CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Programme 2026 – Applications Now Open

A unique opportunity is provided by the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme for students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in fields related to computing. Participants can acquire practical experience at one of the globe’s most advanced scientific centers. The programme is hosted at CERN in Meyrin, Switzerland, and this nine-week session gathers international students to contribute to innovative IT and computing projects. These projects underpin the large-scale scientific experiments conducted at CERN.

Application Deadline: 26 January 2026, 23:59 (Geneva time)
Contract Duration: 2 months (9 weeks)
Work Mode: Fully onsite, 40 hours per week
Location: Meyrin, Switzerland
Start date: 22 June or 29 June 2026

A multicultural project team will be joined by each participant. Lectures are delivered by leading scientists and computing specialists, and CERN’s unique facilities can be visited. Students will have the chance to perform work that has a real impact, operating at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation.

What the Programme Offers
The following experiences will be granted to selected students:

• A technical or scientific computing project within a CERN IT or engineering team will be worked on.
• High-level lectures given by CERN scientists, engineers, and computing specialists can be attended.
• Involvement in discussions, workshops, and tours of CERN’s research facilities is encouraged.
• Exposure to advanced computing technologies deployed in high-energy physics will be gained.
• A final report must be produced, and a brief presentation summarizing their work will be given at the programme’s conclusion.

An environment for learning, innovation, and collaboration with experts is offered by this programme, which focuses on tackling some of the globe’s most complex scientific and technological challenges.

Eligibility Criteria
The following conditions must be met by applicants:

• Strong computing profiles are required for all Bachelor’s or Master’s students (PhD candidates are excluded).
• A minimum of three years of full-time university studies (six semesters) must have been completed by June 2026.
• Enrollment as a full-time student must be maintained through the programme’s start.
• A good knowledge of English is necessary.
• No prior work at CERN for more than three months is permitted, and previous participation in this specific programme is not allowed.
• All nationalities are welcome to apply (the programme is open globally).

The following fields of study are considered suitable:

• Computer science
• Software engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Engineering or associated disciplines

Benefits
The following support will be received by participants:

• A tax-free daily subsistence allowance of 93 CHF is provided.
• Reimbursement for travel, determined by individual circumstances, is available.
• Inclusion in CERN’s medical insurance scheme is arranged.
• Assistance with securing accommodation on or near the CERN site is offered.
• Admission to CERN’s complete physics lecture programme and the openlab IT lecture series is granted.
• The chance to operate alongside world-leading experts and use cutting-edge computing systems is provided.

Required Documents
The following documents in English or French (PDF format) must be uploaded by applicants:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Recent academic transcript
• An academic reference letter (issued within the last 12 months)
• Optional: A motivation letter that indicates a preferred area of work

Since documents cannot be added after submission, all materials must be prepared by candidates before they begin the application.

Who Should Apply
This programme represents an ideal fit for:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s students specializing in computing and technical disciplines.
• Students who possess an interest in advanced computing, data processing, high-performance computing, AI, or large-scale scientific systems.

You can find out all about the work carried out by previous CERN openlab summer students on the CERN openlab Zenodo community 

How to Apply
All required documents must be submitted, and the application must be completed through the CERN career portal by all applicants.

Apply here.