HZB International Summer Student Programme (ISSP) 2026

The HZB International Summer Student Programme (ISSP) offers 20 undergraduate students from around the world the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at one of Germany’s leading research institutions.

Over eight weeks, selected students work on a research project under the guidance of HZB scientists in one of the following fields:

• Photon Science
• Photovoltaics & Solar Cells
• Catalysis
• Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Quantum and Functional Materials
• Accelerator Research

Students experience the daily life of a researcher in world-class laboratories at HZB’s Berlin campuses in Wannsee and Adlershof.

Programme Highlights

The ISSP combines research with scientific and cultural enrichment. Students will:

• Work on an individual research project alongside HZB experts.
• Visit cutting-edge research facilities, including the BESSY II synchrotron radiation source, solar energy labs, and the accelerator for proton therapy.
• Participate in workshops on topics such as science communication and entrepreneurship.
• Join excursions to other research institutions in and around Berlin.
• Present their research in a final poster session at the closing event.

Application Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you meet all of the following conditions:

• You are an undergraduate (Bachelor or Master) student — not a PhD candidate.
• You study Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Structural Biology, Mathematics, Engineering, Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline.
• You have completed at least two years of full-time university study by July 2026.
• You will be enrolled as a student during the entire period (6 July – 28 August 2026).
• You have good English proficiency (German is an advantage but not required).
• You can provide a letter of reference from a university professor or academic supervisor.

HZB encourages applications from students of all backgrounds and actively promotes equal opportunities and women’s participation in science.

Working Conditions

• Duration of stay: 6 July to 28 August, 2026

• Participation for the entire duration is mandatory

• Working time: 40 hours/week

• Internship contract of 8 weeks to work on your project

• Subsistence allowance for the contract duration of 1.900€ gross for external participants and 1.000€ gross for students of the universities located in Berlin and Potsdam

• 75% of your travel expenses will be subsidized up to an amount of 200€ for EU-countries (incl. UK) and 800€ for non-EU-countries to help you with the costs of travel between Berlin and your residence.

Application process

The deadline for the application is 14 December 2025.

Documents required

In the first application step, you will be asked to submit the following documents in English or German.

1. Academic CV
   Your CV should be in tabular form and chronological sequence and reflect the most important stages in your education and career. CV has to be concise and clear, and should not exceed 2 pages.

2. Certificate of Enrolment from your current university
   The certificate of enrolment has to be valid until the end of August 2026. If you do not yet have one for summer 2026, this must be submitted later.

3. Transcripts and academic degree certificate (if applicable)
   A copy of your most recent academic transcripts giving an overview of your mark.

4. Copy of passport or identity card

5. Letter of reference
   The letter of reference must be written by a person who knows you well as a student and can assess your professional conduct.

6. Declaration of Certificate of Enrolment (ZAV) - for Students from Non-EU countries
   In order to employ you as an intern in Germany, we require the following mandatory form from you for the authorities:
   Declaration of Certificate of Enrolment (ZAV) 
   Please note the instructions for filling in the form and make sure that the form is signed and stamped by the university