METU Institute of Marine Sciences Internship Program
The METU Institute of Marine Sciences offers internship opportunities to undergraduate students who are interested in gaining experience in the field of marine sciences.
The Institute of Marine Sciences, affiliated with Middle East Technical University (METU), is a research and education institution that conducts research primarily in the fields of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Marine Geology and Geophysics, and Oceanography, and provides graduate-level education. Scientific research at the Institute is supported by various national and international projects and funding programs. Research activities are conducted both in laboratories and aboard the Institute's research vessels through theoretical and practical studies.
Internship Periods and Application Deadlines
The Institute of Marine Sciences accepts internship applications during the periods specified below. Applicants are expected to take note of the application deadlines for the relevant internship period:
| Internship Subject | Internship periods | Application dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General application | Winter period | 18 January – 12 February | 15 October – 30 November |
| Summer period | June – September | 1 March - 15 April | |
| Sea Turtle Monitoring and Conservation | Single Period | May – October | 1 March - 15 April |
Application and Evaluation Process
Students may apply to the Institute's internship program as part of either a mandatory or voluntary internship.
Applicants are required to contact the faculty member with whom they wish to conduct their internship during the application period. The scope of the internship activities and the internship program should be determined in consultation with the relevant faculty member prior to receiving acceptance.
To apply for an internship, applicants must complete the Internship Application Form (https://forms.gle/k4WAeirDZzSLLbPKA) and upload the following documents:
- A recent academic CV
- A motivation letter
- A photograph
Students applying for the Sea Turtle Monitoring and Conservation internship must also complete the Sea Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Internship Application Form in addition to the general internship application form and upload the documents requested in that form.
Applications are evaluated following the relevant application deadline. Applicants will be notified by e-mail of the outcome of their application once the evaluation process has been completed.
For further questions regarding internship applications, please contact us at staj@ims.metu.edu.tr.
Insurance and Legal Requirements
Insurance and Legal Obligations:
Pursuant to Article 5/b of the Turkish Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510, students undertaking internships are required to have occupational accident and occupational disease insurance provided by their home educational institution. Therefore, only applicants who are actively enrolled as higher education students and who can provide valid proof of occupational accident and occupational disease insurance for the entire duration of their internship will be accepted. Applications from candidates who cannot provide insurance documentation or who are not actively enrolled students cannot be considered.
Students accepted to the internship program are required to personally submit to the METU Institute of Marine Sciences official documentation confirming that they are insured for the duration of their internship.
Transportation and Accommodation
The METU Institute of Marine Sciences is not responsible for covering the accommodation, transportation, or meal expenses of interns.
However, depending on the availability and capacity of the existing accommodation facilities during the internship period, limited and temporary accommodation may be considered. Students who require accommodation may indicate their request in the relevant section of the application form. The availability of accommodation and the outcome of the accommodation request will be communicated together with the internship application result.
A free weekday shuttle service operates between Mersin and the Institute. The shuttle travels from Mersin to the Institute in the morning and from the Institute to Mersin in the evening. Interns may also use this shuttle service.
Setüstü Guest Houses – Accommodation Conditions
About the Guest Houses
The Setüstü Guest Houses consist of two bungalows located within the Setüstü premises, designated for accommodation primarily for master's and doctoral students. Both guest houses have the same physical conditions and facilities.
Each guest house:
- Consists of two bedrooms and one kitchen.
- Has two beds in each bedroom.
- Can accommodate a maximum of 4 people.
- The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave oven, electric stove, kettle, and basic plates, dishes, and kitchen utensils.
Items to Bring
The Institute provides blankets, pillows, and bedspreads. Students are required to bring their own bed sheets, pillowcases, and towels. Students are also responsible for bringing any other personal items they may need during their stay.
Air Conditioning and Internet
Air conditioning and internet access are normally available in the guest houses. However, temporary interruptions may occur due to technical problems or maintenance, and resolving such issues may take longer than expected. Therefore, students should be aware that continuous and uninterrupted access to air conditioning and internet services cannot be guaranteed throughout the accommodation period.
Meals and Shopping
There is no cafeteria or market on campus. Students may use the campus dining hall only on weekdays during lunchtime, provided that they register their names on the meal list in advance. The cost of meals at the dining hall is the responsibility of the student.
