Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), represents the German participation in the ASEM Education Process. The DAAD offers different funding opportunities for international students from ASEM member states wishing to do an internship in Germany as well as for German students wishing to do an internship in Asia.

Internship funding possibilities for international students

A general overview of current funding options for international students interested in an internship in Germany, including requirements, application deadlines and further programme specifics, can be found on the DAAD’s Scholarship Database.

Among these funding programmes are the following:

  • Working Internships in Science and Engineering (WISE)

The programme targets Indian students pursuing a degree in the fields of science and engineering who wish to do a research internship at a publicly-funded German higher education institution or a research institute. The programme supports research stays of two to three months between May and August.
More information on the programme 

  • RISE Germany - Research Internships in Science and Engineering

This programme offers undergraduate students from North American, British and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. 
More information on the programme 

Internship funding possibilities for students enrolled at German universities

A general overview of current funding options for students enrolled at a German higher education institution interested in an internship abroad, including requirements, application deadlines and further programme specifics, can be found on the DAAD’s Scholarship Database.

Among these funding programmes are the following:

  • Short-term scholarships abroad

(Kurzstipendien für Praktika im Ausland)

This programme financially supports students doing an internship at German embassies, consulates and international organisations. Students can receive further information on this programme from the international office of their university.
More information on the programme (Germany only) 

  • Combined study and internship stays abroad for Bachelor and Master students

(Kombinierte Studien- und Praxissemester im Ausland für Studierende und Masterstudierende)

The programme funds students doing a combined study and practical semester abroad. The study and practical period must be completed in the same country. The programme is open to both Bachelor and Master students.
More information on the programme (Germany only) 

  • RISE Worldwide – Research Internships in Science and Engineering

The programme promotes research internships for students studying biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geosciences, engineering, medicine, pharmacy or related disciplines. Students receive funding for a research stay abroad, which takes place during the lecture-free summer period.
More information on the programme 

  • Internationalisation of teacher training

(Lehramt.International)

This programme provides funding for internships in teacher training abroad. Special focus is on students in primary school teaching. The sponsored students obtain the opportunity to improve their language skills, experience a different work culture and gain hands-on experience at a school abroad.
More information on the programme 

  • The PROMOS programme

The programme promotes the mobility of students and doctoral candidates of German universities. Universities receive the PROMOS funding for independent implementation. Interested students can contact the international office of their university regarding PROMOS funding opportunities for an internship abroad.

More information on the programme (Germany only) 

  • The ERASMUS+ programme

This programme promotes compulsory and voluntary internships in EU member states and in EU partner countries for two to twelve months. The programme is open to students of all departments. Students apply for an Erasmus+ internship grant at their home university.
More information on the programme (Germany only) 

  • Travel allowances for mediated internships
    (Fahrtkostenzuschüsse für vermittelte Fachpraktika im Ausland)

Through this programme, the DAAD funds travel allowances for mediated internships outside of Europe. Students enrolled at a German university who have received an internship placement through one of the below listed organisations may apply:

  • IAESTE - International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience
  • AIESEC - Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales
  • IADS - the International Association of Dental Students

More information on the programme (Germany only) 

Contact point German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Stefanie Engert asem@daad.de

Testimonials

 

“This is a unique chance to be able to live in a totally different country and experience a different culture such as during my internship in Jakarta. I liked my work a lot and the people were very helpful and friendly.”


(Maren Dieterich, Mercedes Benz, Jakarta, Indonesia),

“I served an unpaid internship at the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok as part of my BA International Management and was able to learn a lot about the economy of Thailand and marketing as well as to improve my Business English and even gained some working knowledge in the Thai language and would recommend this opportunity to everyone.”

 

(Melanie Petschmann, German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Bangkok, Thailand)

 

Source: Alexandra Angress „ASEM Education Process in practice: selected initiatives, programmes and projects“, in: Alexandra Angress & Siegbert Wuttig: „Looking Back and Looking Ahead: The ASEM Education Process – History and Vision (2008 - 2018)“, p.109