CERN Summer Student Programme

CERN

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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

Bachelor's or master's students in physics, computing, engineering or maths. All nationalities are welcome (students from Canada, Japan and the USA apply through their own national programmes). Other CERN studentships are limited to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Hosted at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory in Geneva, the CERN Summer Student Programme brings undergraduate and Master’s students from across the globe to work for 8 to 13 weeks on experimental, detector, or software projects alongside international research teams. Fellows also attend a dedicated 6-week lecture series delivered by leading theoretical physicists, data scientists, and accelerator engineers.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Bachelor's or master's students in physics, computing, engineering or maths. All nationalities are welcome (students from Canada, Japan and the USA apply through their own national programmes). Other CERN studentships are limited to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Jan (annual; applications open in the autumn and close at the end of Jan - check careers.cern/summer for the exact date) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Curriculum Vitae: Technical CV highlighting programming languages (C++, Python, Linux), laboratory coursework, and hardware/simulation projects.; Academic Transcripts: Official university grade transcripts covering at least 6 completed semesters.; Two Reference Letters: Confidential academic or project supervisor recommendation letters uploaded directly via the CERN portal link.; Motivation Responses: Short structured statements detailing technical skills and preferred CERN research domains..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

National Quota & Eligibility Verification → Technical Skill Matching by CERN Project Supervisors (Feb–Mar) → Final Selection & Host Group Placement (April).

Profile of past winners

Students who highlight concrete hands-on coding (Python, C++, ROOT, FPGA, CAD) or instrumentation skills in their CV and clearly state which CERN experiments or accelerator groups match their technical toolkit.

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 Summer Student Programme?

Bachelor's or master's students in physics, computing, engineering or maths. All nationalities are welcome (students from Canada, Japan and the USA apply through their own national programmes). Other CERN studentships are limited to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States.

What does CERN Summer Student Programme cover?

A paid 8 to 13 week summer placement at CERN with lectures, visits to experiments and a poster session; the stipend and travel conditions are listed on the CERN careers page

When is the deadline for CERN Summer Student Programme?

Nov – Jan (annual; applications open in the autumn and close at the end of Jan - check careers.cern/summer for the exact date) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

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

Host countries: Switzerland, France.

What documents do I need for CERN Summer Student Programme?

Curriculum Vitae: Technical CV highlighting programming languages (C++, Python, Linux), laboratory coursework, and hardware/simulation projects.; Academic Transcripts: Official university grade transcripts covering at least 6 completed semesters.; Two Reference Letters: Confidential academic or project supervisor recommendation letters uploaded directly via the CERN portal link.; Motivation Responses: Short structured statements detailing technical skills and preferred CERN research domains..

How are applicants selected for CERN Summer Student Programme?

National Quota & Eligibility Verification → Technical Skill Matching by CERN Project Supervisors (Feb–Mar) → Final Selection & Host Group Placement (April).

How much work is the CERN Summer Student Programme application?

Very High: Online CERN SmartRecruiters Form + Academic Transcripts + CV + 2 Reference Letters