Ugandan citizens may apply if enrolled in an eligible master\'s or PhD programme at a university in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Ireland, or if they are eligible RISE Germany alumni continuing undergraduate studies. International students must have spent at least 12 months in their country of study when applying. Recent graduates may apply to designated positions if they graduated no more than seven months before the application and the placement offers the statutory minimum wage. Relevant fields include biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, earth sciences, engineering and closely related disciplines. German-language requirements vary by placement.

RISE Professional places advanced university students and eligible recent graduates in research-oriented internships with companies in Germany. Participants gain practical industry experience in scientific, technological and engineering environments while developing international professional networks.

Benefits
For qualifying internships of up to three months and eligible mandatory internships of up to six months, DAAD provides EUR 492 monthly for bachelor\'s and master\'s students or EUR 900 monthly for PhD students, with an additional EUR 500 net monthly paid by the host company. Qualifying longer internships and placements for recent graduates must pay at least the stated 2027 German minimum wage of EUR 13.90 per hour before tax. Scholarship holders receive applicable travel assistance, health insurance, accident insurance and personal liability insurance. DAAD also covers 70% of eligible German-language course fees up to EUR 250 and provides EUR 160 toward travel to the Heidelberg RISE meeting. Placements can last up to six months between May 15 and December 31, 2027. Accompanying-family support is not provided.

Requirements
Applicants must submit the online application, a curriculum vitae, company-specific motivation or cover letters, a list of university courses, academic transcripts, relevant degree certificates and proof of current enrollment where applicable. Required documentation also includes a passport copy and an academic reference from a qualified university referee. Applicants must satisfy the educational, language and graduation-status requirements of their selected positions. Academic recommendations must be submitted by December 15, 2026.

How to apply
Register through the DAAD RISE Professional portal, review participating company placements and select suitable internships. Check each vacancy\'s academic requirements, language conditions, duration and compensation. Complete the application, upload the required documents and submit before November 30, 2026. Arrange for the academic referee to submit the recommendation by December 15, 2026. Selected candidates complete employer arrangements and applicable German immigration procedures.