Applications are now open for the MPIA Summer Internship 2026, a fully paid international internship programme offered by the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA). The programme will take place during the summer period between May and September 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany, and is open to bachelor’s and master’s students from around the world.
The internship provides hands-on research experience in astronomy and instrument development while offering financial support, travel coverage, and accommodation assistance to selected participants.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institute: Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA)
- Category: Internships | Research Programs
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Program Duration: Up to 3 Months
- Reward: €1,000 Monthly Salary | Travel Cost Coverage | Social Benefits | Accommodation Assistance
- Deadline: January 15, 2026
Program Details
The MPIA Summer Internship Programme is designed to provide undergraduate and master’s students with practical exposure to cutting-edge research in astronomy within a world-class research environment. Interns will participate in diverse research projects and instrument development activities under the guidance of experienced scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy.
The programme strongly encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups underrepresented in astronomy, including women, ethnic minorities, refugees, first-generation university students, and students with disabilities. Interns will work for up to three months on research projects aligned with their academic background and interests.
Selection is based on academic excellence, prior research exposure, technical skills, and demonstrated interest in astronomy. Final decisions are made after reviewing recommendation letters, and selected interns are matched with supervisors based on experience and project preferences.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the MPIA Summer Internship 2026, applicants must:
- Be bachelor’s or master’s students
- Not have completed a master’s degree in 2024 or earlier
- Not be currently enrolled in a PhD programme
- Be citizens of developing countries
- Demonstrate academic interest and foundational knowledge in astronomy or related fields
Internship Benefits
Successful applicants of the MPIA Summer Internship will receive:
- Coverage of travel costs
- €1,000 monthly salary with full social benefits
- Assistance in securing accommodation near the institute
- Opportunity to conduct research at a top-tier European research institute
- Hands-on experience in astronomy research and instrument development
Required Documents
To apply for this internship, applicants must prepare and upload a single merged PDF containing:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research statement
- University transcript
- Transcript attachment form
How to Apply
To apply for the MPIA Summer Internship 2026:
- Submit your application through the online application system
- Enter your personal information
- Provide details of your education, grades, graduation date, and preferred internship period
- Select and rank your top five preferred projects
- Provide referee details
- Ensure one reference letter is submitted separately by the referee via the official reference link
- Upload all required documents as one merged PDF file
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions
- Click “Submit my application” to complete the process
All applications must be submitted on or before January 15, 2026.
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