Research opportunities abroad allow Indian undergraduate students to gain international research exposure, develop practical laboratory skills and work with experienced researchers. Several internship programmes also provide them with financial assistance for travel and living expenses.
If you are exploring paid internships abroad for Indian students, understanding eligibility, funding and application procedures is crucial. Understanding these needs of students, SciAstra has provided a complete guide on Research Opportunities Abroad for Undergraduate Indian Students on this page. It also includes all the necessary information about these opportunities in the free PDF file attached below.
Top Research Opportunities Abroad for Indian Students
Three prominent programmes offer different pathways to international research experience: DAAD WISE in Germany, Mitacs Globalink in Canada and the Khorana Program in the USA.
These internships abroad for Indian undergraduate students differ significantly in academic requirements, funding and application processes. A comparison between all three programmes is available below:
International Research Internship Programmes – October 2026 | |||
Comparison Parameters | DAAD WISE | Mitacs Globalink | Khorana Program |
Country | Germany | Canada | USA |
Engineering, mathematics and natural sciences; eligible institutions; minimum 8.5 CGPA | B.E./B.Tech students from AICTE-listed institutions; minimum 70%; IITs excluded for 2027 | Pre-final-year biotechnology and allied-science students; minimum 8.0 CGPA or 80% (MBBS: 65%) | |
Funding | €861/month, €1,050 travel grant and insurance | Airfare contribution, housing stipend, food allowance and insurance | Airfare, stipend and insurance; accommodation excluded |
Duration | 60–90 days | 12 weeks | 10–12 weeks |
Application Status | Open; deadline: November 10, 2026 | 2027 applications closed on 16 September 2026 | On hold; no new call announced. |
Application Process for Research Opportunities Abroad for Indian Students
The application details for DAAD WISE, Mitacs Globalink and Khorana Program are as follows:
1. DAAD WISE Germany: Application Process
DAAD WISE Germany uses a Professor-First Approach for the application process.
Applicants must independently contact a professor at a German research institution.
Secure an invitation or acceptance from the professor before applying.
Complete the required host documentation.
Submit the application through the official DAAD application process.
Research Institutions: Public universities and publicly funded research institutes in Germany.
2. Mitacs Globalink: Application Process
Mitacs Global uses a Project-Based Approach for the application process.
Students select research projects from the official Mitacs database.
There is no requirement to independently contact professors before applying.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews.
Selected students are matched with Canadian research supervisors.
Next Expected Application Cycle: August–September 2027 for internships in 2028, subject to official confirmation.
3. Khorana Program: Application Process
The application process for the Khorana Program is based on the Selection-First Approach.
Students submit applications through the official programme portal.
Candidates undergo the programme's selection process.
After selection, students identify a suitable research supervisor in the USA.
Research internships focus primarily on biotechnology and allied sciences.
Current Status: The programme is inactive, with no new application call announced. Students should not assume applications are open.
Other International Research Internship Options
France Excellence Charpak Summer Training Scholarship – France: Supports summer training across various disciplines through financial assistance, including stipends and applicable fee waivers.
ETH Zurich Student Summer Research Fellowship – Switzerland: Offers research opportunities in computer science, mathematics and related fields.
EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program – Switzerland: Provides summer research opportunities in biological sciences, along with financial support for living expenses.
Note: Application timelines, eligibility, funding and programme availability should be confirmed through the respective official websites before applying.
Planning to Apply for Research Internships Abroad?
Explore paid internships abroad for Indian undergraduate students with SciAstra’s free PDF guide. Compare DAAD WISE, Mitacs Globalink, Khorana and other programmes to understand their eligibility, funding, deadlines and application processes.
Download the free PDF and take the first step towards international research opportunities!
Research Opportunities Abroad for Undergraduates
How to Prepare for Research Internships Abroad
To prepare for research internships abroad, Indian undergraduate students should consider the following:
Check eligibility: Verify institutional lists, academic cut-offs, degree requirements and eligible semesters.
Prepare documents: Create a focused CV highlighting research projects, skills and achievements, alongside a programme-specific statement of purpose.
Request recommendations: Approach eligible academic supervisors at least four weeks before deadlines.
Contact professors: For programmes requiring prior host confirmation, send personalised research emails well in advance.
Conclusion
Securing an undergraduate research internship for Indian students requires early preparation. Shortlist suitable programmes, verify official eligibility and application dates, and prepare strong documents to maximise your opportunities abroad.
