Predoctoral students

MPIA offers several different types of projects for students interested in astronomy research, from high school to masters level. 

High School Students

Please have a look at our International Summer Internship Program together with Haus der Astronomie or, if you speak German, at the Schülerpraktikum at MPIA.

Bachelor and Masters Students

For students available to work in Heidelberg, we offer bachelor theses, master theses, mini research projects and internships. Please note that MPIA cannot grant degrees, so applicants have to ensure that submitting a thesis written at an external institution is possible at their university. Mini research projects take 6-12 weeks and count as Module "Projektpraktikum Code WPProj". For details see the Module-Handbuch Bachelor of Science Physik.  

We invite applications from students in astronomy, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields. Please note that these opportunities are for students who can work at MPIA in person, meaning local students or those with independent funding to travel and stay in Heidelberg. APPLY HERE!

Review process: applications will be collected and shared with supervisors six times a year on the first Monday of February, April, June, August, October, December. Applications received after these dates will be reviewed in the next cycle. You will receive a reply about your application two weeks after the applications are reviewed.

Internships (fully funded for non-local students)

We offer fully-funded internship opportunities for non-local students. We typically have around 10 positions available. Travel costs are supported and a salary is offered. We particularly encourage applications from students with backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in astronomy. 

For more details and how to apply see our summer internship program.