The CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026 gives PhD students from CERN Member and Associate Member States the opportunity to conduct part or all of their doctoral thesis research at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. Selected students receive a paid contract (up to 36 months), a monthly stipend, travel support, insurance, and work under CERN co-supervision while their PhD degree is awarded by their home university.
Now, let’s apply for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to learn about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇
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Table of Contents
Doctoral Student Programme 2026 Details
| Host Country: | Switzerland |
| Host Institute: | European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) |
| Eligible Nationalities: | Students of CERN Member or Associate Member States |
| Financial coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Degree Level: | PhD |
| Duration: | Initially 12 months, renewable up to 36 months |
| Number of Positions: | 40 to 50 |
| Deadline: | November 16, 2025 |
Benefits of the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026
- You get a contract of association with CERN (initially 12 months, renewable up to a total of 36 months).
- A monthly allowance of CHF 3,891 (net of tax).
- Travel allowance to help with getting to/from CERN.
- Health insurance via CERN (deducted from the allowance).
- Paid leave: 2.5 days per month.
- Possible supplements if you are married or have children.
- Flexibility: You may spend time at your home university (up to 12 months) under “unpaid special leave,” so the total time (CERN + home) can stretch across up to four years.
Also Check: CERN Research Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland
Eligibility Criteria of CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026
To apply, you must:
- Be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member States.
- Already enrolled in (or about to start) a PhD program.
- Ensure your thesis work (fully or partially) can be or will be done at CERN under co-supervision with your home university. The university grants the PhD.
- Have good knowledge of English OR French.
Note: Students specializing in pure theoretical or experimental particle physics are not eligible.
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Required Documents for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme
Typical applications include:
- CV in English or French (PDF)
- Academic transcripts & most recent diploma/certificates
- Proof/enrolment for your PhD programme or plan to enroll
- Letters of recommendation (often 2)
- Statement of research interest/motivation letter
- A letter confirming that your home university agrees to co-supervise / accept your thesis work at CERN if required
Also Check: CERN QUEST Program 2026 in Switzerland
How to Apply for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme
- Prepare the documents mentioned above.
- Apply:
- Apply via the official CERN Careers portal
- Deadline: 16 November 2025, 23:59 CET
- Selection process:
- Applications reviewed Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
- Results announced by the end of February 2026
Key Dates
- Application deadline for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026 is 16 November 2025, 23:59 CET.
- Review period: between November 2025 and February 2026, with decisions by the end of February.
Also Check: CERN Administrative Student Program 2026
