The Max Planck Internships offer exceptional students and early-career researchers the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at some of Germany’s leading computer science institutes. Open to Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students worldwide, the programme provides full financial support while allowing participants to work alongside internationally recognised researchers on cutting-edge projects.
The Max Planck Internships are hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems and the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy. Interns work directly with experienced faculty members on research projects tailored to their academic background, interests and future career goals. The programme is highly competitive and is designed for students with excellent academic records and a strong interest in computer science research.
Max Planck Internships Benefits
The Max Planck Internships provide comprehensive financial support for selected participants. Successful applicants will receive:
- A monthly stipend sufficient to cover living expenses.
- Free accommodation throughout the internship.
- Round-trip travel costs between their home country and Germany.
- Direct supervision from a faculty mentor.
- Access to world-class research facilities.
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.
- The possibility of contributing to publications presented at leading international conferences.
Internships typically last between 12 and 14 weeks, although longer placements may be arranged depending on the research project and mutual agreement.
Eligible Research Areas
The Max Planck Internships cover virtually every area of Computer Science, including but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Software Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Privacy
- Programming Languages
- Computer Vision
- Robotics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Distributed Systems
- Networks
- Data Science
Research projects are determined after selection and are customised to match each intern’s interests and academic experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Max Planck Internships
To qualify for the Max Planck Internships, applicants should:
- Be an outstanding Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral student from any country.
- Have completed coursework equivalent to the first three years of a Computer Science undergraduate degree before the internship begins.
- Possess a strong academic background in Computer Science.
- Demonstrate an excellent academic record.
- Have a genuine interest in academic research.
- Be professionally fluent in English.
The programme also accepts exceptional industry professionals seeking academic research experience in Computer Science.
Students wishing to complete their Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis through the internship are encouraged to apply, provided their university permits it.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Academic transcripts (official or unofficial).
- English translations of transcripts if the originals are not in English.
- Contact information for at least one academic referee.
- Optional motivation letter.
- Preferred internship period.
- Preferred faculty members or research groups (optional).
Additional documents may be requested during the selection process.
Selection Process
The Max Planck Internships are awarded strictly on merit. Applications are reviewed by research groups across the participating institutes based on academic excellence, technical skills, research potential and alignment with ongoing projects.
Some shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview before final decisions are made.
Successful applicants are paired with a faculty mentor, who will help define the internship project and finalise the internship schedule.
Internship Timeline
Applications for internships beginning between May and August follow a fixed annual cycle. Candidates applying for these summer internships should submit their applications by the published deadline and will normally receive a decision before the beginning of February.
For internships starting between January and April or September and December, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis depending on available research projects. Applicants are advised to apply at least five months before their preferred start date.
Why Choose the Max Planck Internships?
The Max Planck Internships provide an outstanding opportunity to experience research at one of Europe’s most respected scientific organisations. Participants gain practical research experience, develop valuable technical skills and build professional relationships with leading academics in Computer Science.
Many former interns have gone on to publish research papers, secure admission into prestigious graduate programmes and launch successful research careers in academia and industry.
Because English is the official working language across the participating institutes, international students can fully participate without needing German language skills.
How to Apply
Applications for the Max Planck Internships must be submitted online through the official internship portal. Applicants should complete the online application form and upload all required documents before the relevant deadline.
Applications submitted by email are not accepted.
Application Deadline
November 1, 2026