15 Research Internships Abroad for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 18
- 11 min read
As an undergraduate, interning abroad can be a great way to explore new cultural and professional environments and challenge yourself academically. Research internships particularly let you build data collection, experimentation, and science communication skills, expose you to cutting‑edge international labs or companies, and help you form global networks that set your resume apart.
When you intern in a different country, you also gain cross-cultural collaboration skills that employers value. These experiences help you learn to adapt to new research environments, work effectively with people from different cultures, and communicate your ideas with them. As an undergraduate, such internships can also help you prepare for graduate studies and get a head start in your career.
We have put together a list of 15 research internships abroad for undergraduates to help you get started.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap-year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers college students the chance to gain experience working in fast-paced, early-stage companies. You will be able to choose from over 50 host organizations across fields like technology, healthcare, AI/ML, media, consulting, and non-profits. Many of these start-ups have secured funding and have members with experience at well-known accelerators or tech companies. During the eight-week program, you will collaborate with both a manager at your host company and a Ladder Coach, who will support your professional development. You will take on tasks like market research, strategy development, early-stage coding, or exploring areas such as cybersecurity. By the end of the internship, you will have a tangible deliverable that reflects your contributions.
Location: Various Canadian universities
Cost/Stipend: No cost; includes stipends for housing and food, travel costs covered
Application deadline: Not specified; check website for updates
Dates: May – October (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from partner countries, including the U.S.; country-specific partner guidelines may apply
This competitive 12-week summer internship program places students under the supervision of Canadian academic institution faculty, offering exposure to various disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Here, you will gain hands-on research experience, professional development opportunities, and international exposure. You will spend most of your time completing your research project. The program also includes social activities and support to explore Canada. You will also connect with graduate students and research associates during the program.
Location: Multiple research labs across Germany
Cost/Stipend: No cost; monthly stipend provided
Application deadline: November 30
Dates: Starts between May 15 and July 15; a commitment of a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 90 days
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from North America, the UK, and Ireland who have completed at least two years of an undergraduate degree program
RISE Germany offers undergraduate students from universities in North America, the UK, and Ireland the opportunity to participate in summer research internships at leading universities and research centers across Germany. You will work on projects in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and engineering. You will be placed in research groups at German universities or research institutions, gaining practical research experience in a structured environment. The program offers close expert supervision and mentorship and access to a community of international students. The program offers up to 300 placements each year.
Location: Various Max Planck School Matter to Life member labs in Germany
Cost/Stipend: Funded; financial support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses provided
Application deadline: October 1
Dates: June – November
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs related to Matter to Life fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, or related subfields; applicants must have completed at least the first semester of their studies, maintain a minimum GPA of 1.7, and be enrolled in their undergraduate programs throughout the internship duration.
The MtL-URO program offers 10-week funded research internships where students explore scientific methods within the labs of faculty fellows. You will collaborate closely with local researchers and gain hands-on experience with advanced methods. You will also undergo training to learn about research and lab practices. The program aims to establish a strong foundational research experience and integration into the Matter to Life research community. You will choose preferred laboratories and the timeframe for the internship. Selection is competitive, with about 10 candidates accepted annually.
Location: Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
Stipend: Paid; monthly fellowship payment of €1,150 (1332 USD) to cover living expenses + a travel lump sum calculated based on distance traveled to/from ISTA
Application deadline: February 5
Dates: Two to three months between May 15 and September 15 (exact dates flexible within this window)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least the second year (or fourth semester) of their bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, physics, chemistry, or related interdisciplinary fields; recent graduates within one year of program start are also eligible. Applicants must be in good academic standing.
The ISTernship program allows students and recent graduates from around the world to conduct hands-on research in collaboration with research groups at ISTA. You will engage in research projects that range across biology, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, neuroscience, chemistry, materials science, and interdisciplinary domains. You will work under the close supervision of faculty and gain access to an active research community. You will also have access to ISTA campus resources and community activities during the fellowship period. The program includes a poster session where you will present your work to peers, faculty, and the ISTA community.
Location: National University of Singapore Graduate School, Singapore
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded program; SGD 1,200 (924 USD) stipend/month + SGD 600 (462 USD) travel allowance + complimentary on-campus accommodation offered
Application deadline: March 5 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June – July (first intake); subsequent intakes outside of the June–July window also offered
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students who have completed at least the first two years of their degree or first-year master’s students
IRIS@NUS is a two-month immersive research internship organized by the NUS Graduate School. You will work under NUS faculty mentors and join their research groups or labs to contribute to ongoing projects, gaining hands-on exposure to research in professional labs. The program covers a broad range of disciplines and emphasizes research skills development as well as career exploration in academia and scientific research. Beyond research, you will engage in activities like an opening ceremony, city tours, industry visits, and interactive workshops that provide cultural and professional insights into Singapore and the NUS environment. You will also participate in poster sessions to present your research.
Location: Various international organizations, companies, and universities worldwide
Cost/Stipend: Funded; students receive generous, guaranteed funding awards to cover travel and internship-related expenses
Application deadline: Varies by project/location; generally early spring deadlines (check specific details on program site)
Dates: 8 – 12 weeks during the summer (variable depending on placement)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Pennsylvania
The GRIP program gives students a chance to gain international work and research experience to boost career potential and global competency. The program supports students across various disciplines, including business, engineering, sustainable development, healthcare, community development, and more. Research placements provide opportunities to develop hands-on research skills under supervision by leading international researchers and faculty principal investigators affiliated with universities abroad. You will join structured internships or research projects where you will collaborate with diverse teams and learn how to work in cross-cultural environments. The program emphasizes professional development, building research proficiency, and networking at global institutions. You will have access to mentorship and will be supported financially to minimize costs related to international placements.
Location: EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
Stipend: CHF 1,800 (2238 USD) /month
Application deadline: November 30
Dates: Typically, three months during the summer
Eligibility: Open to outstanding students from EPFL partner universities, including U.S. institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, San Diego, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
ERIP offers outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research at EPFL, a public research university. You will work closely with researchers, diving into specific scientific subjects and investigations. You will contribute to researchers’ work as well as engage in independent projects in fields like health, environment, engineering, and information technology. The program provides exposure to advanced lab environments, professional mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program offers opportunities to develop research skills and gain insight into graduate study paths.
Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; includes 1,000 USD monthly stipend, tuition fees, housing in a private bedroom with bathroom, round-trip airfare, and social and cultural activities
Application deadline: Rolling admissions; applications accepted year-round
Dates: Three to six months; start and end dates are flexible and can be scheduled at any time of the year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their third or fourth year, as well as master’s students with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0; applicants must demonstrate English proficiency; Ph.D. candidates, current KAUST students, or alumni are not eligible
The VSRP at KAUST offers mentored research internships within STEM fields and across 100+ faculty-led projects that span diverse disciplines. You will collaborate with researchers in laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research. The program’s flexible scheduling supports an international community of students, providing exposure to cutting-edge science and fostering professional growth. You will have access to cultural immersion, networking opportunities, and financial support for accommodation and living expenses. Many past interns have presented at academic conferences or published their work.
Location: Various sites in Europe—Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria; Research Center for Molecular Medicine; Gregor Mendel Institute; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology; Institute of Molecular Pathology; the Max Perutz Labs
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; includes free student accommodation, a stipend of approximately €1,400 (1619 USD) after tax + medical insurance available
Application deadline: Next call opens November 15 (for Summer intake)
Dates: July 1 or the last Friday of June – August 31/last Friday of August
Eligibility: Undergraduate and master’s students from around the world who have completed at least two years of university-level study in life sciences or related fields.
The Vienna BioCenter Summer School offers a nine-week immersive research internship focused on life sciences, hosted across several top-ranked European research institutes. You will work closely with assigned faculty members on research projects within their allocated labs, engaging in experiments, data analysis, and scientific discussions. In addition to hands-on laboratory experience, you will attend lab meetings and journal clubs to deepen your understanding of current research. The program focuses on helping you explore scientific inquiry in a collaborative environment and access networking opportunities. The program ends with a scientific symposium, where you will present your findings in a short talk and have a chance to win prizes reserved for the best presentations.
Location: Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Typically in early spring (check program website annually for details)
Dates: Summer internships running from 8 to 12 weeks (exact dates vary by year)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in STEM and related programs who can demonstrate strong academic performance and interests aligned with the selected research project
KUSRP offers undergraduate students the opportunity to immerse themselves in faculty-supervised research projects across disciplines such as engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. You will join active research groups, gaining hands-on experience, learning research methodologies, and contributing to ongoing projects. The program is designed to help students build critical research skills and gain exposure to an international academic environment. You will be encouraged to collaborate with faculty and peers, develop independent research competencies, and benefit from Istanbul’s cultural setting.
Location: Ashoka University, Sonipat, India
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application deadline: May 1
Dates: Typically 8 – 10 weeks during summer months; May to August (specific dates vary by project)
Eligibility: Senior undergraduate and master’s students; some projects may require relevant academic or research experience
AISRP is a summer research program designed to provide research experiences in diverse fields, including biology, psychology, computer science, economics, environmental studies, physics, and social sciences. The program hosts multiple projects supervised by Ashoka University faculty, spanning lab experiments, computational work, fieldwork, and data analysis. You will typically work 8–10 weeks, focusing on skill development relevant to their discipline and research goals. Several projects also incorporate interdisciplinary or combined field and lab work. You can review specific project descriptions to find options that match your skills and interests. Apart from research work, you will engage in social activities like bike rides and Delhi tours.
Location: RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Cost/Stipend: Enrollment fee: €320 (370 USD) + students need to cover personal expenses of up to €2,500 (airfare excluded); scholarships of €2,000 (2313 USD) are offered to 30 students. The program also offers transferable credits.
Application deadline: January 10
Dates: May 18 – July 24
Eligibility: High-performing undergraduate students from U.S. and Canadian universities
UROP International offers a 10-week summer research internship and opportunities to contribute to large-scale projects at RWTH Aachen’s research institutes and labs. You will join a research mentor and an established STEM research team during the program. The program language is English, but you will attend an intensive German language class twice a week and participate in intercultural training to prepare for life in Germany. Cultural experiences include trips to nearby cities, museums, and outdoor activities. A local buddy will provide you with support throughout the internship. At the end of the program, you will present your research at a symposium and receive certificates for research and language coursework.
Location: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
Cost/Stipend: 3,000 JPY (19.68 USD) non-refundable application fee; allowance of 2,400 JPY (15.7 USD)/working day + travel support available
Application deadline: October 15 (for the Spring internship) | April 15 (for fall)
Dates: Spring internship period: April 1 – September 30 | Fall period: October 1 – March 31; commitment of minimum three months and maximum six months required
Eligibility: Students enrolled in the last two years of a bachelor’s degree, any year of a master’s degree, or recent graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees from universities worldwide; approval from the students’ home institution is required
OIST’s Research Internship program is designed to offer STEM research experiences and exposure to lab tools and research equipment. You will engage in projects closely aligned with your academic background and interests, working under the supervision of OIST faculty in a research environment. Opportunities are available across the sciences, including molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, marine sciences, neuroscience, physics, chemistry, mathematical and computational sciences, environmental and ecological science, and quantum science. Alongside research work, you will get to connect with peers from around the world during the program.
Location: University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
Cost: £6,495 (8658 USD); no stipend specified
Application deadline: May 24
Dates: July 5 – August 15
Eligibility: International undergraduate students, ages 18 and up, who have completed at least two years of their degree in a relevant STEM discipline with a minimum GPA equivalent to UK 60–63%, ECTS C, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
This summer internship program at the University of Bristol offers students the opportunity to work on research projects within research groups across STEM departments. The program spans six weeks and provides 20 academic credits (approximately 10 ECTS or 6 US semester credits). You will engage in supervised research in areas such as life sciences, dental science, medical research, physics, psychology, and veterinary science. Projects can cover topics like antimicrobial coatings, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, memory networks, and microbial interventions for livestock. The program can help you build key research skills, including scientific inquiry, teamwork, scientific referencing, and presentation, and offer insights into career and postgraduate pathways.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.
Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation—a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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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