The ISTernship fellowship offers excellent opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in developing their scientific research skills in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research institute. Since 2013, each Summer, selected ISTerns (ISTernship fellowship holders) from across the world join ISTA for a period of 2 to 3 months to work on their research projects in agreement with ISTA’s host professors. ISTerns benefit from the supervision and collaboration of ISTA’s research groups and take part in a tailored program with a series of events to make the most of their experience on campus!
Who can apply:
- Current students in a bachelor of science degree (at least second year completed before ISTernship program starts)
- Current students in a master of science degree
- Recent graduates with a bachelor of science degree*
- Recent graduates with a master of science degree*
*Recent graduates with graduation on or after May 15, 2024.
Selected applicants receive a monthly fellowship allowance to cover basic living costs and reimbursement for round-trip travel to ISTA.
APPLYING FOR THE 2025 INTAKE
The call for applications for the 2025 intake will be available from late December on this page. The deadline for submitting applications will be Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 15:00 CET.
RESEARCH PROJECT
Selected ISTerns will decide together with the host professor on a research project to work on. The fellowship opportunities are available across all areas of basic research a ISTA: biology, computer science, data science & scientific computing, mathematics, physics, neuroscience, chemistry & materials, and interdisciplinary areas. The specific areas of research available for the 2025 intake will be published on this page by late December.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
We welcome applicants from across the world. Applicants must be enrolled in either bachelor or master of science degrees, and be in good standing at a degree-granting institution:
- Current students in a bachelor of science degree (at least second year completed)
- Current students in a master of science degree
- Recent graduates* with a bachelor of science degree
- Recent graduates* with a master of science degree
*Recent graduates with graduation on or after May 15, 2024.
Applicants must have completed at least the second year or fourth semester of their bachelor’s studies before the respective start date.
Applicants who graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree of science within a year from the program start date are also eligible to apply. That means applicants who graduated before May 15, 2024, are not eligible to apply for the program.
Students accepted to or enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible to apply.
ISTernship applicants can also apply for ISTA’s PhD program, however, if they are invited to an interview for the PhD program, that would make them ineligible for the ISTernship program.
All short-term mobility programs between ISTA and Russia have been suspended. As a result, any applicants currently enrolled in universities located in Russia are ineligible to apply for the ISTernship call.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Make sure to prepare the following documents/information that will be required uploaded to your application:
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Contact information of 1 or 2 referees
- 1 – 2 names of host professor(s)
- University transcripts and diplomas
This includes all degree programs and all years attended and/or currently enrolled. An original language version and English translation are recommended. Unofficial translations made by the applicant are accepted.
We do not require any English language tests. Applicants’ English skills will be evaluated through their application components.
ISTERNSHIP FELLOWSHIP – GENERAL INFORMATION
Successful applicants receive assistance with travel and visa arrangements if required.
Each successful candidate receives compensation to assist with the cost of living in Austria and travel to and from Austria.
Upon arrival, ISTerns participate in an orientation session with an introduction to ISTA’s Graduate School. During July a series of events is planned to introduce ISTerns to the research conducted at ISTA. The program culminates with a poster session, where ISTerns present their work to the broader ISTA community.
The program will be conducted in English. 100% in-person uninterrupted presence is required for participation in the program.
For more information and frequently asked questions, see the ISTernship FAQ.
FELLOWSHIP DURATION
2 – 3 months between May 15 and September 15. The exact dates and length are decided with host professors after selected applicants receive an offer.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
ISTerns receive a monthly fellowship payment of 1,150 Euros to cover basic living expenses. The fellowship is developed in cooperation with OeAD, the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation. OeAD handles the scholarship payments for a period of up to 3 months between May 15 and September 15. ISTerns receive assistance with travel and visa arrangements.
HEALTH INSURANCE
OeAD will support all ISTerns in obtaining health insurance for the duration of their stay in Austria with the ISTernship Program.
HOUSING
ISTerns will have access to subsidized accommodation on campus – in the ISTA-owned and -operated guest house, or accommodation in OeAD-operated student residences in Vienna.
This is a great way to connect with the student community outside of labs and classrooms.
More about Housing at ISTA.
QUESTIONS?
Please consult our FAQ for more information about the program.
Should you have questions, feel free to reach out to us via isternship@ista.ac.at
ISTernship Community
There are several events either specifically organized for ISTerns or open to ISTerns aimed at making their time at ISTA as valuable as possible.
- Presentations providing short overviews of the research conducted in groups at ISTA given by the relevant professors or their Postdocs (July & August).
- Invitation to annual ISTA events over the summer.
- Annual poster session in which ISTerns prepare a poster detailing their research project at ISTA (August).
Three former ISTerns, Siong Chen Meng, Marta Luterek, and Gabriele Quaranta, talk about their experiences and offer tips for a successful application.
Marta Luterek: I’ve spent my ISTernship in the Loose group, where I gained insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive intracellular self-organization. I gained a lot of confidence working independently and analyzing data, as I got great supervision from my mentors in the lab. Moreover, I developed my practical skills in multiple techniques, particularly protein purification and TIRF microscopy. I also enjoyed the challenge of preparing a poster at the end of my stay. Most importantly, I met many other ISTerns, with whom I became great friends.
Gabriele Quaranta: I was an ISTern at the Novarino Lab and contributed to a project that aims to discover the role of extracellular proteins in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. During my time in the lab, I learned many new techniques and how to design experiments. My amazing supervisors guided me through the whole process, teaching me “the secrets of the job” and allowing me to learn from my mistakes. Thanks to this valuable experience, I’m looking forward to continuing my studies in the field of neuroscience.
Siong Chen Meng: At ISTA, I worked in the Palacci group, studying the behavior of artificial swimmers on curved surfaces. I learned a lot during my ISTernship, such as how to code in MATLAB—a programming platform—and how to use an optical microscope. However, my most important takeaway was how to present my research. With the help of my supervisors, I was able to craft a presentation that not only told a story but also provided the details needed for others to understand my research. On top of that, I appreciated the diverse and international nature of my fellow ISTerns. It was amazing to learn about their cultures and histories.
Learn more here.
Benefits of the ISTernship Summer Program
- Monthly compensation
- Access to affordable health insurance
- Allowance for travel costs
- Housing on campus or in the OeAD residences in Vienna
- Free access to the ISTA shuttle bus with hourly service to Vienna on business days
In cooperation with 
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us: isternship@ist.ac.at.
For information about scientific internships (year-round) at ISTA, please see this page.