IIT Kanpur Launches RISE Research Internship Programme for International Students
The prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has officially announced the opening of applications for its Research Internship in Science and Engineering (RISE) programme for the 2025–26 academic cycle. This distinguished initiative provides a unique opportunity for foreign undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage in cutting-edge research activities under the direct supervision of IITK's esteemed faculty members.
Programme Structure and Available Tracks
The RISE programme offers two distinct internship tracks designed to accommodate different schedules and preferences. Selected participants will work on specific, well-defined research problems while receiving mentorship from experienced IITK faculty.
Winter Internship Track: This option is conducted entirely online, running from December 1 to December 31, 2025. The number of available positions for this track depends on faculty availability and research project openings.
Summer Internship Track: This immersive, in-person experience takes place on the IIT Kanpur campus and spans between six and eight weeks. Scheduled between May 1 and July 31, 2026, the exact dates are finalized in consultation with faculty mentors. For this residential track, IITK will support up to twelve selected students.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements
The programme is exclusively open to non-Indian nationals who are currently enrolled in bachelor's or master's programmes at universities outside India. Applicants must have at least one semester remaining in their academic programme after completing the internship.
Additional requirements include:
- A strong academic record and demonstrated interest in research
- Comfort with English communication
- For summer internship applicants: Undergraduate students must have completed at least four semesters, while master's students must have completed at least two semesters before the internship begins
When applying, candidates must submit a comprehensive package including:
- A statement of purpose (maximum 400 words)
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- Official academic transcripts from their home university
- Proof of nationality documentation
- A letter of recommendation
- A passport-size photograph
Financial Support and Student Responsibilities
Students selected for the in-person summer internship receive substantial institutional support. IITK provides air-conditioned twin-sharing accommodation on campus and a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 throughout the internship period. Additionally, the institute arranges taxi pick-ups from either Lucknow or Kanpur airport for arriving students.
However, participants are responsible for certain expenses including international travel to Lucknow or Kanpur airport, visa application fees, health insurance coverage, and food costs throughout their stay. Students participating in the online winter internship must arrange their own high-speed internet connectivity.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process begins with the publication of available research projects on the institute's official website. Interested students may apply for a maximum of two projects by completing the designated Google form provided by the RISE programme.
Faculty members review all applications and may conduct online interviews with promising candidates. Final selections are communicated to students through the Office of International Relations. The deadline for submitting applications for the current cycle is March 20, 2026.
For programme-related inquiries, prospective applicants may contact the Office of International Relations at oir@iitk.ac.in.
