Each year, more and more students from IIT Madras are taking bold journeys toward shaping their futures through international research internships and fellowships. These opportunities offer far more than just academic enrichment. They open doors to global cultures, build lifelong friendships, and spark personal growth that lasts well beyond the lab.
These experiences are helping students from IIT Madras discover not just where they want to go in their careers, but who they want to become.
Why Research Internships Matter
International research internships are more than academic stepping stones—they’re transformational life journeys. Students return not only with new knowledge and technical skills but also with broader perspectives, deeper confidence, and a richer understanding of the world.
Whether it’s hands-on physics work at Caltech or a summer spent immersed in research at a French university, these experiences help students explore new cultures, work with diverse and welcoming teams, and navigate life in a different corner of the world.
“With no prior experience in research, I was both nervous and excited when I travelled for my first research internship to go to Japan. But alongside science, I explored the culture, made great friends, and had so much fun. It completely changed how I saw both research and life abroad.” - Bavishya S M, a final-year student at the Department of Biotechnology.
For many, these internships are not just career-defining—they’re life-shaping.
Programs Tailored for Indian Students
Some international fellowships are thoughtfully designed especially for Indian students, offering generous support and meaningful research roles. Here are some standout opportunities that students have successfully explored:
1. Charpak Scholarships – France
Offered by the French Embassy in India, the Charpak programs provide Indian students with:
- Charpak Summer Training Scholarship – For short-term research projects in French labs
- Charpak Exchange Scholarship – For semester-long academic exchanges
These scholarships cover stipends, visa fees, and more. Students must first secure an invitation or institutional partnership.
2. LIGO-Caltech SURF (with LIGO-India Collaboration)
This prestigious program allows 2–3 Indian undergraduates each year to participate in a 10-week summer research internship at Caltech or other LIGO-USA sites, focusing on gravitational-wave physics and instrumentation. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of cutting-edge science at the highest level.
3. DAAD WISE & KOSPIE – Germany
- DAAD WISE: Supports 2–3 month summer research internships in German universities
- DAAD KOSPIE: A 7-month research and study exchange for IIT students
Both offer stipends, travel allowances, and health insurance, all while fostering global research exposure.
4. Khorana Scholars Program – USA
Jointly funded by the Indian and U.S. governments, this program enables life sciences and biotechnology students to pursue research in the U.S., with mentorship, training workshops, and cultural exchange.
Globally Open, But Indian-Eligible Opportunities
Many students also shine in competitive global internship programs open to students from around the world:
- Caltech SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships)
- AMGEN Scholars – In Asia, the U.S., and Europe for life sciences students
- OIST Research Internship – Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan
- HZDR Summer Program – Research internships in Germany
- JPL/NASA Internships – Research opportunities in space science and engineering
These internships typically provide full funding, mentorship, and unforgettable international exposure.
Beyond Research: A Transformative Experience
For students, these internships often become cherished chapters of their lives, filled with learning, exploration, and self-discovery. It’s not just about solving equations in world-class labs or publishing papers; it’s about growing as a person.
Imagine spending the day immersed in a fascinating research problem, then walking through a quaint European town, sharing a sunset meal with international friends, or dancing at a cultural festival you never imagined attending. These moments leave a lasting imprint on the heart and mind.
Students often say they return with:
- Greater self-confidence
- Clarity about their career paths
- A deeperDeeper appreciation for different cultures
- Stronger communication and collaboration skills
- And most of all, unforgettable friendships and memories
The Journey Ahead
For IIT Madras students, these global internships represent more than a line on a résumé. They are invitations to explore the world, discover their passions, and connect with people and ideas beyond borders.
And when they return, they bring back more than knowledge—they carry a spark of inspiration, a global perspective, and the courage to dream bigger than before.