ISTernship Summer Internship Program (Fully-Funded)

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The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) hosts the ISTernship Summer Internship Program, a distinguished opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students worldwide to engage in summer research. Located in the scenic outskirts of Vienna, IST Austria is a breeding ground for cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, from biology and neuroscience to computer science and physics. The ISTernship Program offers a unique blend of research, education, and professional development, setting a solid foundation for students’ future careers in science. Let’s explore what the ISTernship entails and why it’s a sought-after experience for science enthusiasts.

Unveiling IST: A Hub of Innovation

IST Austria is renowned for its innovative research and interdisciplinary approach to science. With a thriving international community of researchers and students, it offers a dynamic environment for scientific discovery.

The Essence of the ISTernship Summer Internship Program

The ISTernship Program is designed to give students a taste of research at the forefront of science. It not only fosters academic growth but also personal development through mentorship by IST’s esteemed faculty.

What the ISTernship Offers

A Diverse Range of Research Fields

Participants have the opportunity to work in various research groups, exploring subjects that resonate with their scientific interests and career goals.

Hands-On Research Experience

ISTerns gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, working on projects that push the boundaries of current scientific knowledge.

Workshops and Professional Development

The program includes workshops on scientific writing, presentation skills, and other professional development sessions, equipping ISTerns with skills essential for their future careers.

The Perks of Being an ISTern

Networking with Leading Scientists

ISTerns interact with leading scientists and peers from around the globe, expanding their professional network and fostering potential collaborations.

Financial Support and Accommodation

The program offers competitive financial support, including a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and free accommodation, ensuring a comfortable stay for the interns.

Exposure to International Research Community

Participants become part of IST’s vibrant international research community, attending seminars and lectures by renowned scientists and contributing to an environment of academic excellence.

Application Process and Timeline

The application deadline for the ISTernship Program 2024 Intake was on February 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET. Please note that late submissions will not be considered.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree students interested in basic research in the fields of biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, data science and scientific computing and related areas are encouraged to apply for the ISTernship (“IST-” + “(int)ernship“) summer internship program. Applicants who graduated from a master’s or bachelor’s degree within a year from the program start date, are also eligible to apply.

As of now, all short-term mobility programs between ISTA and Russia are suspended. This means that students currently enrolled in universities located in Russia cannot apply for the ISTernship program.

Before applying, please visit ISTernship program page for more information. You can find a list of available research areas here.

Eligibility for the ISTernship Summer Program

Citizens from all countries are welcome to apply.
Applicants must be enrolled as Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science students.
Completion of at least the fourth semester of bachelor’s studies is required.
Proficiency in English is necessary.
IELTS/TOEFL scores are not mandatory.

Required Application Documents

CV/Resume
Statement of Purpose
University transcripts and diplomas for all degree programs and years attended or currently enrolled in (submission in the original language and English is recommended)
Contact information for 1 or 2 referees.

Frequently Asked Questions: ISTernship Summer Internship Program

What is the ISTernship program?

The ISTernship is a summer internship program at ISTA which offers research opportunities to outstanding bachelor’s and master’s students interested in biology, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, neuroscience and interdisciplinary areas.
Selected ISTerns will work on a project conducting research under the close supervision of one of the professors at ISTA.
ISTerns will receive an introduction to research at ISTA as well as an introduction to the ISTA Graduate School. The program culminates with a poster session, where the ISTerns present their work to their peers, faculty, and the ISTA community.
ISTernships are conducted on a full-time basis and will be conducted exclusively in English.

How long is the ISTernship program?

The length of the ISTernship program is determined by mutual agreement between the ISTern and the professor once the selection process is finished. The program spans a minimum of two months and a maximum of three months, occurring between May 15 and September 15.

Do I need to speak German?

English serves as the primary language for communication at ISTA.

Which projects can I work on?

In your application, you need to indicate your preferred professor(s) to work with. The available research topics and professors for the 2024 intake are available here.
Selected ISTerns and professors will decide on a project to work on together.
You do not need to contact the professor(s) during the application phase.

What should I do if I notice a mistake in my application, but I have already submitted?

If you realize there’s an error in your application or you need to make changes, kindly email isternship@ista.ac.at . We’ll assist in reopening your application for modifications, allowing you to resubmit. Please understand that during busy periods, our response may be delayed, and all necessary updates must be completed before the application deadline. Therefore, we recommend applicants thoroughly review their application components before submission to avoid errors.

I cannot find my university/institute in the list. What should I do?

If your institution is affiliated with a university but isn’t listed separately in our database, you’ll need to select the associated university from the dropdown menu. Please enter the full institution name to ensure you see all available options.
ISTA utilizes a third-party institution database (ROR), and unfortunately, we cannot add new institutions to this list. However, if your institution isn’t included, don’t worry. Here’s what you should do:

In the “Current Studies” section, accurately complete all fields. For “Institution Name,” select any institution from your country that’s available in the list.
In the “Extracurricular Academic Background (Optional)” section, under “Additional information you would like us to know about your application,” specify the correct name of your institution.
Rest assured, this won’t impact your application. We understand the limitations of the institutions database and will still consider your application appropriately.

What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation provides an evaluation of the applicant’s suitability for the ISTernship based on their qualities and capabilities. You must nominate at least one referee, typically someone who has taught you or supervised your work and can assess your academic and research performance. Referees will be contacted directly to submit their recommendations through a provided link. Your application will only be considered complete once at least one referee has submitted a letter of recommendation. Please ensure your referee(s) have ample time to submit their letter before the application deadline.

Do I need a language certificate?

No language certificates are mandatory for the application. You may upload a language certificate for English if you want to.

How and when will I be notified of the results?

Notifications regarding the status of all completed applications will be issued starting March 31, 2024.
Selected applicants who receive an offer to participate in the ISTernship program must acknowledge and accept the offer within approximately one week.

Is there compensation for ISTerns?

ISTerns are provided with a monthly scholarship payment of approximately 1,000 euros, along with access to affordable health insurance and subsidized housing. Additionally, they receive an allowance to cover their travel expenses.