CERN Short-Term Internship 2026 in Switzerland (Paid Internship for International Students)

The CERN Short-Term Internship Programme offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience at one of the world’s leading scientific research organizations. The internship allows students to work alongside experts and contribute to real projects in science, engineering, computing, and administrative fields.

Located in Geneva, Switzerland, CERN is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, bringing together scientists and professionals from across the globe to push the boundaries of science and technology.

Internship Overview

• Organization: CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
• Program: Short-Term Internship Programme
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Duration: 1 to 6 months
• Internship Type: Paid
• Eligible Applicants: Students in technical or administrative fields

The internship is designed to help students apply their academic knowledge to real-world scientific and technical projects while working in an international research environment.

Fields of Internship

Students from a variety of academic backgrounds can apply for the program.

• Applied Physics
• Data Science and Data Analytics
• Software Engineering and IT
• Civil Engineering
• Mathematics
• International Relations
• Finance, HR, Legal, and Procurement
• Technical and research support services

Interns join a team of experts and contribute to small-scale projects under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Internship Benefits

The CERN internship provides financial support and professional development opportunities.

• Monthly allowance of 1,593 Swiss Francs
• Hands-on experience in international research projects
• Opportunity to work with global experts and scientists
• International networking opportunities
• Exposure to advanced scientific technologies

Interns gain practical skills and real-world experience that can significantly strengthen their future careers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

• Must be a citizen of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be currently pursuing a technical/administrative diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degree
• Must remain enrolled as a full-time student during the internship
• Must have a good knowledge of English or French

Internship Responsibilities

Selected interns will:

• Assist professionals in their daily work
• Apply academic knowledge to real projects
• Learn new tools and research methods
• Collaborate with international teams

The internship provides a strong learning environment where students can develop both technical and professional skills.

Required Documents

Applicants usually need the following documents:

• Updated CV (in English or French)
• Academic documents or relevant certificates
• Any additional documents supporting the application

Application Deadline

• Applications are accepted throughout the year
• Example deadline for some positions: 1 November 2026 (23:59 Geneva Time)

Why You Should Apply

The CERN Short-Term Internship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for students interested in science, engineering, and technology. Interns work at the forefront of scientific discovery while gaining international exposure and professional experience.

For students interested in research, innovation, and advanced technology, this internship offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading scientists and contribute to groundbreaking projects.