Summary

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, is inviting international students to apply for the fully funded MPIA Summer Internship Program 2026. This opportunity is designed for bachelor’s and master’s students keen to gain practical experience in astronomy research and instrument development.

  • 🌍 Title:
    MPIA Summer Internship Program 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded
  • 📝 Details:
    The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, invites international students to apply for the MPIA Summer Internship Program 2026. This fully funded internship offers bachelor’s and master’s students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in astronomy research and instrument development. The program runs for three months (May–September 2026) and provides a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and housing assistance.
  • 🪐 Subject Area:
    Astronomy, Astrophysics, Instrumentation Development, and related fields.
  • 🎓 Eligibility:
  • Open to international students worldwide.
  • Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in astronomy or a related field.
  • Bachelor’s students must have completed at least four semesters by May/June 2026.
  • Students who already hold a master’s degree (earned in 2024 or earlier) or are currently enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible.
  • Candidates from underdeveloped nations and underrepresented backgrounds in astronomy (including refugees, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and first-generation college students) are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • 💼 How to Apply:
    All applications must be submitted online via the official MPIA application system. Applicants should:
  1. Fill out the online form and indicate up to five preferred projects.
  2. Upload the following documents as a single PDF file (max 10 MB):
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • University Transcript(s)
    • Transcript Attachment Form
    • One-page Research Statement
  • 📅 Last Date:
    16 January 2026
  • 🌌 Description:
    The MPIA Summer Internship Program 2026 offers students a chance to work alongside world-class astronomers and researchers at one of Europe’s leading institutions. Participants will explore topics ranging from planets and stars to galaxies and black holes, contributing to projects that deepen our understanding of the universe. The program includes a monthly stipend of approximately €1000, full travel coverage, and housing support near the institute or city center.

MPIA aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and scientific growth for a diverse global community.

Designation

10 Master’s Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany
Read more10 Master's Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany

Summer Intern

Research Area

Astronomy, Instrument Development, Astrophysics

Location

Italian Government Scholarship for MSc and PhD Students
Read moreItalian Government Scholarship for MSc and PhD Students

Heidelberg, Germany

Eligibility/Qualification

  • Open to all nationalities.
  • Candidates must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program.
  • Bachelor’s degree candidates should have completed at least four semesters by the start of the internship in May or June 2026.
  • Students pursuing PhDs or those who graduated before 2024 are ineligible.
  • Particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in astronomy (e.g., ethnic minorities, refugees, and first-generation college students).

Job Description

  • Engage in research related to theoretical and observational astronomy.
  • Participate in projects focused on the development of telescope instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with experienced researchers in a supportive and inclusive environment.

How to Apply

  1. Submit your application through the online application system.
  2. Include your top five project choices in the application.
  3. Required documents:
  • Online Application Form
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research Statement (one page)
  • University Transcript(s)
  • Transcript Attachment Form
  1. Combine all documents into a single PDF file (maximum size: 10 MB).

Last Date to Apply

January 16, 2026

For further details and to apply, please refer to the official link.

Apply