DESY Summer Student Programme in Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the DESY Summer Student Programme 2026! This prestigious paid summer research opportunity invites undergraduate students in physics, related natural sciences, scientific computing, or engineering to gain hands-on experience at one of Europe’s leading particle accelerator centers (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY) in Hamburg or Zeuthen (near Berlin), Germany.

The programme runs for 7.5 weeks from 21 July to 10 September 2026 (fixed dates – full participation is mandatory). It focuses on real research projects in fields like photon science, accelerators, elementary particle physics, and astroparticle physics, combined with tailored English lectures and facility visits. No IELTS or formal English test is required, but good working knowledge of English is essential. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Programme Duration — 7.5 weeks: 21 July – 10 September 2026 (fixed, no changes possible)
• Location — DESY laboratories in Hamburg or Zeuthen (near Berlin), Germany
• Working Hours — 39 hours per week (project work + lectures)
• Certificate — Awarded at the end, equivalent to 10 ECTS points
• Application Fee — None
• Application deadline — 31 January 2026.
• Number of Participants — Up to around 100 students typically selected

What This Programme Offers

Participants receive substantial support and gains to kickstart their research careers:

• A daily salary of €28.50 (1200€ monthly) to cover living expenses during the stay
• Free accommodation at the DESY Hostel for the entire programme period
• Partial reimbursement of travel costs to and from Germany
• Hands-on involvement in cutting-edge research projects under expert supervision
• Valuable practical experience in areas like detector work, data analysis, software development, theory, or scientific computing
• A series of specialised lectures in English on DESY’s key research topics
• Guided tours of world-class accelerators, experiments, and the computer centre
• Opportunities to collaborate with international scientists and expand your professional network
• A certificate recognizing your work as equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, boosting your academic CV
• Immersive exposure to a leading international research environment in Germany

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all these conditions:

• Completed at least three years of full-time university studies in physics, related natural sciences, computing, or engineering by summer 2026
• In one of these stages by summer 2026: about to complete a Bachelor’s degree, or already holding a Bachelor’s and enrolled in a Master’s programme
• Not eligible if you will have obtained (or already hold) a Master’s degree by summer 2026
• Must remain enrolled at your university throughout the full programme period (21 July – 10 September 2026) – mandatory due to German employment law for paid internships
• No previous participation as a DESY summer student
• Good working knowledge of English and basic computing skills
• Applications from students enrolled at Russian or Belarusian universities are not accepted (due to current DESY policy)
• For non-EU/EEA applicants: Must comply with German work permit requirements (handled via submitted documents)

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How to Apply

1. Review everything carefully — Read the full conditions, FAQ, and instructions on the official website to confirm you qualify and accept the fixed dates.
2. Prepare your materials:
   • Short motivation statement (max. 1000 characters) explaining your research interests and reasons for applying
   • Summary of computing experience (e.g., list of languages/frameworks and proficiency levels)
   • Single PDF containing: tabular CV (1-2 pages), university grade certificates/transcripts
   • For non-EU/EEA only (additional or separate PDF): passport copy, certificate of enrollment covering the full period, signed/stamped Declaration of Certificate of Enrolment (download from site)
3. Provide one referee — Name and email (ask permission first); they will be emailed instructions to upload a reference letter
4. Submit online — Use the official application form on the website; select up to three preferred research areas; upload documents; confirm details
5. Deadline — 31 January 2026 – incomplete applications are not considered

Selection occurs in February–March, with notifications by end of March 2026.

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