Germany provides an outstanding opportunity for international students to gain practical research experience, develop professional skills, and engage in interdisciplinary scientific projects in a world-class research environment.
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