Deadline: January 26, 2026
Applications are open for the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026. Each summer, CERN Openlab runs a nine-week programme for bachelor’s and master’s students specialising in subjects related to computer science. These students work on cutting-edge projects with our collaborators, gaining hands-on experience with the latest computing technologies.
By joining the CERN openlab summer student programme, you will work with some of the latest hardware and software technologies and see how advanced computing tools are used in high-energy physics. The CERN openlab summer student programme offers multiple opportunities for learning, innovation, and career growth through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and world-leading experts.
Benefits
- A 93 CHF per calendar day (tax free) subsistence allowance.
- Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution already deducted from allowance). The few students who are paid directly from a national funding agency have to come to CERN with their own insurance coverage.
- Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.
- An extensive physics lecture programme (students will also be able to attend a series of IT lectures organized by Openlab).
- Assistance to find accommodation on the CERN site or nearby.
Eligibility
- You are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (not a PhD candidate) with a strong computing profile and you have completed at least 6 semesters (3 academic years) of full-time university studies in one of these fields by the start of the summer.
- You have not worked at CERN for more than 3 months under any other status, and you have not previously participated in the Summer Student Programme at CERN.
- You have a good knowledge of English.
- You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of your summer at CERN.
Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply for this OPENLAB Summer Student Programme.
Application
You will need the following documents, in English or French, clearly labelled (e.g. “CV”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:
- CV in English (check CERN CV tips for some advice on how to write your CV).
- A copy of your most recent official academic transcript (if you download it from your university portal make sure there is no protection so that they can open it).
- An academic reference letter (dated less than 12 months).
Recommended, not mandatory:
- Motivation letter with an indication of the preferred area of work.
For more information, visit CERN OpenLab.