Google Summer of Code

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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

Contributors aged 18 or over who are students (including community and junior college students) or open-source beginners, and who are eligible to work in their country of residence. You may not have been accepted into GSoC more than once before. People living in a U.S.-embargoed country, Russia, Belarus or the DNR/LNR regions are not eligible. Individuals only (no groups); up to three proposals, one accepted.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Google Summer of Code pairs newcomers to open source with mentoring organisations for a paid, remote coding project. It is open worldwide, subject to the exclusions listed.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Contributors aged 18 or over who are students (including community and junior college students) or open-source beginners, and who are eligible to work in their country of residence. You may not have been accepted into GSoC more than once before. People living in a U.S.-embargoed country, Russia, Belarus or the DNR/LNR regions are not eligible. Individuals only (no groups); up to three proposals, one accepted.
2. Note the deadline. Mar (annual; in 2026 contributor applications ran from 16 to 31 March - check the GSoC timeline page for the next dates) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. CV; Cover letter or motivation statement; Proof of current enrolment or recent graduation; Academic transcript; Passport or national ID copy; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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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. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
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 Google Summer of Code?

Contributors aged 18 or over who are students (including community and junior college students) or open-source beginners, and who are eligible to work in their country of residence. You may not have been accepted into GSoC more than once before. People living in a U.S.-embargoed country, Russia, Belarus or the DNR/LNR regions are not eligible. Individuals only (no groups); up to three proposals, one accepted.

What does Google Summer of Code cover?

Google pays a stipend to contributors who pass their evaluations; the FAQ does not state the amount. Projects are about 90, 175 or 350 hours, over 8 to 22 weeks.

When is the deadline for Google Summer of Code?

Mar (annual; in 2026 contributor applications ran from 16 to 31 March - check the GSoC timeline page for the next dates) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Google Summer of Code?

Host countries: Belarus, Russia.

What documents do I need for Google Summer of Code?

CV; Cover letter or motivation statement; Proof of current enrolment or recent graduation; Academic transcript; Passport or national ID copy; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Google Summer of Code application?

High: Choose an organisation, discuss your idea and write a proposal on the GSoC site