From India to Berlin: Apply Now for the HZB International Summer Student Programme 2026

What if I told you that your next summer in Europe could involve free weekends in Berlin, state-of-the-art solar research, and a research internship that pays?

That’s exactly what the HZB International Summer Student Programme (ISSP 2026) offers, an 8-week fully-funded summer experience in Germany’s coolest city. 

What’s the ISSP All About?

Every year, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) picks around 20 international undergrads from across the world to work on real research projects alongside top scientists.

This isn’t your average internship. You’re not fetching coffee or adjusting microscope slides, you’ll actually be doing hands-on research in areas like:

• Photon science
• Solar energy
• Quantum and functional materials
• Electrochemical energy storage
• Accelerator research

Your lab could be at Berlin-Wannsee or Berlin-Adlershof, two buzzing research campuses packed with world-class facilities, and just a short train ride from where currywurst and techno were born.

Who Can Apply?

If you’re an undergrad (Bachelor’s or early Master’s student) in physics, chemistry, material science, engineering, or environmental sciences, you’re already halfway there.

Here’s what else you’ll need:

• At least two years of full-time study completed
• Enrolled during the internship period (6 July – 28 August 2026)
• Good English skills (German’s a plus, but not a dealbreaker)
• One letter of reference from your professor

And yes, women and students from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Official link

What Do You Get?

• A subsistence allowance of €1,900 (for international students) for the 8-week period
• A travel subsidy (up to €800 for non-EU students)
• A 40-hour/week internship contract
• Basically, you get paid to do science in Europe for the summer. Not bad, right?

What You’ll Need to Apply?

Make sure your documents are ready in English or German before applying:

• Academic CV (2 pages max)
• Certificate of enrolment valid till August 2026
• Transcripts or academic record
• Copy of passport/ID
• Letter of reference
• ZAV form (for non-EU students, just a formality)

Applications open 20 October 2025 and close 14 December 2025. Don’t wait until the last day, the portal tends to get busy.

A Few FAQs You’ll Want Answered

• Accommodation? You’ll need to find your own, but HZB will share some helpful platforms.
• Health insurance? Bring your own, you’ll need valid proof before arrival.
• Working language? English! You’ll be fine even if you don’t know a word of German.
• Activities? Tons, you’ll visit labs, research centers, and join student events around Berlin.

Final Thoughts

This is your chance if you're an Indian student hoping to break into the field of international research. You gain credibility, visibility, and a taste of the European research environment through the ISSP, all of which may pave the way for future master's or doctoral opportunities.

So mark your calendars, your science summer in Berlin awaits you.