Internship•Switzerland · Geneva

CERN Summer Student Programme

Funding

Partial / Stipend

Program dates

TBA

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research near Geneva, Switzerland, runs the world’s largest particle-physics laboratory. Its Summer Student Programme brings undergraduate and master’s students in physics, engineering, computer science and mathematics to CERN for 8 to 13 weeks over the summer. Students join the day-to-day work of a research team on a real project, and alongside the project attend a dedicated lecture series on particle physics and related technologies, take part in workshops and visits, and use CERN’s facilities.

Benefits & funding

  • Subsistence allowance of 94 CHF per calendar day (net), to help cover living costs during the stay.
  • Health insurance coverage (the contribution is deducted from the allowance).
  • Travel expenses to and/or from Geneva, depending on individual circumstances.
  • Assistance in finding accommodation on the CERN site or nearby.
  • A lecture programme, workshops and visits, plus hands-on work embedded in a CERN research team.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree (not a PhD) in physics, engineering, computer science or mathematics.
  • Have completed at least six semesters of full-time university studies by the start of the studentship.
  • Remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the studentship begins.
  • Open to applicants of all nationalities. Students from Canada, Japan and the United States must instead apply through their respective national programmes.
  • 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 the CERN Summer Student Programme.

Application process

  1. 1
    Prepare a CV (in English or French), an academic reference letter and official academic transcripts.
  2. 2
    Submit the online application through the CERN careers portal before the annual deadline (end of January; the 2026 edition closed 26 January 2026).
  3. 3
    Applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates may have an online interview with hiring managers.
  4. 4
    Successful candidates receive an offer and complete onboarding ahead of the summer.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline

    End of January (26 January for the 2026 edition)

  2. Spring

    Selection and interviews; offers issued

  3. Programme runs for 8–13 weeks

    Summer (roughly June to September)