CISPA
SUMMER
RESEARCH
2027
CISPA Summer Research
Internship Program
The CISPA Summer Research (CSR) internship program offers BSc or MSc students a 2-3 month paid research internship to work alongside world-leading researchers in cryptography, computer security, privacy, and machine learning/AI at CISPA.
Applications are open
Apply by November 30, 2026 (AoE)
A look inside CSR
At a glance
Who:
Bachelor's and master's students in computer science and related fields
What:
2–3 months of paid research at CISPA
When:
Starting in May or June 2027
Where:
CISPA, Germany
We offer approx. €2.568,80 - €2.671,89 per month before taxes, depending on qualifications, as a compensation for the voluntary internship.
The CSR program
Research at CISPA
During your internship, you'll join a research group at CISPA and take part in its research activities.
Working alongside the group's researchers, you'll gain firsthand experience of how they investigate open questions and develop new ideas.
CSR sessions
In addition to your research work, we offer sessions to help you develop as a researcher. These cover topics such as:
- Scientific writing
- Presenting your findings
- Research ethics in cybersecurity and AI
Certificate
You'll receive a certificate after successfully completing your research internship and the accompanying program.
Alumni
Class of 2026
- Alvise Favero
- Tiziano Albore
- Eshaan Tanwar
- Izza Shahid
- Shahzaib Ali
- Aser Atawya
Who can apply?
CSR is for students who want to gain research experience while completing their bachelor's or master's degree.
A relevant degree program
Computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications, or an equivalent field. Eligible degrees include BSc, BEng, BTech, MSc, MEng, and MTech.
At least four completed semesters
By the time your internship starts.
Enrolled throughout the internship
You must remain a student for the full internship period.
English language skills
English proficiency is required.
Please note: This program is not open to PhD students or master's graduates seeking a PhD position.
Special
calls
Alongside the general call, the CSR program regularly features special calls focused on particular research themes, specific regions, or collaborations with strategic partners.
Each special call has its own eligibility criteria and requirements. Please review the details before applying and select the relevant call in the application form.
How to apply
Apply for CSR '27 through the application portal with the documents listed here.
-
Application deadline
Submit by 11:59 p.m. Anywhere on Earth (AoE).
-
After November 30
Application review
The CSR committee checks eligibility and reviews applications. Ineligible applicants are notified.
-
Mid-December to mid-January
Faculty interviews
Faculty may invite candidates for interviews; not all eligible applicants are interviewed.
-
Mid-January 2027
Internship offers
Selected candidates receive internship offers. Some may receive multiple offers and can choose their preferred team. The internship location depends on the faculty’s site (e.g. Saarbrücken, St. Ingbert, Dortmund, Hannover, and Stuttgart).
-
By the end of January 2027
Accept your offer
After acceptance, we help with contracts, visas, and onboarding.
Application documents
Motivation letter
Research interests and motivation. Ideally one page, maximum two.CV
Education and relevant experience. Ideally one page, maximum two.Academic transcript
Latest transcript in English, all pages in one PDF.English language assessment
A test result or your statement of study or work experience with English as the main language.Degree certificates
For master's students: your bachelor's certificate in English.Optional references
Contact details for potential referees.
About CISPA
CISPA is a research center in Germany focused on cybersecurity, privacy, and artificial intelligence. We are part of the Helmholtz Association and bring together researchers from around the world.
