International Summer Student Programme (ISSP) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin 2026

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has announced the opening of applications for theInternational Summer Student Programme (ISSP) 2026, which will take place from6 July to 28 August 2026at theBerlin-WannseeandBerlin-Adlershofcampuses.
Applications open on20 October 2025and close on14 December 2025.

About the Programme

Every summer, HZB offers a unique opportunity for20 undergraduate studentsfrom around the world to participate in aneight-week research-based summer programme.
The programme allows students to work on theirown research projectin close collaboration with HZB scientists in various fields, including:

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

Participants engage in daily research activities within laboratory teams and experimental facilities, gaininghands-on scientific experiencein an advanced research environment.

The programme also includes a variety ofcomplementary activities, such as:

• Visits to HZB research facilities (e.g., the BESSY II synchrotron radiation source and solar energy research laboratories).
  
• Excursions to research institutions in and around Berlin.
  
• Workshops on topics like science communication and entrepreneurship.
  
• A closing event featuring scientific poster presentations.
  

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are eligible to apply if they meetallof the following requirements:

• Be anundergraduate or master’s student(not a PhD candidate).
  
• Be enrolled in one of the following or related fields:Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Structural Biology, Mathematics, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Environmental Sciences.
  
• Have completedat least two yearsof full-time university study in their major discipline.
  
• Remainenrolled at their home universitythroughout the entire programme period (6 July – 28 August 2026).
  
• Possess agood command of English(knowledge of German is an advantage).
  
• Be able to providea letter of recommendationwith their application.
  

HZB welcomes applicants fromdiverse backgrounds, with special encouragement forfemale students, in line with the institute’s commitment to gender equality and increasing women’s representation in science.

Working Conditions

• Programme duration:6 July – 28 August 2026 (8 consecutive weeks)
  
• Full participationfor the entire period is mandatory.
  
• Working hours:40 hours per week
  
• Internship contract:8-week research project placement
  

Financial Support

• €1,900 (gross)subsistence allowance for students coming from outside Berlin or Potsdam.
  
• €1,000 (gross)subsistence allowance for students enrolled at universities in Berlin or Potsdam.
  
• Travel cost support:75% reimbursement up to a maximum of:
  
  • €200for students from EU countries (including the UK).
    
  • €800for students from non-EU countries.
    

How to Apply

Application Deadline:14 December 2025

In the first application stage, all required documents must be submittedin English or German(in an accessible, non-protected format).

Required Documents

1. Academic CV:
   
   • In tabular and chronological form, clearly structured and concise (maximum 2 pages).
     
2. Certificate of Enrolment:
   
   • Must be valid until the end of August 2026.
     
   • If the summer 2026 certificate is not yet available, applicants can submit the current one temporarily.
     
3. Academic Transcript and Certificates (if applicable):
   
   • Showing completed courses and grades.
     
4. Copy of Passport or ID Card.
   
5. Letter of Recommendation:
   
   • Written by a professor or supervisor who knows the applicant well and can assess their academic performance and professional conduct.
     
6. Declaration of Certificate of Enrolment(ZAV Form):
   
   • Mandatory for students from non-EU countries.
     
   • Must besigned and stamped by the home university.