IST Internship Program in Austria 2025-26 | Fully Paid Research Opportunity

The IST Internship Program in Austria 2025-26 presents a unique experience to young bachelors and masters to have a practical exposure to scientific research at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). ISTA is the world leading research training institution based in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna, where the internship program has allowed interns to work with the best minds in the world. Be it that you are an avid biologist, computer scientist, mathematician, or a physicist, this fully-paid internship gives you the opportunity to work on one of the most exciting research projects and spend your summer in one of the most beautiful European countries.

Key Highlights

Detailed Description

IST Internship Program is aimed at the ambitious students who want to face the world of scientific research abroad. The interns learn to work under the guidance of faculty and postdoctoral mentors in one of the research groups of ISTA.

ISTA has two internship programs:

1. Summer ISTernship (2 – 3 months) – this is a short-term program that runs May 15 to September 15 and introduces research exposure, seminars, and a last poster presentation session.
2. Year-Round Scientific Internship (up to 12 months) – can be done any time of the year, scientific interns are directly associated with a particular research group, and are involved in a more extended research project.

Both tracks emphasize independent thinking, scientific innovation, and collaboration. Interns gain access to advanced laboratories, workshops, and interdisciplinary networking opportunities in an inspiring campus environment.

Internship Benefits

• Fully paid internship (approx. €1,523 gross/month)
• Access to world-class research labs and modern facilities
• International mentorship from experienced scientists
• Opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and training sessions
• Cultural and academic experience in Austria, near Vienna
• No application or participation fee
• Support for visa arrangements and housing (subject to availability)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in or have recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, physics, neuroscience, or related fields.
• Prove the good academic background and really show interest in scientific research.
• Be fluent in English (no German is necessary).
• For the year-round internship, applicants should identify and contact a suitable research group.
• For the summer ISTernship, applicants can apply through the official online portal when applications open.

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before applying:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose
• Academic Transcripts (translated into English if applicable)
• Reference contact or letter (usually one referee)
• Preferred start and end dates (for year-round applicants)

Application Process

1. Go to the official ISTA site and select the track of internship that you want.
2. In the case of Summer ISTernship, you should apply online during the official call period (usually December-February).
3. For Year-Round Internships, contact the research group leader directly and submit the required documents.
4. Selected candidates will receive an official offer and assistance with visa and onboarding.

Deadline

• Summer ISTernship 2026: Applications open December 2025 – Expected Application Deadline: February 5, 2026, at 15:00 CET (Central European Time).
• Year-Round Internship: Applications accepted throughout the year (apply at least 2 months before intended start date)

How to Apply

To apply or learn more, visit the official ISTA Internship Portal:

FAQs

Q1: Who can apply for the IST Internship Program?
Applicants to any of the degrees (bachelors or master) in a related science field are eligible irrespective of the nationality.

Q2: Is there an application fee?
No. The IST Internship Program has no cost of application.

Q3: What is the duration of the internship?
The summer program lasts 2–3 months, while the year-round internship can extend up to 1 year.

Q4: What is the monthly stipend?
Interns receive approximately €1,523 gross per month as financial support.

Q5: Do I need to know German?
No. The entire program is conducted in English.