The CERN OpenLab Summer Student Programme 2026 is an exclusive international opportunity for Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related fields to work at the world’s leading research centre for particle physics – CERN, Geneva, Switzerland.
Participants join ongoing projects that connect cutting-edge technology with scientific research, attend lectures by world-class scientists, and gain hands-on experience in an international, multicultural environment.
It’s an 8–9 week paid summer internship designed to inspire and train the next generation of innovators.
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CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Programme Summary
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Host Institute | The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) |
| Eligible Nationalities | CERN Member States |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s or Master’s |
| Fellowship Duration | 8 to 9 Weeks |
| Deadline | 26 January 2026 |
Benefits of the CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Programme
- Allowance: Around 93 CHF per calendar day (tax-free).
- Travel Support: Reimbursement for round-trip travel to Geneva.
- Accommodation: CERN assists students in finding housing near the campus.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is provided.
- Lectures & Training: Access to specialised CERN lectures, OpenLab workshops, and visits to unique CERN facilities.
- International Networking: Work with top researchers and students from all around the world.
- Certificate: Official completion certificate at the end of the programme.
Also Check: MIT Summer Research Internship Program 2026 in USA
Eligibility Requirements of the CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Internship
To apply for the 2026 session, you must:
- Be enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (not PhD).
- Have completed at least 3 years (6 semesters) of full-time university studies by summer 2026.
- Be studying Computer Science, Engineering, Physics with Computing, Mathematics, or a related IT field.
- Remain enrolled as a student during the summer period.
- Not have worked at CERN for more than 3 months or participated in this programme before.
- Have a good command of English (French is a plus).
- All nationalities are welcome – there are no citizenship restrictions.
Also Check: RIPS Summer Research Internship Program 2026 in USA
Job Responsibilities as a CERN Intern
As a CERN OpenLab Summer Student, you will:
- Contribute to a scientific or technical project involving IT, software development, or data technologies.
- Work under the supervision of a CERN expert or researcher.
- Attend lectures and training sessions from world-leading scientists and engineers.
- Participate in team projects, workshops, and facility tours.
- Prepare a final project report and presentation summarising your work experience.
Also Check: FAO Internship Program 2026 in Italy
Required Documents for CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Internship
- CV (Curriculum Vitae): clearly highlighting academic and technical background.
- Motivation Letter: explaining your interest in CERN OpenLab and what you hope to learn.
- Most recent academic transcript: showing grades of your current and previous years.
- One reference letter: from a university professor or supervisor (dated within the last 12 months).
Also Check: CERN Summer Student Programme 2026 in Switzerland
How to Apply for the CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Programme
- Go to the official application page.
- Click on “I’m interested” to begin your application.
- Fill out the online form with your personal and academic details.
- Upload all required documents (PDF format preferred).
- Submit before the deadline:
- 26 January 2026 (23:59 Geneva time).
- If you are shortlisted, you’ll be contacted via email by CERN HR for further steps.
