We are not currently accepting applications. Applications for the 2027 iteration will open in late 2026. 

Usually The Epigenetic Internship Program will always start on July 1st and runs for two months until approximately August 31st. We are currently not accepting applications for 2026, but applications for our 2027 iteration will open in late 2026. 

Next to the mandatory project work, all interns need to participate in the scientific program including internal and external seminars, lab meetings and other institute events. Moreover, the on-site interns will be invited to join all the social activities of their group during the internship. 

We provide a small contribution to your costs for travelling and for living expenses as an allowance each month (450 euro per month in total).

Yes, the program provides paid accommodation for all interns in Munich, usually in shared bedrooms. More details will be provided closer to the internship starting date.

No, successful applicants must provide their own health insurance for the duration of the internship.

Yes. If you have successfully finished your Summer Internship (full time wet/dry lab work for the entire duration of the internship and presentation of the project at the end of the stay), then you get a certificate for your participation in the summer internship.

Please, go to the 'Required documents' section. There you can find the full list.

Note that only FULL APPLICATIONS will be taken into account for selection.

Yes. A proof of enrolment document is essential. 

We are aware that each university and faculty are different, but you still need to provide evidence that you will be considered a student during the summer internship (July and August).

A Combined PDF document makes the review process faster and more straightforward. Moreover, it gives a more comprehensive overview of your application.

There are free tools available to generate combined PDF files; search for them in your prefered search engine. The tool will allow you to upload all your individual PDFs documents and generate a only combined PDF document.

The Cover or Motivaton Letter is an important part of the application process as it allows you to tell us your motivations towards scientific research and for taking part in the internship.

This Letter is read carefully during the second phase of the selection process, in addition to the transcripts submitted with your application.

We recommend you to comment your reasons to choose your three preferred labs/projects.

Reference Letters are not mandatory for the internship application.

If you have some, you can include them into your online application. However, they are not a criteria for selection.

(Read fully here).

The answer depends on whether your foreign University Degree is or not recognised in Germany. If it is not, the issuing of a CERTIFICATE EVALUATION by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB)/ "Central Office for Foreign Education" is necessary so that your degree can be recognised for wage categorisation purposes. This certificate is also required for visa/residence title formalities. Please apply for the certificate evaluations early, since the process can take up to 3 months.

The first step to answer the question is to check if your degree is already listed in the ANABIN database (ANABIN instructions in English)

• If Yes: Print out the certificate and attach it to your application documents.
• If No: continue with Step 2.

Step 2: Apply for a Certificate of Equivalence of your higher education qualifications from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). This certificate evaluation states the level of the German educational qualification to which your foreign qualification is comparable.

How to apply for a Certificate of Equivalence? Please use the ZAB; fill in the complete form and enclose all relevant supporting documents (please refer to the ZAB for information on which documents are needed). Finally, send the signed application together with all supporting documents to:

Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB)
Postfach 2240
53012 Bonn
Germany

The application form will ask for documents regarding the recognition of your degree (https://bit.ly/2XQnn7i). In case your degree is not listed in the ANABIN database (ANABIN instructions), you can apply for its inclusion, but please start to apply for a Certifiquate of Equivalence).

The HR department may have to obtain Approval From the ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen/ "Central Office for Foreign Education"), which can take several months.

A residence permit or visa may also be necessary, which can take several months.

Both processes are very time-consuming (up to 3 months in some cases) and thus we recommend you that you start the process as soon as you are selected. Tasks that can be commenced early include: seeking an appointment at the Embassy and checking if your degree/s is/are recognised by the German authorities (https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/career/is-your-foreign-university-degree-recognised-in-germany).

It is mandatory to upload an English translation of your documents. However, the translation does not need to be notarized for the application proccess.

This will only be required for later administrative formalities.

Documents cannot be added to the online application system once the initial application has been submitted. Please take care to upload all documents in the first submission.

Since all applications need to go through the application system, applications sent via email after the system is closed cannot be accepted.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications made after the closing date. Once an application period for 2027 is released we will update our website.