Max Planck Computer Science Internships 2027: Quick facts
TL;DR: The Max Planck Institutes for Informatics, Software Systems, and Security and Privacy offer fully funded research internships in computer science in Germany. Places are open to exceptional Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students worldwide, and to strong industry applicants who want academic research experience. Interns receive a living stipend, housing coverage, and round-trip travel. A typical internship lasts 12 to 14 weeks. For summer 2027 starts (May to August), apply by 1 November 2026.
Host institutes and locations
Participating institutes:
- Max Planck Institute for Informatics (Saarbruecken)
- Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (Kaiserslautern and Saarbruecken)
- Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (Bochum)
The working environment is English-speaking and multicultural. German is not required. Professional fluency in English is required.
What the funding covers
All admitted interns receive:
- A monthly stipend sufficient to cover living costs
- Housing costs during the internship
- Round-trip travel from your habitual residence to the hosting institute
If you need a Schengen or German visa, the programme provides supporting documents after selection. Visa decisions remain with German authorities.
Duration and timing
A typical internship lasts 12 to 14 weeks, though longer placements are possible. Internships run year-round, but most interns start in the summer months (May to August). Exact dates are agreed with your faculty mentor after selection.
Eligibility
You can apply if you:
- Are an exceptional Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral student worldwide, or an industry candidate seeking academic computer science research experience
- Have a basic computer science background roughly equivalent to the first three years of a standard computer science Bachelor’s programme by the start of the internship
- Have an excellent academic record
- Are professionally fluent in English
Students looking for Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis projects are welcome; the internship project can become a thesis if your university allows. Interdisciplinary applicants (for example intersecting social science, economics, or law with computer science) may apply, but the primary focus remains computer science applications.
Application deadlines
- Summer starts (May to August 2027): apply by 1 November 2026 (strict deadline). Successful applicants should hear before 1 February 2027.
- Other start dates (January to April, or September to December): no fixed deadline; apply at least 5 months before your intended start. If you do not hear within 4 months, assume you were not selected.
How to apply
Applications are accepted only online through the official Max Planck computer science internship portal. Do not email application materials.
You will need:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts and unofficial English translations are accepted initially)
- Contact information for at least one academic or professional reference
- An optional motivation letter
You may optionally name preferred faculty mentors and your preferred internship period. Research groups review applications and may invite you to a phone or video interview. References are not requested for every applicant; wait to be contacted rather than chasing the programme about letters.
FAQ
Is the Max Planck internship fully funded?
Yes. Admitted interns receive a stipend, housing coverage, and round-trip travel support.
Do I need to speak German?
No. Participating institutes use English as the working language. Professional English fluency is required.
Who can apply?
Exceptional Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students worldwide, plus strong industry applicants interested in academic computer science research, who meet the background and excellence criteria above.
What is the summer 2027 deadline?
Apply by 1 November 2026 for internships starting between May and August 2027.
Where do I submit my application?
Use the official Max Planck internship application portal. Applications by email are not accepted.
Can Doctoral students apply?
Yes. Doctoral students who meet the computer science background and excellence criteria may apply.
