Deadline: January 26, 2026
The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 (Paid) is a competitive opportunity for undergraduate and master’s students in computing-related fields to gain hands-on experience at the world’s leading particle physics laboratory. This nine-week programme provides full-time, on-site training at CERN, giving students access to cutting-edge technologies, expert mentorship, and high-level scientific and technical lectures.
The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 (Paid) offers a unique chance to contribute to real IT and computing research that supports CERN’s scientific missions.
About the Opportunity
The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme is designed for students interested in computing, information technology, high-performance systems, and their applications in high-energy physics. Over the nine-week period, students work on advanced computing projects, participate in a dedicated openlab IT lecture series, and gain exposure to world-class research environments.
Participants also have the opportunity to attend the main CERN physics lectures and visit key facilities and experimental sites at CERN. This programme offers a rigorous and immersive experience in applied computing within one of the most advanced scientific settings in the world.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (PhD candidates are not eligible).
- Have completed at least six semesters (three academic years) of full-time university studies by summer 2026.
- Be pursuing a degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or any relevant computing-related field within the openlab scope.
- Have not previously participated in the CERN Summer Student Programme for more than three months, and must not have been at CERN in any status exceeding three months.
- Possess good knowledge of English.
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student until the start date of the programme.
- Open to students of all nationalities.
Benefits / Award Details
Selected candidates will receive:
- A daily subsistence allowance of 93 CHF, tax-free.
- Travel allowance to support travel to and from Geneva.
- Health insurance coverage, with contributions already deducted from the allowance.
- Assistance with accommodation, helping students secure housing on or near CERN premises.
- Access to CERN physics lectures and the dedicated openlab IT lecture programme.
- Opportunity to work on real computing and IT projects using state-of-the-art hardware and software technologies.
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents (in English or French) in PDF format:
- A CV highlighting computing skills and experience.
- Official academic transcript (must be downloadable and unprotected).
- One academic reference letter, dated within the last 12 months.
- Motivation letter (optional but recommended), indicating preferred areas of technical or project interest.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 January 2026, 23:59 CET (Geneva time).
- Programme Duration: Nine weeks, full-time, on-site.
- Start Dates: 22 June 2026 or 29 June 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all required documents in the specified format. Ensure that all materials are accurate, up-to-date, and submitted before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
Selection Process
CERN evaluates candidates based on academic performance, computing skills, relevance of field of study, and overall motivation. Only students who fully meet eligibility requirements and submit complete applications will be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted directly by CERN.
Additional Information / Terms
- Participation is on-site only; remote attendance is not permitted.
- Students must remain enrolled at their home universities until the programme begins.
- Prior participation exceeding three months at CERN disqualifies applicants.
Host Organisation
CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) is one of the world’s premier centres for scientific research, operating the largest particle physics laboratory globally. CERN openlab is a collaboration between CERN and leading ICT companies and research institutions to advance computing technology for physics research.
Apply Here
👉 Apply for the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme 2026
Read More About the Programme
👉 Learn more about the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme
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