DAAD RISE Program

DAAD RISE is one of a kind program that is offered by Germany to students who are from North America, the UK, and Ireland. This program was offered to different countries in different years. In 2005, the program was offered to US and Canadian students. In 2009, the program reached out to the United States students and finally invited Ireland students in 2018.

The objective of this program was to provide summer internship opportunities to students from the above-mentioned countries. In these internships, the students are paired with doctoral students and researchers (based on their interests) and the students assist them or help them during the internship duration. The researchers and doctoral students play the role of mentors for the students they are paired up with as well. Furthermore, the students who are selected in the DAAD RISE programs are paid a stipend to cover their daily costs.

In general, DAAD RISE is a scholarship program. Around 300 positions are available every year for the program. Moreover, the program is tailored for undergraduate students of engineering, life sciences, and natural sciences. The reason for DAAD RISE to be provided only to the students of engineering, life sciences, and natural sciences is the fact that they want to promote studying the landscape of Germany, as well as increase the curiosity to study the same.

Components of DAAD RISE

DAAD RISE has three components - RISE Germany, RISE professional, and RISE worldwide. The base for the programs is the same, but the details differ by a margin. Further information about the three components is given below.

RISE Germany

RISE Germany is for the students coming to universities of Germany for an undergraduate course and studying science or engineering.
The students who are chosen for this program are provided accommodation by their university or institution and are matched with Ph.D. students or researchers for the internship.
They are provided with a stipend of €861 (per month) to cover their daily necessities for three months.
German language is not required for this program. The whole program is in the medium of the English language, although it would be beneficial to know basic german.

RISE Professional

RISE Professional is for the people who are looking for working experience with German companies. This initiative began in 2006, as a way to bring back the RISE Germany students. The opportunity of having an internship abroad is scarce and hence RISE professional offers North American, Ireland and UK interns with the opportunity of being matched with either German companies or non-university based institutions.

This opportunity is for masters or Ph.D. students enrolled in science or engineering courses OR for students who are RISE Germany alumni.
The duration of the internship is three months and you will receive a scholarship, as well as the travel expenses, which would be paid for.
The language requirements for RISE Professional are dependent on the kind of internship you would be matched with. Some internships require a high to intermediate level of German, whereas some internships don't require any German language skills.
Recent graduates are not eligible for RISE Professional.
A stiped of €500 (per month) is given by the company that the student gets selected by.
For the students who will be learning the German language, DAAD will cover 70% of the cost for the same. The maximum amount they will cover is €250.

RISE Worldwide

RISE worldwide is the same program as RISE Germany, the only difference being that RISE Worldwide is on a global basis. German undergraduate students who are enrolled in a university will get a chance to intern with a researcher they match with, anywhere in the world. DAAD has tied up with 48 countries and the position available is for 300 students only.

DAAD covers partial travel and living costs for the students selected for this program.
The program is only available for german students.
Students of the science and engineering department are eligible to apply.
For the students who are selected for this program, DAAD covers the cost of their stay, travel, and health insurance. The cost of the stay and travel depends on the destination of the country.

How can I apply for any DAAD programs?

There is no complicated process as far as the application is concerned. You will have to apply through the DAAD RISE website and submit the documents they ask you to provide. Make sure to apply before the deadline as the seats are limited and the students applying are plenty. Although, this doesn't mean that they accept applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. All applications are processed together and the selection happens based on your experience and ability.

Documents needed for application

The following documents will be needed for your application process. There might be additional documents needed, but that will depend on the nature of the RISE program you will be choosing.

Proof that you are currently an undergraduate/postgraduate student.
A CV that includes your experience in work and/or volunteer, contact details, your interest in other fields, hobbies, and skills.
A cover letter that is an extension of your CV. Your cover letter will include details in correspondence to the experiences you have shared in the CV and any other details that you want to send across. The cover letter also must include your motivation to participate in the internship and your passion for the field of study.
A letter of reference
The most recent or current official transcript. This will give the german companies an idea as to the subjects you have chosen and specialize in, as well as your academic performance.

Must Know

There are some miscellaneous things that one should keep in mind before applying.

It is an absolute must to have a German Bank account. Your monthly stipend and the travel stipend from DAAD will be sent to that particular account.
If your german requirements are high but you don't possess the same level of language skill, you can apply for and receive german language training. For this, you will have to download the application form from the DAAD RISE website and follow the instructions. DAAD will cover 70% of the fee for language training.
Please check your visa regulations before applying to any of the programs mentioned above.
The scholarship amount differs depending on the students. Undergraduates are given a scholarship of €360, postgraduates receive a scholarship of €700, and Ph.D. students get a scholarship of €700. The scholarship will cover your housing and living expenses. Travel expenses are calculated separately as they depend on the country you will be coming from.
You will be given health, accident, and personal liability insurance as well. This is also covered by DAAD.