Lara, Tech. Univ. of Barcelona
MCQST Summer Bachelor Program
Discover the world of Quantum Science and Technology in Munich!
The MCQST Summer Bachelor Program gives undergraduate students from around the world the opportunity to experience cutting-edge research in Quantum Science and Technology (QST) firsthand.
After an introductory week, including a welcome retreat in the Bavarian town of Bad Tölz, you will spend three weeks working on a research project in one of our MCQST research groups. Along the way, lectures, lab visits, workshops, and social activities will introduce you to Munich's quantum research community—and to life in Munich.
Research at MCQST covers quantum information, quantum simulation, quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum metrology and sensing, quantum matter, and emerging interdisciplinary directions. For more detailed information, check out our Research Units.
Program dates: 1 to 27 August 2027
Applications opening soon!
Alumni insights into the Summer Bachelor Program
Meet two alumni of our summer program, who live and study in two different parts of the world but share the same love for science.
Eligibility
The program is open to undergraduate students from universities worldwide who are currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field. Since all research projects are in Quantum Science and Technology, some previous exposure to quantum science (e.g., through coursework) is beneficial.
Students in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are welcome to apply. Master's students are not eligible.
What's included?
Program
Accommodation
Financial support
Program at a glance
Welcome retreat
Your quantum summer starts with a welcome retreat in the Bavarian Alps, where you will get to know your fellow participants and take part in workshops and soft-skills training. MCQST covers all costs for travel, accommodation in shared rooms, and meals during the retreat.
Research project
At the heart of the program is your own research project in one of our MCQST research groups. A junior researcher (PhD student or postdoc) will serve as your mentor, introduce you to the project, and supervise your work. As part of the research group, you will experience firsthand how research in QST works—including both the excitement and the challenges of working on open scientific questions.
Lectures, tours, and lab visits
Throughout the program, lectures will introduce you to key concepts and current topics in Quantum Science and Technology, while lab visits at MCQST sites across Munich and Garching will give you a firsthand look at the broad range of experimental and theoretical research conducted within MCQST.
Closing symposium
The program concludes with a symposium where you will share your work with your peers and the MCQST community through a three-minute presentation and a scientific poster.
Accommodation
MCQST provides accommodation in Munich or Garching for all participants for the full duration of the program. Rooms are shared by a maximum of two participants of the same gender, with access to a small kitchen. We will do our best to accommodate individual needs when assigning rooms.
We are currently finalizing the accommodation arrangements for 2027. More details will follow soon.
Financial support
MCQST covers most of the costs associated with participating in the Summer Bachelor Program. The following support is provided:
Accommodation
MCQST provides accommodation for all participants for the full duration of the program.
Public transportation
You will receive a public transportation pass (Deutschlandticket) for the entire duration of the program. The pass covers all local means of transport in Munich as well as regional trains and buses in the whole of Germany.
Meals
Meals are generally not included, so please budget for your own food during your stay. Affordable lunch options are available at the university cafeterias. Meals are provided during the welcome retreat, and refreshments or snacks may be available at other program events.
Travel reimbursement
If you are traveling to Munich for the program, you can receive reimbursement for your travel expenses:
- Up to €400 if you are enrolled at a university within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
- Up to €1,400 if you are enrolled at a university outside the EHEA
Travel expenses are reimbursed after successful participation in the program and only for costs actually incurred.
Health & liability insurance
MCQST covers health and liability insurance for the duration of the program. The insurance is arranged through the Munich International Summer University (MISU). You will receive detailed information about the coverage before your stay.
Participation fee
Participants are required to pay a non-refundable participation fee of €220 after accepting their place in the program.
How to apply
Required documents
- CV
- Motivation letter (template will be provided)
- Letter of recommendation (template will be provided)
- Official academic transcript of records from your home university
- Highschool diploma or equivalent
We have collected some FAQ below.
Applications for 2027 will open soon!
Practical information
Participation fee
MCQST covers most costs associated with the Summer Bachelor Program, including the academic program, welcome retreat, accommodation, public transportation, and social activities. Participants are required to pay a non-refundable participation fee of €220 after accepting their place in the program.
Visa
If you require a visa to enter Germany, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa once you have been accepted to the program. MCQST can provide a letter of support for your visa application if needed.
As visa processing times can vary, we recommend starting the application process soon after receiving your acceptance. Please consult the German Federal Foreign Office for information about the requirements that apply to you.
Visa-related costs may be reimbursed as part of your travel reimbursement, within the applicable reimbursement limit.
Contact
Have a question? Please have a look at our FAQ below first. If you can't find the answer there, feel free to contact our program coordinator Lisa at summer[at]mcqst.de.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the MCQST Summer Bachelor Program?
The program is open to undergraduate students from universities worldwide who are currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field. Students in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are welcome to apply. Master's students are not eligible.
Is there a minimum GPA or grade requirement?
No. There is no minimum GPA or grade requirement. Your academic record is one of several factors considered during the selection process, alongside your motivation, previous exposure to quantum science, and your overall academic profile.
Do I need previous experience in quantum science to apply?
Since all research projects in the program are in Quantum Science and Technology, some previous exposure to quantum science is important for making the most of the program. This may come from university courses, research experience, projects, or relevant self-study. We do not require a specific course or number of credits.
How advanced do I need to be in my Bachelor's degree?
There is no fixed minimum number of completed semesters. However, the program involves working on a research project in Quantum Science and Technology, so participants should have sufficient academic background to benefit from the research experience.
What documents do I need to submit?
Your application must include a CV, motivation letter, letter of recommendation, academic transcript from your current university, and high school diploma or equivalent. Please submit all required documents through the online application portal and use the provided templates.
My current transcript does not include all of my grades. What should I do?
Please upload the most complete record of your grades currently available to you; an unofficial transcript is acceptable. Briefly explain the situation in the comments field. We may ask you to provide an official or updated transcript later in the selection process.
Do I need official translations of my documents?
No. If a document is not in English or German, please provide your own English translation and upload it together with the original document as a single file. The translation does not need to be certified.
What does “research group” mean in the motivation letter?
We ask you to identify up to three MCQST research groups where you could imagine conducting your summer research project and briefly explain why these groups interest you. Your selected groups should belong to the Research Area you chose under “Research Area preference.” You can explore MCQST's Research Areas and individual research groups on our website.
Do I need to contact a research group or PI before applying?
No. You do not need to contact a research group or principal investigator (PI) before submitting your application. Please indicate your research interests and preferred groups in your application, and we will do our best to place you within one of those groups.
Can I choose my research project?
You can indicate your research interests and preferred MCQST research groups in your application. Research projects and host groups are assigned based on your interests, your background, and the availability of suitable projects and supervisors.
What costs does MCQST cover?
MCQST provides accommodation, local public transportation, health and liability insurance, and reimbursement of eligible travel expenses up to the applicable limit. Meals are generally not included, except during the welcome retreat and selected program activities. Participants also pay a non-refundable participation fee of €220 after accepting their place in the program.
Does MCQST reimburse travel expenses?
Yes. Participants enrolled at a university within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) can receive reimbursement of eligible travel expenses up to €400. Participants enrolled at a university outside the EHEA can receive up to €1,400. Reimbursement is made after successful participation in the program and only for eligible costs actually incurred.
Do I need a visa to participate?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and individual circumstances. If you require a visa, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa after being accepted to the program. MCQST can provide a letter of support for your visa application if needed. Visa-related costs may be reimbursed as part of your travel reimbursement, within the applicable reimbursement limit.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes. MCQST provides accommodation in Munich or Garching for all participants for the full duration of the program. Rooms are shared by a maximum of two participants of the same gender, with access to a small kitchen. Details about the accommodation will be provided to accepted participants before the program begins.
When will I hear whether my application was successful?
We will contact you about the status of your application until the end of March 2027.
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