DAAD RISE Germany Internship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) offers undergraduates from North American, British, and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the DAAD RISE interns are matched with a host university according to their area of interest.

DAAD RISE covers all international travel costs and includes an international travel subsidy. Interns receive a monthly stipend of 750 Euros. The internship provides health insurance and accident and liability insurance for the duration of the internship. Interns also have the opportunity to attend a three-day RISE meeting in Heidelberg at the beginning of July.

DAAD RISE internships are ideal for STEM students interested in studying abroad for a short period of time so they can graduate on time while experiencing German culture and education. This internship is also ideal for undergraduates aiming to obtain research experience in preparation for applying for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) grant, graduate school, or other research-based graduate opportunities.

General Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for scholarship application:

  • Be currently enrolled at a university or college in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or Ireland as a full-time student in the following fields:
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • Physics
    • Earth Sciences
    • Engineering
  • Must be an undergraduate with at least two years of a degree program completed by time of internship placement
  • Must be able to prove they will maintain undergraduate status after internship has been completed

Although German language skills are not required for most internships--as most internships are in English--some basic understanding of German generally helps in life outside the laboratory.

Application Dates and Deadlines

November 01 to December 15: Internship database is open

December 15: Application deadline

December 22: Letter of recommendation deadline

Timeline

Freshman Year

Spring

  • Meet with Fellowship Advisor (FA) about application overview
  • Look through previous DAAD RISE internship databases to learn about types of opportunities typically offered
  • Take HON 201: Scholarships and Graduate School Prep (7 Weeks)

Sophomore Year

Summer

  • Identify potential recommender (must be senior academic) for Letter of Recommendation

Fall

  • Register for DAAD internship database
  • Draft Motivation Letter for each project and submit to FA for feedback
  • CAMPUS DEADLINE - November 30: Submit final draft of completed application to FA for final review
  • Submit application by December 15; recommenders upload Letter of Recommendation by December 22

Contact

For more information on DAAD RISE, schedule an appointment with:

  • Jennifer Staton
  • Fellowship Advisor, Honors College
  • statonj@uah.edu
  • 256.824.6421
  • Frank Franz Hall 113C