CISPA Summer Research Internship 2027 in Germany – Paid Research Opportunity for Bachelor’s and Master’s Students
The CISPA Summer Research (CSR) Internship Program 2027 offers Bachelor’s and Master’s students an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Germany. The programme provides a 2–3 month paid research internship for students interested in computer security, cryptography, privacy and machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Applications are currently open, and interested students must submit their applications by 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Anywhere on Earth (AoE).
About the CISPA Summer Research Internship
The CISPA Summer Research Internship allows students to join a CISPA research group and participate directly in ongoing research activities. Interns work alongside researchers and gain practical experience investigating open research questions and developing new ideas.
The programme is designed for students who want to build research experience while completing their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. It provides an opportunity to experience academic research in an international environment while working with researchers specialising in cybersecurity, privacy and artificial intelligence.
The internship normally starts in May or June 2027 and lasts between two and three months.
Paid Research Internship in Germany
One of the major attractions of the CISPA Summer Research Programme is that it is a paid internship.
According to the programme information, interns receive approximately €2,568.80 to €2,671.89 per month before taxes, depending on their qualifications. The payment is provided as compensation for the voluntary internship.
The programme is based at CISPA in Germany, although the specific internship location can depend on the faculty or researcher’s site. Possible locations include Saarbrücken, St. Ingbert, Dortmund, Hannover and Stuttgart.
Who Can Apply?
The CISPA Summer Research Internship is open to students pursuing relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Equivalent fields
Eligible degree programmes include BSc, BEng, BTech, MSc, MEng and MTech.
Applicants must have completed at least four semesters by the time the internship begins. They must also remain enrolled as students throughout the entire internship period.
English proficiency is required because the programme involves research activities and academic communication in English.
Importantly, the programme is not open to PhD students or Master’s graduates seeking a PhD position.
Research Areas at CISPA
The CISPA Summer Research programme is particularly relevant to students interested in cutting-edge technology and information security.
The programme highlights research areas including cryptography, computer security, privacy and machine learning/AI.
Successful interns will join a research group and participate in its research activities. This gives students the opportunity to learn how researchers investigate open questions, develop new ideas and communicate research findings.
For students considering postgraduate research or careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or related technology fields, the programme can provide valuable research exposure.
Additional CSR Sessions and Certificate
The internship goes beyond research work. Participants also take part in CSR sessions designed to help them develop as researchers.
These sessions cover topics such as scientific writing, presenting research findings, and research ethics in cybersecurity and AI.
Successful participants receive a certificate after completing their research internship and the accompanying programme.
The programme also includes social activities where interns can meet other participants and researchers from across CISPA. These activities provide opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and learn about different research topics.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare several documents for the CISPA Summer Research application.
The required application materials include a motivation letter, preferably one page and no more than two pages, explaining the applicant’s research interests and motivation.
Applicants must also provide a CV, ideally one to two pages, outlining their education and relevant experience.
An academic transcript is required, with the latest transcript provided in English and all pages combined into one PDF.
Applicants must also provide an English language assessment, either through a test result or a statement confirming study or work experience where English was the main language.
Master’s students must provide their Bachelor’s degree certificate in English. Applicants may also optionally provide contact details for potential academic referees.
CISPA Summer Research 2027 Application Timeline
The application deadline is 30 November 2026.
After applications close, the CSR committee will review eligibility and applications. Faculty interviews may take place between mid-December and mid-January, although not every eligible applicant will necessarily be interviewed.
Internship offers are expected around mid-January 2027. Selected candidates may receive more than one offer and can choose their preferred research team.
Successful candidates must accept their offer by the end of January 2027. CISPA will then assist with contracts, visas and onboarding.
How to Apply
Students interested in the CISPA Summer Research Internship 2027 should submit their applications through the official CISPA internship application portal before the deadline.
The CISPA Summer Research Internship is an excellent opportunity for students seeking international research experience in cybersecurity, privacy, cryptography and AI, while gaining practical exposure to research at a leading German information-security research centre.
