Applications are currently being accepted for the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics - The CaCTüS Internship Program 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics - The CaCTüS Internship Program
The CaCTüS Internship program aims to boost the careers of talented students who experience significant difficulties in their pursuit of higher education and scientific development. Interns will have the chance to come to Tübingen or Stuttgart for a paid, three-months internship. The programme provides access to first-class scientific institutions, hands-on research experience and a scientific network in one of Germany’s leading locations for biological and artificial intelligence research.
During the internship, students will work on research projects under the supervision of experienced scientists. In addition to gaining work experience, interns will have the chance to connect with other researchers on campus.
Benefits of Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics - The CaCTüS Internship Program
- The program books and pays for inbound and outbound flights. However, costs incurred before the internship begins, such as visa-related expenses (travel to and from the embassy, visa fees, and travel health insurance), are not covered.
- Interns receive a monthly salary that is more than enough to cover living expenses, housing, and health insurance. Since finding a suitable place to live can be difficult, the Internship Coordination Office will arrange accommodation for you.
Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics - The CaCTüS Internship Program Requirements
The CaCTüS Internship specifically addresses motivated students who are constrained by personal, financial, regional or societal issues that negatively affect their future education.
Internships are open for students who:
- have not started their PhD degree by the time of the internship
- students that have not yet finished their Bachelor’s degree must have completed at least 4 semesters (i.e. 2 years) of their studies before the internship starts
- Applicants for Projects 1 – 4 and 15 must be enrolled in an academic institution during the entire period from January to September 2027 in order to participate in the program. For the other projects they have to be enrolled or have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree and can provide proof of their qualification by March 2027.
- have a strong academic record
- have a background in a field relevant to the projects proposed (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or any other related field)
- have a good command of the English language
- can express their motivation
- have strong reasons why their access to first-class higher education is constrained
- are available for the entire duration of 90 days between 1st July and 30th September 2027 (note: due to visa regulations you cannot extend your stay in the country beyond 90 days). There is no flexibility regarding the duration and start of the internship.
- are undertaking a voluntary internship (note: we cannot host interns that require course credits as part of their course requirement)
Application Date and Process
Applications must be submitted directly through our application portal; we do not accept submissions via third-party providers.
Please provide the following personal information:
- Motivational statement
- General motivation to pursue a career in science and to participate in this internship
- Description of previous project
- Motivation for up to two specific projects sorted by preference (see available projects further below)
- Statement on factors that may constrain the applicant’s access to higher education in an internationally renowned institution, e.g. financial, regional or personal circumstances
Additionally you will need to submit the following documents:
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Optional: one reference letter
- Transcripts from all your university studies (if no official English translation is available from your university, please provide one yourself in the first instance), and degree certificates (if available)
- Please check out our application guide before you apply:
- You find our list with projects you can apply to here:
- Once your application is complete, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from the application portal. If you have not received such an email, your application is incomplete and needs to be fully submitted before the deadline to be considered during selection.
Application Deadline
16 November, 2026
Opportunity Application
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Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics - The CaCTüS Internship Program
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