CaCTüS Fully Funded Research Internship 2027 in Germany | AI, Machine Learning and Neuroscience

Are you a Bachelor’s or Master’s student looking for a fully funded research internship in Germany in 2027? The CaCTüS Internship Programme offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain practical research experience at leading Max Planck Institutes in Tübingen, Germany.

The CaCTüS Summer Research Internship 2027 is designed for students interested in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, neuroscience, cognition, electrical engineering, behavioural science and data analysis. The programme offers a three-month paid research internship, travel and accommodation assistance, mentorship, and opportunities to work directly with leading scientists.

The programme particularly encourages applications from students who are from and currently living in low- and middle-income countries, especially those whose personal, financial, regional or societal circumstances have limited their access to advanced research opportunities.

Applications for the CaCTüS Internship 2027 in Germany open on 21 October 2026, with the application deadline set for 16 November 2026. Up to 12 students will be selected for the programme.

If you are searching for fully funded internships in Germany, AI research internships, machine learning internships for students, or international summer research opportunities, this programme could be an excellent opportunity to advance your academic and research career.

ALSO READ: AFGRI Learnership Programme 2026/2027 in South Africa | 14 Farming Learnership Positions at Vastfontein Farm

CaCTüS Research Internship 2027: Overview

• Programme Name: CaCTüS Summer Research Internship 2027
• Host Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
• Partner Institution: Tübingen AI Center
• Location: Tübingen, Germany
• Internship Duration: Three months
• Internship Period: 1 July – 30 September 2027
• Funding: Fully funded internship with a stipend and travel and accommodation assistance
• Number of Positions: Up to 12 students
• Eligible Study Levels: Bachelor’s and Master’s
• Eligible Applicants: Students worldwide, with particular encouragement for applicants from and living in low- and middle-income countries
• Application Opening Date: 21 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 16 November 2026
• Interview Period: January 2027
• Acceptance Notifications: February 2027
• Official Application Portal: https://www.projects.tuebingen.mpg.de/apply

About the CaCTüS Fully Funded Internship in Germany

The CaCTüS Internship is an international summer research programme that aims to expand access to high-quality scientific research in biological and artificial intelligence.

The programme is offered through the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Tübingen AI Center. These institutions support research into intelligent systems, computational methods, neuroscience and related scientific fields.

During the three-month CaCTüS research internship, selected students will have the opportunity to work on research projects under the guidance of experienced scientists. Projects may cover machine learning, electrical engineering, theoretical neuroscience, behavioural experiments and data analysis.

The programme is particularly focused on supporting promising young scientists whose research ambitions may be limited by financial, geographical, personal or societal barriers.

Through practical research experience, mentorship and exposure to an international scientific community, the CaCTüS Internship helps participants build the knowledge and experience needed to pursue future postgraduate studies, research positions and careers in artificial intelligence and related disciplines.

Benefits of the CaCTüS Fully Funded Research Internship 2027

One of the main attractions of the CaCTüS Internship is its combination of financial support, research experience and professional development.

Successful applicants can benefit from the following opportunities:

1. Paid Three-Month Research Internship

Selected students receive a stipend for the three-month internship period in Tübingen, Germany. This financial support helps participants concentrate on their research and professional development.

The official programme information describes the internship as paid, but applicants should consult the programme website for the precise stipend amount and payment arrangements.

2. Travel and Accommodation Assistance

The programme offers travel and accommodation assistance to help selected interns participate in the research internship in Germany.

Applicants should review the official funding conditions to understand the extent of the assistance, eligible expenses and any arrangements they must make themselves.

3. Work with Leading Scientists

Interns will work on research projects with scientists from participating Max Planck Institutes and the Tübingen AI research community.

This experience can help students develop practical research skills, understand scientific methodologies and gain exposure to advanced research environments.

4. Practical Experience in Artificial Intelligence

Students interested in machine learning, artificial intelligence and intelligent systems can gain valuable experience by contributing to research projects in these fields.

Depending on their assigned project, interns may develop skills in computational research, experimental methods, data analysis or related technical areas.

5. Research Mentorship and Professional Networking

The programme provides access to mentors, cohort activities and a peer network.

Participants can interact with other aspiring researchers, exchange ideas and establish professional connections that may support their future academic and career development.

6. Access to an International Research Community

The CaCTüS Internship promotes diversity and equality of opportunity in science. It encourages applications from students whose backgrounds and circumstances are underrepresented in research communities.

For students seeking international research experience, this programme offers an opportunity to learn within Germany’s scientific research environment.

Eligibility Criteria for the CaCTüS Internship 2027

The CaCTüS Internship is intended for Bachelor’s and Master’s students with a strong interest in research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cognition.

Applicants should consider the following eligibility factors before applying.

1. Academic Level

The programme is open to students at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level. The official programme also indicates that recently graduated students may be eligible.

Applicants should check the official application requirements for any specific rules concerning graduation dates, current enrolment and academic status.

2. Relevant Academic Background

The internship is suitable for students interested in areas such as:

• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Electrical engineering
• Theoretical neuroscience
• Cognitive science and related research
• Behavioural science and experiments
• Data analysis and computational research

Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in scientific research and the programme’s interdisciplinary focus.

3. International Applicants

Students from around the world are encouraged to apply.

The programme particularly encourages applications from individuals who are both from and currently living in low- and middle-income countries. Students from underrepresented research communities are especially encouraged to consider the opportunity.

Applicants should consult the official website for any additional country-specific or application-related conditions.

4. Commitment to Research

The CaCTüS Internship is designed for students who want to explore scientific research and develop their research careers.

Applicants should be prepared to explain their academic interests, motivation for applying and how the internship aligns with their future goals.

5. Students Facing Barriers to Research Opportunities

The programme aims to support young scientists whose opportunities may have been restricted by personal, financial, regional or societal challenges.

Applicants who identify with the programme’s inclusion objectives should explain their motivation and relevant circumstances where requested in the application.

Important: The points above summarise the programme’s published target audience. Applicants should confirm the complete eligibility requirements and required documentation on the official application portal before submitting an application.

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

Research Areas Available Through the CaCTüS Internship

The CaCTüS Internship brings together several disciplines connected to biological intelligence, artificial intelligence and cognition.

Potential research areas include:

Machine Learning: Students interested in computational models, learning algorithms and intelligent systems may find projects relevant to their academic background.

Artificial Intelligence: The programme provides exposure to research questions involving intelligent systems and the development of AI-related methods.

Theoretical Neuroscience: Students interested in the scientific study of neural systems and cognition can explore research at the intersection of neuroscience and computational approaches.

Electrical Engineering: Applicants with engineering backgrounds may be interested in projects involving technical systems, computational methods or related research areas.

Behavioural Experiments: Research may involve experimental approaches to studying behaviour and questions related to cognition.

Data Analysis: Students interested in interpreting research data and applying analytical methods may find relevant opportunities, depending on the projects available.

The specific projects and placements available to each intern may vary. Applicants should consult the programme website for further details about research opportunities and project allocation.

CaCTüS Internship 2027 Application Timeline

Applicants should pay close attention to the official dates to avoid missing the application deadline.

• 21 October 2026: Application portal opens.
• 16 November 2026: Application deadline.
• January 2027: Interviews are scheduled to take place.
• February 2027: Acceptance notifications are expected.
• 1 July 2027: Internship programme begins.
• 30 September 2027: Internship programme ends.

The application period is relatively short, so interested students should begin preparing their applications as early as possible.

How to Apply for the CaCTüS Fully Funded Internship 2027

Students interested in the CaCTüS Internship in Germany should apply through the official programme website.

Follow these steps to begin your application.

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal

Access the CaCTüS application page using the link below:

https://www.projects.tuebingen.mpg.de/apply

Read the programme information and application instructions carefully.

Step 2: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Confirm that your academic background, study level and research interests are consistent with the programme requirements.

Pay particular attention to any conditions concerning current enrolment, recent graduation and supporting documents.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

Review the official application portal to identify the documents and information required.

Prepare your academic and personal information carefully. Do not assume that a particular document is mandatory unless it is specified in the application instructions.

Step 4: Explain Your Research Interests

Clearly describe your interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, neuroscience, cognition or another relevant research field.

Explain why you want to participate in the CaCTüS Internship and how the experience would support your academic and professional goals.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Complete the online application and submit it before 16 November 2026.

Allow sufficient time to review your information and confirm that your application has been submitted successfully.

Step 6: Prepare for the Interview Stage

The programme timeline indicates that interviews will take place in January 2027, followed by acceptance notifications in February 2027.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss their academic interests, motivation and suitability for research. The official programme will provide any applicable interview instructions.

Tips for Preparing a Strong CaCTüS Internship Application

The CaCTüS Internship offers up to 12 positions per year, making it important for applicants to prepare carefully.

Consider these practical tips when developing your application.

• Demonstrate genuine research interest: Explain which scientific questions interest you and why you want to explore them.
• Highlight relevant academic skills: Emphasise relevant coursework, research projects, programming experience, analytical skills or laboratory experience where applicable.
• Connect your background to the programme: Show how your interests align with machine learning, neuroscience, cognition or other relevant research fields.
• Write a clear motivation statement: Explain what you hope to learn and how the internship fits into your future plans.
• Show your willingness to learn: You do not need to claim expertise in every research area. Focus on your existing strengths and your readiness to develop new skills.
• Follow the official instructions: Ensure that your application meets all stated requirements and is submitted before the deadline.
• Avoid unsupported claims: Present your academic achievements and experience accurately.

For applicants from low- and middle-income countries, it may also be useful to explain how the opportunity would support their research development, where the application invites such information.

Why Consider the CaCTüS Internship in Germany?

Germany is home to internationally recognised scientific institutions and research communities. Participating in a summer research internship at the Max Planck Institutes can help students understand how research teams approach complex scientific questions.

The CaCTüS Internship combines three important elements: financial support, direct exposure to scientific research and an inclusive approach to developing young researchers.

For students interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning and neuroscience, the programme can provide a valuable opportunity to explore interdisciplinary research while building professional connections.

The programme’s emphasis on applicants facing barriers to research access also makes it particularly relevant to students seeking opportunities to develop their scientific careers in an international environment.

However, selection is competitive, and meeting the programme’s general target profile does not guarantee admission. Applicants should review the official requirements and submit a thoughtful, complete application.

Official Application Link

Students interested in the CaCTüS Fully Funded Research Internship 2027 in Germany should visit the official programme website to review the eligibility criteria, application requirements and funding information.

Programme: CaCTüS Summer Research Internship 2027

Location: Tübingen, Germany

Duration: Three months

Application Deadline: 16 November 2026

Official Website: https://www.projects.tuebingen.mpg.de/

Final Thoughts

The CaCTüS Fully Funded Research Internship 2027 in Germany is a valuable opportunity for Bachelor’s and Master’s students who want to gain international research experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, neuroscience and cognition.

With a three-month paid internship, travel and accommodation assistance, scientific mentorship and access to an international research community, the programme offers several benefits for aspiring researchers.

Students from low- and middle-income countries and those whose circumstances have limited access to research opportunities are particularly encouraged to consider applying.

If you meet the programme requirements and are passionate about scientific research, start preparing your application early and submit it before 16 November 2026.

Visit the official CaCTüS website today to learn more about this international research internship and take the next step towards your research career.