DAAD RISE Worldwide Internship is for Hosting a German Research Intern. Could your research group host a motivated German undergraduate intern? The DAAD RISE Worldwide programme offers researchers at accredited universities and non-profit research institutions the chance to welcome talented Bachelor students from Germany and across the globe for a research internship. Students come from engineering, natural and earth sciences, medicine, computer science, and related disciplines.
This guide explains how research groups can participate in RISE Worldwide 2027, what the programme offers, and how to submit a successful project proposal.
What Is RISE Worldwide?
RISE Worldwide (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) is a DAAD programme that places German Bachelor students in research groups around the world.
Selected students receive a DAAD scholarship that covers living expenses and travel costs. In return, host institutions gain support for their research projects, mentoring experience, and the opportunity to strengthen international academic connections.
Who Can Host an Intern?
Researchers at accredited universities and non-profit research institutions worldwide may submit project offers.
Eligible hosts include:
- Professors
- Postdoctoral researchers
- PhD students (with a letter of support from their supervisor)
- Other researchers affiliated with an accredited academic or non-profit research institution
Hosts should work in natural sciences, earth sciences, engineering, medicine, mathematics, computer science, or closely related fields.
Each researcher may host only one intern and should therefore submit only one project offer.
Why Host a German Research Intern?
Participating in RISE Worldwide brings several advantages:
- You receive practical support for your ongoing research project.
- You mentor highly motivated undergraduate students from Germany.
- You strengthen the international profile of your research group.
- You establish or deepen collaborations with German universities.
- You connect with potential future Master’s or PhD candidates.
PhD students often find the programme particularly valuable because it offers early experience in supervising and mentoring younger researchers.
Draft Project Description for DAAD RISE Worldwide 2027
Below are examples of project descriptions that research groups can adapt when submitting an offer to the RISE Worldwide Internship Database.
Example 1: Environmental Science / Ecology
Project Title: Assessing Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Ecosystems
Research Group: Coastal Ecology Laboratory, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Research Question
How do microplastic concentrations vary across different coastal habitats, and what is their potential impact on local marine invertebrates?
Experimental Approach
The intern will collect sediment and water samples from selected sites along the Western Cape coastline. Samples will be processed in the laboratory using density separation and filtration methods. Microplastics will be identified and quantified under a stereomicroscope. The student will also assist with basic statistical analysis of the data.
Possible Tasks for the Intern
- Assist with field sampling of water and sediment
- Prepare and process samples in the laboratory
- Identify and count microplastic particles
- Enter and organise data in Excel
- Contribute to literature review and preliminary data interpretation
About the Research Group and Location
Our laboratory focuses on marine pollution and coastal ecosystem health. The University of Cape Town is located near Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline, offering excellent access to field sites and a vibrant academic environment. English is the working language of the group.
Example 2: Computer Science / Machine Learning
Project Title: Developing Lightweight Machine Learning Models for Agricultural Image Classification
Research Group: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture Lab, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana
Research Question
Can lightweight convolutional neural networks accurately classify common crop diseases from smartphone images under limited computational resources?
Experimental Approach
The intern will work with an existing dataset of crop disease images. Tasks include data pre-processing, model training using transfer learning, performance evaluation, and testing model efficiency on edge devices. The student will use Python (TensorFlow/PyTorch) and receive guidance from PhD researchers in the group.
Possible Tasks for the Intern
- Clean and augment image datasets
- Train and fine-tune machine learning models
- Evaluate model accuracy and computational efficiency
- Document experiments and results
- Present findings in group meetings
About the Research Group and Location
Our lab develops AI solutions for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. KNUST is one of Ghana’s leading science and technology universities, located in Kumasi. The working language is English, and the team regularly collaborates with international partners.
Example 3: Materials Science / Engineering
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterisation of Biodegradable Polymer Composites
Research Group: Advanced Materials Research Group, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Research Question
How do different natural fibre reinforcements affect the mechanical and degradation properties of biodegradable polymer composites?
Experimental Approach
The intern will assist in the preparation of polymer composite samples using solution casting or melt mixing techniques. Mechanical testing (tensile strength, flexibility) and basic degradation studies will be carried out. Characterisation methods may include FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (depending on equipment availability).
Possible Tasks for the Intern
- Prepare polymer composite samples
- Conduct mechanical testing of materials
- Assist with spectroscopic analysis
- Record experimental data and maintain lab notebooks
- Support literature review on biodegradable materials
About the Research Group and Location
Our group focuses on sustainable materials for packaging and environmental applications. The University of Nairobi provides a dynamic research environment in East Africa. English is the primary working language of the laboratory.
Tips for Writing Your Own Project Description
- Keep the text clear and concise (ideally one page).
- Use accessible language so undergraduate students can understand the project.
- Clearly state what the intern will actually do day-to-day.
- Include contact information and the webpage of your institute.
- Highlight the international and collaborative nature of the experience.
Would you like me to create additional examples in other fields (for example, chemistry, physics, or biomedical engineering)?
Internship Duration and Timing
Internships last between 6 weeks and 3 months during the summer of 2027.
The earliest possible start date is 1 June 2027. Hosts and interns arrange the exact dates together within the programme framework.
How to Submit a Project Offer
Interested research groups must submit their project offer through the official RISE Worldwide Internship Database.
Submission window:
15 August – 30 September 2026
(Note: Canadian researchers submit through Mitacs and follow a different timeline.)
What to Include in Your Project Description
Your project description should be clear, concise, and no longer than one page (PDF format). Include the following elements:
- Scientific research question
- Experimental approach
- Possible tasks for the intern
- Information about your research group, university, and region
Also include your name, contact details, and the webpage of your institute. Many students print only the project description, so clear contact information helps them find the offer again.
Responsibilities of the Host
As a host, you agree to:
- Supervise the research project
- Support the student with local administrative matters
- Assist with finding accommodation
- Provide guidance on recreational or practical aspects of the stay (where possible)
Integrating PhD students into the supervision process is highly recommended, although not mandatory.
Programme Timeline Overview
- 15 August – 30 September 2026: Hosts submit project offers
- October – November 2026: German students apply to projects in the database
- January 2027: Hosts rank applications
- Summer 2027: Internships take place (June–October)
DAAD plans to award up to 300 scholarships. Demand is high, so not every submitted project will receive an intern.
How Students Are Selected
German Bachelor students apply online to a maximum of three projects listed in the database. DAAD checks eligibility and then makes the applications available to the host researchers for ranking. Final placement decisions take the host rankings into account.
Take a look at other DAAD programs that will benefit you below:
- DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines
- DAAD Third Country Programme Central America
- DAAD Research Grants in Germany Fully Funded Program
- DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
- DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme Sub-Saharan Africa
Official Resources and Contact
Researchers can find the submission portal and detailed guidelines on the official RISE Worldwide website:
www.daad.de/rise-worldwide
For questions, contact the RISE team:
Email: rise-ww@daad.de
You can take a look at How to Verify Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding. You can also learn How to Avoid Scholarship Scams.
Closing Remarks
RISE Worldwide 2027 offers research groups an excellent opportunity to host a motivated German undergraduate intern, advance their own research, and build lasting academic connections with Germany.
If your group works in a relevant STEM field and can provide meaningful research tasks and supervision, consider submitting a project offer between 15 August and 30 September 2026. Early preparation of a clear and engaging project description significantly increases the chance of attracting strong student applications.