CERN openlab Summer Student Programme

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) — IT & Computing Division

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

BSc or MSc students in computer science, mathematics, engineering or physics with a strong computing profile, who will have completed at least three years of full-time university study by the June start. Open to all nationalities.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

CERN openlab is a public-private partnership between CERN and leading global ICT companies (including Google, Intel, Oracle, Siemens, and Micron) to accelerate cutting-edge computing technologies for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Over 9 weeks in Geneva, openlab Summer Students develop advanced prototypes in machine learning, quantum computing, exascale data storage, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity, culminating in a technical report and public lightning talk.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. BSc or MSc students in computer science, mathematics, engineering or physics with a strong computing profile, who will have completed at least three years of full-time university study by the June start. Open to all nationalities.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Jan (annual; the 2027 call opens in November 2026 and has normally closed at the end of January - the programme runs for nine weeks from 21 or 28 June 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Technical CV & Code Portfolio: Resume linking active GitHub repositories, open-source contributions, HPC/cloud deployments, or ML models.; Official Academic Transcripts: University records demonstrating top grades in algorithms, operating systems, data structures, and distributed computing.; Two Letters of Recommendation: References from CS professors or previous software engineering internship mentors.; Statement of Interest: Targeted summary of computing research interests and preferred software stacks..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Automated Eligibility Check → Technical Portfolio & GitHub Review by CERN IT Engineers → Supervisor Matching Across CERN openlab Industrial Partnership Projects.

Profile of past winners

Software engineering and AI students with strong Linux, C++, Python, Kubernetes, or PyTorch backgrounds who showcase production-ready code repositories and scientific computing benchmarks.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.

Quick answers

Who can apply for CERN openlab Summer Student Programme?

BSc or MSc students in computer science, mathematics, engineering or physics with a strong computing profile, who will have completed at least three years of full-time university study by the June start. Open to all nationalities.

What does CERN openlab Summer Student Programme cover?

A daily allowance of CHF 94, a lump-sum travel allowance at the end of the stay, CERN health insurance and help finding accommodation, for nine weeks

When is the deadline for CERN openlab Summer Student Programme?

Nov – Jan (annual; the 2027 call opens in November 2026 and has normally closed at the end of January - the programme runs for nine weeks from 21 or 28 June 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with CERN openlab Summer Student Programme?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for CERN openlab Summer Student Programme?

Technical CV & Code Portfolio: Resume linking active GitHub repositories, open-source contributions, HPC/cloud deployments, or ML models.; Official Academic Transcripts: University records demonstrating top grades in algorithms, operating systems, data structures, and distributed computing.; Two Letters of Recommendation: References from CS professors or previous software engineering internship mentors.; Statement of Interest: Targeted summary of computing research interests and preferred software stacks..

How are applicants selected for CERN openlab Summer Student Programme?

Automated Eligibility Check → Technical Portfolio & GitHub Review by CERN IT Engineers → Supervisor Matching Across CERN openlab Industrial Partnership Projects.

How much work is the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme application?

Very High: CERN openlab Portal Application + Technical GitHub/Project Portfolio + Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters