FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about the MPIIB International Summer Internship. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact us. Please note that due to the amount of requests we receive, it may take some time for us to get back to you.
Financing and visa
Yes, you will receive a stipend of about 1,300 € per month, which will be enough to cover for housing and living costs. In addition, we will cover the cost of your travel to and from Berlin.
Your visa application will be your responsibility. Upon acceptance, you will be contacted by our International Office who will assist you with the process.
Unfortunately, we are unable to cover visa fees. However, the program does include a stipend to cover living expenses, housing, and a travel compensation.
Eligibility
Unfortunately, we can only accept students who are enrolled at a university for the entire duration of the internship.
We do not have strict criteria for which programs are eligible for this internship. If your scientific interests lie in one of the areas of research at our institute and you have acquired relevant skills during your studies or work experience that meet the requirements of the projects for which you are applying, you are eligible to apply.
Yes, you can apply. However, preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate significant limitations and comparable qualifications. Given the number of applications we receive, we recommend that you send an unsolicited application to the lab of your interest instead.
No, after midnight CET the application portal will be automatically closed and it will not be possible to submit any further applications. We encourage you to apply in the next round.
Application process
Please submit transcripts from all semesters you have completed. You do not need to submit grades from the semester you are currently enrolled in and have not yet completed.
Yes. The coordinating team and the scholars reviewing your application will need to be able to read your transcripts, and English is the only language they will all understand. You may translate them yourself. However, you should be aware that if you are accepted, you will need official translations (e.g. for your visa).
We begin reviewing applications immediately after the deadline. This process will take some time. If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted and invited to an online interview. A final decision will be made in February 2025. Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to provide individual feedback to applicants. If you have not been contacted by March 2025, please assume that your application has not been retained. Please also check your spam folder regularly.
During the internship
The internship takes place in Berlin at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology. We do not offer virtual internships.
Technically, no. However, the housing market in Berlin is very competitive, so it is highly unlikely that you will be able to find affordable housing. The program offers you affordable housing close to the institute, so that you can walk and not have to pay for public transportation.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring your own project and work on it during the internship. Projects must be chosen from those proposed at the time of application.
The internship is full-time. However, in consultation with your supervisor, you may attend other classes, events or activities during working hours.