15 International Research Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you’re interested in research, international internships can give you the opportunity to explore your field in different academic and cultural settings. These programs connect you with universities, labs, and research institutes around the world, allowing you to see how research is conducted across countries and disciplines. They can also help you understand how global collaboration shapes scientific and academic work.
Why should I do an international research internship in college?
International research internships allow you to take part in ongoing projects while working with faculty, researchers, and graduate students in specialized fields. You might contribute to lab work, data analysis, field research, or computational projects while developing your understanding of research methods and tools. Over time, these experiences can help you build technical and academic skills, gain global exposure, and prepare for graduate study or research-focused careers.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 international research internships for undergraduates.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Various universities across Canada
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend covers housing, food, and travel
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 12 weeks between May and October
Application Deadline: TBA; application window typically open for six weeks
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate or combined undergraduate/master’s students at eligible institutions in partner countries, including the U.S.; must be at least 18; country-specific requirements may apply
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a 12-week summer program that connects top undergraduate students with research opportunities at over 70 academic institutions across Canada. You’ll work under the supervision of faculty members and collaborate with graduate students and research associates in fields spanning science, engineering, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. The program combines hands-on research with professional development courses and opportunities for cultural exploration. Interns spend the summer conducting research projects while also participating in networking and social activities that introduce them to Canada’s research ecosystem.
Location: CERN laboratories, Geneva, Switzerland
Cost/Stipend: No cost; 93 CHF per day plus airfare and health insurance
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8–13 weeks between June and September
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s students in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics with at least six completed semesters. Must be enrolled during the program or graduating from May onward. Not eligible with prior CERN employment over three months or prior participation in the CERN Summer Student Programme
The CERN Summer Student Program in Geneva offers undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in physics, engineering, and computing. You will join a team working on advanced technical projects using some of the world’s most sophisticated scientific instruments. This international research internship for undergraduates runs for 8 to 13 weeks and includes lectures by global experts, workshops, and guided tours of CERN’s facilities. Students are expected to submit a short report summarizing their research at the end of the placement. In addition to mentorship and training, participants receive travel support and assistance with accommodation.
Location: EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
Cost/Stipend: No cost; CHF 1,800 per month
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically 3 months in the summer; longer if part of an accredited university project
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Students from EPFL partner universities, including Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, UC San Diego, and UIUC
EPFL’s Excellence Research Internship Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work in one of over 500 laboratories at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and its partner campuses in Switzerland. You’ll participate in supervised research across fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, architecture, and engineering. The international research internship for undergraduates provides practical exposure to experimental design, data analysis, and lab techniques in a collaborative research environment. Applicants can select preferred labs and projects based on their academic background and interests.
Location: Vienna BioCenter and partner institutes, Vienna, Austria
Cost/Stipend: No cost; about €1,400 after tax plus housing and medical insurance
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Late June or July 1 – August 31
Application Deadline: Opens November 15 (for summer intake)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and master’s students worldwide with at least two years of study in life sciences or related fields
The Vienna BioCenter Summer School is a nine-week program that enables undergraduate students to conduct life sciences research at some of Europe’s top institutes. Each participant is assigned a faculty mentor and is integrated into an active laboratory, where they participate in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Alongside lab work, you will participate in journal clubs, lab meetings, and scientific discussions that enhance your understanding of research methodology and scientific communication. It concludes with a scientific symposium where students present their work to peers and faculty, with awards given for outstanding presentations.
Location: Various Max Planck School Matter to Life member labs in Germany
Cost/Stipend: No cost; financial support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses provided
Dates: 10 weeks between June and November
Application Deadline: October 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in bachelor’s programs related to Matter to Life fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, or engineering. Must have completed at least the first semester, maintain a minimum GPA of 1.7, and remain enrolled throughout the internship
The Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunities (MtL-URO) program offers 10-week funded internships that allow undergraduates to participate in interdisciplinary research with faculty fellows across the Max Planck network. You’ll select a host laboratory that aligns with your research interests and work closely with local researchers on specific scientific questions related to the lab’s focus. This international research internship for undergraduates also serves as an introduction to the Matter to Life research community, providing insights into future graduate opportunities in this emerging field.
Location: National University of Singapore Graduate School, Singapore
Cost/Stipend: No cost; SGD 1,200/month stipend + SGD 600 travel allowance + on-campus accommodation
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of study, or first-year master’s students
The IRIS@NUS program is a fully funded two-month internship organized by the NUS Graduate School, designed for undergraduate and master’s students from all fields. You’ll be placed in a research group or laboratory under the mentorship of NUS faculty, contributing to ongoing projects and exploring graduate-level research firsthand. The experience includes structured research work, professional development workshops, and opportunities to engage with Singapore’s scientific and cultural ecosystem. Participants take part in an opening ceremony, city tours, and poster presentations that foster interaction with peers and faculty.
Location: Multiple research labs across Germany
Cost/Stipend: No cost; monthly stipend
Dates: Start between May 15 and July 15; duration 10 weeks to 90 days
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from North America, the UK, and Ireland who have completed at least two years of study
RISE Germany provides undergraduate students from North America, the UK, and Ireland with the opportunity to engage in summer research projects at universities and research institutions across Germany. You’ll be matched with doctoral students or researchers in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and engineering. These international research internships for undergraduates typically last 3 months and include a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. English is the working language, so no prior German knowledge is required. During your time in Germany, you’ll work on applied research projects and gain exposure to the country’s academic and scientific culture.
Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,000/month stipend plus round-trip airfare
Dates: 3–6 months; flexible start and end dates year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Third- and fourth-year undergraduate students and master’s students with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Must demonstrate English proficiency. Not open to PhD candidates, current KAUST students, or alumni
VSRP at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) hosts undergraduate and master’s students for 3–6 months of mentored research in STEM disciplines. You’ll collaborate with leading faculty on projects spanning environmental science, computer engineering, chemistry, and applied physics. Interns have access to world-class facilities, modern laboratories, and interdisciplinary teams that encourage exploration beyond their core areas of study. The program offers flexible start dates throughout the year and provides financial support covering travel, housing, and living expenses.
Location: Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
Cost/Stipend: No cost; monthly fellowship plus travel support based on distance
Dates: 2–3 months between May 15 and September 15
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of study in natural sciences, math, computer science, physics, chemistry, or related fields. Recent graduates within one year are eligible. Must be in good academic standing
The ISTernship Summer Program at ISTA welcomes bachelor’s and master’s students from around the world to participate in research for 2–3 months under the guidance of ISTA faculty. You will join one of the institute’s research groups and contribute to projects across biology, computer science, data science, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, chemistry, and interdisciplinary areas. Throughout the fellowship, you’ll collaborate with scientists on campus, attend enrichment events, and participate in a final poster session to present your findings. The program also introduces participants to ISTA’s academic environment and PhD opportunities.
Location: Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Dates: 7–12 weeks in July – August; varies by project
Application Deadline: Opens in March
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in STEM or related fields with strong academic performance and aligned research interests
KUSRP is designed for undergraduates interested in developing research skills under the mentorship of Koç University faculty. The program allows you to select a research area aligned with your academic interests, with projects spanning engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Students join established research groups and work alongside graduate and PhD students, engaging in data analysis, fieldwork, or lab-based experimentation. The program is conducted in English and provides opportunities to improve independent thinking and technical research abilities. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate of participation recognizing their research engagement.
Location: Various international organizations, companies, and universities worldwide
Cost/Stipend: No cost; funding provided for travel and internship-related expenses
Dates: 8–12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: University of Pennsylvania undergraduate and graduate students; must be at least 18 years old by the start date
GRIP enables undergraduate and graduate students to undertake 8–12-week international research or internship placements across multiple disciplines and countries. You can pursue internships in sectors such as engineering, business, sustainable development, and healthcare, or participate in research projects guided by international faculty. GRIP includes both cohort-based and direct placements, each offering opportunities for independent work and cross-cultural collaboration. Financial awards help offset travel and program-related costs, ensuring accessibility for students.
Location: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
Cost/Stipend: 3,000 JPY application fee; airfare and accommodation covered; 2,400 JPY per working day plus local travel support
Dates: Spring: April 1 – September 30 | Fall: October 1 – March 31; duration 3–6 months
Application Deadline: Spring: October 15 | Fall: April 15
Eligibility: Students in the final two years of a bachelor’s program, master’s students, or recent graduates. Must have approval from home institution
The OIST Research Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students 3–6 month placements within OIST laboratories in Japan. You will collaborate directly with faculty and researchers on projects in disciplines such as neuroscience, physics, chemistry, marine science, computational science, and environmental studies. This international research internship for undergraduates creates an environment for you to dive into practical laboratory experience, data collection, and analysis under expert supervision. Research topics are matched to students’ academic interests and available resources.
Location: RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Cost/Stipend: €320 enrollment fee; up to €2,500 personal expenses; €2,000 scholarships available for 30 students
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High-performing undergraduate students from U.S. and Canadian universities
UROP International is a ten-week summer research program hosted by RWTH Aachen University in Germany, tailored for students from North America. You will join one of RWTH’s research institutes, participating in a hands-on research project guided by experienced academic mentors. The program integrates research training with intercultural learning through German language courses and cultural excursions to nearby cities like Cologne and Bonn. Participants gain insight into European academic culture while building teamwork and communication skills. At the program’s conclusion, participants present their findings at a symposium and receive certificates recognizing both research and language achievements.
Location: University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: £6,495; no stipend specified
Dates: July 5 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: International undergraduate students age 18+ who have completed at least two years in a relevant STEM field with a minimum GPA equivalent to UK 60–63%, ECTS C, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The University of Bristol’s STEM Research Internships offer international students six weeks of hands-on research across departments such as life sciences, physics, medical sciences, and engineering. You will work on a project under the guidance of Bristol faculty, exploring topics such as neurodegenerative diseases, microbial interactions, or environmental sustainability. This international research internship for undergraduates awards 20 academic credits (equivalent to 10 ECTS or 6 US semester credits) upon successful completion. Beyond research, you will participate in workshops and social activities, including guided city tours and cultural events.
Location: Ashoka University, Sonipat, India
Cost/Stipend: INR 363,900 for international students | INR 171,380 for Indian students | INR 20,000 for online projects
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August; varies by project
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Senior undergraduate and master’s students; some projects require specific academic or research experience
AISRP is an interdisciplinary research initiative that connects undergraduate and master’s students with faculty mentors at Ashoka University in India. The program emphasizes collaboration in fields such as biology, economics, computer science, physics, environmental studies, and psychology. You will work on specific research projects over 8–10 weeks, focusing on experimental, computational, or field-based investigations. Participants engage in skill-building activities, including data analysis, research communication, and final presentations to the university’s scientific community. The program also integrates cultural and social experiences, giving you the opportunity to explore India through organized trips and activities. A completion certificate is awarded upon completion of the program.
Looking for an immersive internship experience? Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup they are working with and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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