CERN Summer Student Programme 2026 || Fully Funded

If you’re an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics, engineering, computer science or mathematics and ready for a high-impact summer abroad, the CERN Summer Student Programme is a standout opportunity. This programme allows students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

 Programme Overview

The Summer Student Programme at CERN offers a research placement during the European summer (typically June to September). The duration ranges from 8 to 13 weeks depending on your university status and whether you come from a CERN Member State or a Non-Member State. Students work on a real technical or scientific project with a CERN team, attend specially prepared lectures, participate in workshops and visits to accelerator facilities. (home.cern)

 Eligibility & Key Requirements

To be eligible:

• You must be a bachelor’s or master’s student (not already holding a full degree) in physics, engineering, computing or mathematics.
• You should have completed at least six semesters (or equivalent) of full-time university studies by the start of the summer.
• You must remain registered as a student during your stay. If you expect to graduate just before or during the summer, some exceptions apply.
• Your application must include required documents (CV, academic transcript, reference letters) in English (or French) and all uploads clearly labeled and in PDF.

There are two tracks: one for nationals of CERN Member States and Associate Member States, and another for nationals of Non-Member States. Applicants must apply to the correct track.

 Benefits & Support Included

Participants receive:

• A contract of association covering the 8–13 week period working as part of a technical or scientific team.
• A daily subsistence allowance (for example around CHF 93 per calendar day in recent years) to cover accommodation and meals in the Geneva area.
• A travel allowance (lump sum) to support travel between your place of residence and Geneva (if applicable).
• Health insurance through CERN for the duration of your stay.
• Access to lectures, workshops, visits to CERN’s accelerator and experimental facilities; presentation opportunities with weekly sessions and a poster event.

 Application Timeline

• Applications generally open in November for the next year’s summer intake.
• The deadline for applications is often around end of January (for the summer beginning the same year).
• Results are communicated by mid-April or so.
• For Non-Member State applicants, the duration is typically 8 weeks only.

 Why This Programme Matters

• You’ll work at CERN — one of the world’s foremost research institutions in particle physics and engineering — giving your research experience global weight.
• The multicultural environment (students from 100+ nations in recent years) fosters collaboration, networking, and personal growth.
• It strengthens your academic profile and enhances graduate school or research-career applications.
• The opportunity to join lectures, hands-on experiments, and real scientific teams means you are not just observing — you are contributing.

If you are serious about research and innovation in STEM fields and ready to commit full-time for a summer, the CERN Summer Student Programme could be a transformative step in your journey. Start by preparing a strong CV, selecting relevant projects or fields of interest, securing referees and transcripts, and marking your calendar for the upcoming application window.