CERN openlab is CERN’s public–private partnership for advanced computing. Its Summer Student Programme brings bachelor’s and master’s students with a strong computing profile to CERN in Geneva for nine weeks each summer to work on a dedicated computing project alongside CERN scientists. Alongside the project, students attend a series of lectures on CERN’s IT and computing challenges, join visits, and present their project results publicly at the end of the stay.
Benefits & funding
- Stipend of 93 CHF per calendar day (net of tax) for the nine-week stay.
- Travel allowance paid as a lump sum at the end of the stay, toward travel between Geneva and the applicant’s home.
- Health insurance coverage and assistance finding accommodation.
- Hands-on project work with CERN scientists, a dedicated lecture series, and the chance to present results publicly.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s or master’s students (not PhD) with a strong computing profile.
- Fields: computer science, mathematics, engineering, or physics.
- Have completed at least three academic years (six semesters) of full-time study by the summer of the programme.
- Must remain a registered student throughout the stay at CERN.
- Open to candidates of all nationalities, including non-Member States.
- Good knowledge of English required.
- Must not have worked at CERN for more than three months under any other status, and must not have previously taken part in a CERN Summer Student Programme.
Application process
- 1Prepare a CV, an academic reference letter, academic transcripts (English or French preferred), and a motivation letter.
- 2Submit the application through the CERN careers portal before the annual deadline (26 January for the 2026 edition).
- 3Selection results are communicated in late March / early April.
Program timeline
Application deadline (2026 edition)
Jan 26, 2026
Selection results announced
Late March / early April 2026
Programme starts
Jun 22, 2026 or Jun 29, 2026
Programme ends (nine weeks)
August 2026