AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Official programme: Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunities (MtL-URO)
• Host: Max Planck School Matter to Life
• Location: Germany
• Level: Undergraduate/Bachelor’s students
• Duration: 10 weeks
• 2027 internship period: June–November 2027
• Research areas: Physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, materials science, engineering and related fields
• Number selected: 10 students
• Funding: Travel, accommodation and monthly living allowance
• Language: English
• Minimum GPA: 1.7
• Application deadline: 1 October 2026

About the Scholarship/Programme

The Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunities (MtL-URO) programme gives undergraduate students the opportunity to undertake a funded 10-week research internship in one of the laboratories of the Matter to Life faculty in Germany.

The programme is designed for motivated Bachelor’s students who want practical experience in interdisciplinary scientific research. Selected participants work on a specific research question in a Matter to Life laboratory under the supervision of local researchers and faculty members.

The Matter to Life network brings together research across disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, materials science and engineering. Students can choose a preferred Matter to Life laboratory when applying.

During the internship, participants gain practical experience with cutting-edge scientific methods, work alongside researchers and develop their scientific knowledge and professional network. The programme also provides an opportunity to become familiar with the Matter to Life research community and Germany’s research environment.

The official programme is conducted entirely in English, so German language proficiency is not required.

Scholarship Benefits

The MtL-URO programme is officially funded and provides support for:

• Travel to and from the student’s home country.
• Accommodation in Germany during the internship.
• A monthly allowance to help cover day-to-day living expenses.
• A 10-week supervised research experience in a Matter to Life faculty laboratory.
• Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and methods.
• Access to an interdisciplinary international research environment.
• The opportunity to work closely with researchers and expand professional and academic networks.

The official website does not publish a fixed amount for the monthly allowance on the current URO page, so applicants should not rely on unofficial figures.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to motivated undergraduate students studying an MtL-related subject.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate/Bachelor’s programme throughout the entire internship.
• Have completed at least 1.5 semesters of their degree programme when applying, so university grades can be included.
• Have completed at least two semesters by the time the internship begins.
• Demonstrate above-average academic performance with a minimum GPA of 1.7.
• Study in a relevant discipline such as physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, materials science, engineering or related fields such as bioengineering.

Students do not need previous research experience. The programme provides training in the methods required for the selected research project.

The official FAQ also confirms that an official English-language certificate is not required, and the internships are conducted in English. Letters of recommendation are also not required.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm that you are an undergraduate student in an MtL-related field, meet the semester requirements and have the required minimum GPA.

Step 2: Explore the Matter to Life laboratories

Review the Matter to Life faculty and identify the laboratory in which you would prefer to undertake your 10-week research internship.

Step 3: Prepare your application documents

The official application requires:

• CV of maximum two pages;
• Current university transcript;
• Preferred Matter to Life laboratory;
• One-page personal statement explaining your background and motivation;
• Your available timeframe for completing the internship.

Your high-school diploma is not sufficient in place of the current university transcript.

Step 4: Create an account

Access the official online application portal. First-time applicants need to create an account before entering the general Max Planck Schools portal.

Step 5: Select the Matter to Life URO programme

After entering the portal, select the Matter to Life URO programme and complete the application.

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

Submit the completed application by 1 October 2026.

Step 7: Await the outcome

The programme selects the 10 best candidates each year. Applicants should receive their results by email in February of the subsequent year.

Important Deadline

Application deadline: 1 October 2026.

Applications for the 2027 Undergraduate Research Opportunities are open from 1 August to 1 October 2026.

The 10-week internship will take place sometime between June and November 2027, with applicants indicating their availability in the application portal.

Related Opportunities

• CRG Undergraduates & Masters Fellowships 2026/2027 – Funded research opportunities for undergraduate and Master’s students in Spain.
• USTC Research Internship Program – International research training opportunities in China for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
• MITACS Globalink Internship – International undergraduate research opportunity in Canada.

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunities (MtL-URO) is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students who want to gain international research experience before completing their Bachelor’s degree.

Unlike an ordinary internship, the programme provides travel, accommodation and a monthly allowance, allowing selected students to undertake a 10-week research placement in Germany with a Matter to Life faculty laboratory.

Applicants should pay close attention to the academic requirements, particularly the minimum 1.7 GPA, the requirement to remain enrolled throughout the internship, and the relevant scientific field. Prior research experience is not required.

With only 10 candidates selected each year, applicants should prepare a strong personal statement, carefully select a suitable laboratory and submit their application before 1 October 2026.

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