StudyDesk Scholarships
About the scholarship
The HZDR Summer Student Program 2027, run by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) — one of Germany’s national research centres — invites undergraduate and master’s students to spend six to nine weeks between July and September 2027 doing genuine research inside one of its groups. Participants join working teams in the physical and life sciences, engineering and technology, attend scientific lectures, meet their supervisor regularly and receive feedback on their performance at the end of the stay.
Eligibility
- Enrolled as an undergraduate or master’s student in a relevant field (natural sciences, engineering, technology, life sciences).
- Will have completed at least three years of total university studies by 30 September 2027 — i.e. you started your undergraduate studies no later than October 2024.
- Will remain enrolled between July and September 2027 and continue your studies as a bachelor’s or master’s student after the summer break 2027.
- No previous contract or stipend at HZDR — former contractors are excluded.
- PhD students are not eligible, nor are graduates who are no longer students.
- Good academic performance backed by grades and a letter of recommendation from a scientist who knows your work.
- Good English — the programme is conducted in English.
- A valid student ID covering the whole programme period.
Benefits
- A daily grant covering everyday expenses (the 2026 round paid €36 per day — the 2027 rate has not been published yet).
- Free accommodation for the whole stay.
- Travel insurance and local bus tickets.
- Scientific lectures (between the end of July and the end of August), individual supervisor meetings and an end-of-programme performance review.
- International travel to Germany and visa costs are not covered — plan and budget for those yourself.
Documents required
- Online application form with your CV details (enrolment status, field of study, expected graduation date, GPA orientation).
- Academic grades / records (most recent semester grade, converted to a 0–4 GPA orientation).
- Copy of your student ID, valid through September 2027.
- Letter of recommendation from a professor or senior scientist — uploaded by the recommender through the link HZDR provides before the deadline.
How to apply
- Wait for the portal to open on 2 November 2026The application form goes live on the official HZDR summer students page.
- Fill in the application formAnswer the enrolment and study-history questions carefully — especially the three-year rule.
- Upload your documentsCV, grades and student ID as instructed.
- Arrange your recommendation letter earlyAsk your professor or senior scientist well before 24 January 2027 so their letter is uploaded in time.
- Wait for the decisionAcceptance or rejection notifications arrive by email once selection is finished (by end of March 2027).
FAQs
On 2 November 2026, and they close on 24 January 2027. The form is not available before that date.
No — a bachelor’s degree is not required. You need at least three years of university study completed by 30 September 2027.
No — PhD students are not eligible for the summer student program.
No — students who already had a contract or stipend at HZDR are excluded.
No — the programme covers a daily grant, accommodation, insurance and local transport, but not international travel or visa costs.
Verified 19 Oct 2026 on the official HZDR Summer Student Program 2027 application page (hzdr.de/db/Cms?pOid=36868&pNid=2914): window 2 Nov 2026 - 24 Jan 2027, decisions by end Mar 2027, >=3 years of study by 30 Sep 2027 (started by Oct 2024), continued bachelor’s/master’s enrolment, prior-HZDR-contract exclusion, recommendation letter. Programme format (6-9 weeks Jul-Sep, EUR 36/day 2026 rate, free accommodation, insurance, local transport, no airfare/visa) from the 2026 call and independent trackers — 2027 rates not yet published.
