Applications are now open for the fully funded Max Planck Institutes in Computer Science Internships 2026 for international students in computer science

Are you dreaming on pursing a career in cutting edge computer science research? Max Planck internship offers a world class pathway to make that dream a reality.

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The Institutes are renowned for their pioneering research, and their internship program provides a unique, hands on opportunity for students and professionals to dive deep into academic research.

Internship Benefits: Why a Max Planck Internship is a Game Changer

Interning at a the Institute is more than just a line on your resume; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a globally recognized research community. The institutes boast an exceptional faculty and a diverse, English-speaking environment. Here’s what makes this opportunity stand out:

• Hands-On Research: You won’t be fetching coffee. As an intern, you will work directly with a faculty mentor on a cutting edge CS research internship project. This hands-on experience is invaluable, giving you a taste of what a full-time research career is like.
• Publication Opportunities: Successful internships often lead to co-authored publications at top academic conferences. Imagine having your name on a paper published in a prestigious venue, it is a massive boost for your academic and professional future.
• Fully Funded Experience: This is a major perk. All admitted interns receive a monthly stipend to cover living costs. Plus, your housing and round-trip travel from your home to the institute are covered. This financial support allows you to focus entirely on your research without worrying about expenses.
• Kick Start Your Career: For aspiring researchers, this internship can be the perfect launching pad. It provides you with the skills, connections, and experience needed to stand out when applying for a Ph.D. program or a research position.

Eligibility Criteria: Who is This Internship For?

This internship program is highly competitive, seeking out truly exceptional candidates from around the globe. While the program is open to a variety of backgrounds, applicants should have a passion for computer science research and a strong academic foundation.

• Students: The program is open to talented Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students from all over the world. You should have a basic background in computer, roughly equivalent to the first three years of a standard undergraduate program.
• Industry Professionals: If you’re working in the industry but are interested in gaining academic research experience, you are also encouraged to apply. The program welcomes exceptional individuals with a similar academic background who want to explore research.
• Thesis Projects: Students looking for a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis project can apply. If your university permits it, your internship project can be converted into your official thesis research.
• Interdisciplinary Interests: The institutes welcome applicants with diverse academic backgrounds. If your interests intersect with other fields like social science, economics, law, or the humanities, your unique perspective could be a great fit.
• Excellent Academic Record: Regardless of your experience level, you are expected to have an excellent academic record to be considered for this highly-selective program.

These Institutes are committed to diversity and particularly welcome applications from individuals who belong to underrepresented groups in computer science and other STEM fields.

The Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is straightforward, but it requires careful preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to apply for this research internship:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you start the online application, make sure you have the following materials ready:

• Your CV (Curriculum Vitae): A detailed resume outlining your academic and professional experience.
• Transcripts: Official academic records from your university.
• Reference Information: You will need the contact information for at least one reference (a recommender). This person is typically a professor, a research advisor, or a supervisor at work who can vouch for your academic abilities.
• Motivation Letter (Optional): While not required, a well written motivation letter can significantly boost your application by showing your passion for the research area. Use this as an opportunity to explain why you are interested in the Max Planck Institute for Informatics or another specific institute and what you hope to achieve during your internship.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

All applications must be submitted through the official online portal. Do not email your application materials directly to the institutes.

• Online Portal: Click the Apply link below to start your application
• Faculty Preferences: The application form allows you to optionally indicate which faculty members you’d like to work with. This is a preference, not a guarantee, but it helps the review committee match your interests with available projects.
• Reference Letters: The system does not request reference letters immediately. If your application is a strong candidate, the committee will contact your recommender directly to request a letter. This is a key point—you should not ask your recommender to send a letter until the institute requests it.

Step 3: The Review and Notification Process

• Review: A committee of researchers from the participating institutes will screen your application. During this phase, you might be contacted for a phone interview.
• Notification: You will be notified of the outcome via email. If you are accepted, you will be connected with your assigned faculty mentor to discuss your internship start date and project details.

Important Deadlines

To ensure your application is considered on time, pay close attention to the deadlines:

• For Summer Internships (May – August): The application deadline is November 1 of the previous year. You can expect to hear back by March 1.
• For Internships Outside the Summer: You should apply at least 5 months before your intended start date. These applications are reviewed based on the needs of individual research groups, and you will likely hear back within 3-4 months of applying.

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All Frequently Asked Questions About the Max Planck Institutes in Computer Science Internships 2026

The Basics

• Do I need to speak German? No. English is the official working language at all participating institutes.
• What will I do as an intern? You will join a research group, be mentored by a faculty member, and conduct academic research with a team of professors, students, and postdocs.
• Where will the internship take place? Internships are held at one of the participating institutes. In some cases, if you and your mentor agree, you can complete the internship remotely if you can’t travel due to COVID-19.

Participating Institutes and Project Selection

• Which institutes are part of the program?
  • For Informatics (Saarbruecken)
  • For Software Systems (Kaiserslautern and Saarbruecken)
  • For Security and Privacy (Bochum)
• Can I choose my mentor or project? When you apply, you can state your preference for a specific faculty member. However, your application will be considered by other research groups as well. We don’t provide a list of projects ahead of time; you and your mentor will choose a project together once you’ve been selected.
• Where can I find a list of faculty members? You can find faculty lists on the websites of the participating institutes:
  • For Informatics
  • For Software Systems
  • For Security and Privacy
• What about the For Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS)? MPI-IS is not part of this program. You’ll need to contact their faculty members directly to apply for an internship.
• I see a separate internship call from one of the participating institutes. What’s the difference? Some institutes or research groups post their own internship openings. If you apply to one of those, you’ll only be considered for that specific position. Applying through our program means all participating institutes and research groups will be able to review your application. You are welcome to apply to both.

Eligibility and Application Details

• Who can apply? The program is open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. students, as well as industry professionals interested in academic research. To be eligible, you must have a strong background in computer science, an excellent academic record, and an interest in academic research.
• Can I use the internship for my thesis? Yes, as long as both your internship mentor and university agree. If this is your goal, be sure to mention it in your application.
• How do I apply? All applications must be submitted online through the application portal. We don’t accept applications or materials by email.
• What materials do I need to apply? You’ll need to submit your CV, transcripts, and contact information for at least one reference. A motivation letter is optional.
• What is a reference? A reference is a person, usually a professor or past supervisor, who can vouch for your academic abilities. We may contact them directly if we need a letter of recommendation. You should always ask your reference if they are willing to provide a letter before you list them on your application.
• The application asks for a GPA and class rank. My school doesn’t provide these. What should I do? If your university doesn’t provide a major GPA, calculate it yourself by averaging your grades in computer science courses. If they don’t provide a class rank, write “N/A” or “0” and add a comment explaining the situation.
• How are interns selected? Our selection process is highly competitive and based on merit, including coursework, skills, and prior experience. A committee will screen all applications, and some candidates may be contacted for a phone interview. The final selection is based on finding a good match with a research group.
• Will I be notified if my reference submits a letter? No. We don’t contact every reference. If we need a letter from your reference, we will reach out to them directly. We can’t respond to individual requests about the status of your reference.

Logistics, Funding, and Timing

• Do you offer financial support? Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend that covers living costs. We also cover the cost of housing and round-trip travel to the host institute. If you need a visa and are required to pay a fee, we may be able to cover it.
• How long are the internships? The length and start date are decided by you and your mentor. While 12 to 14-week internships during the summer are most common, longer internships and different start times are possible.
• When are internships available? Interns are welcome year-round, though most start between May and August due to academic calendars.
• When is the application deadline? For a summer internship (May-August), the deadline is November 1 of the previous year. For all other start times, you should apply at least five months in advance.
• Will you help with a German visa? If you are selected, we will provide the necessary documents for you to apply for a visa. It is your responsibility to apply for the visa in time through a German consulate.