Ready to spend your summer building real-world tech at the world’s most famous physics lab? The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme puts you inside CERN’s advanced computing environment in Geneva, working on projects that power particle physics and global science.
This is a fully funded summer experience for Bachelor’s and Master’s students from any country. You will join an international team, get mentored by top engineers and researchers, attend high-impact lectures, and contribute to software, AI, cloud, data, security, or electronics projects used at scale. If you are serious about a career in tech or research, this is a golden door in.
Why this programme stands out
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CERN openlab partners with leading tech companies to test and co-develop cutting-edge computing solutions. As a summer student, you work on real deliverables, not mock assignments. Your code or analysis can end up supporting experiments that explore how the universe works.
What is CERN openlab?
CERN openlab is a collaborative R&D platform between CERN and industry. It focuses on high-performance computing, big-data analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data acquisition, and advanced software tooling. The summer programme drops you into this ecosystem for about 9 weeks of intense, rewarding work.
What the funding covers
This is a fully funded opportunity designed to remove financial barriers so you can focus on learning and impact.
Paid studentship for the full programme period (about 9 weeks).
Travel allowance to and from Geneva at the start and end of your stay.
Accommodation support through CERN’s Housing Service, plus practical settling-in help.
Health insurance guidance, with an option to enroll if you do not have suitable coverage.
Certification: you submit a final report and present your work, a strong credential for your CV and LinkedIn.
Note: Specific stipend amounts and allowances are set by CERN and may vary each cycle. Always confirm details on the official page before you apply.
Who can apply
The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme is open to all nationalities. You must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree during the programme window and return to your studies afterward.
Criterion
What CERN Looks For
Field of study
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Data Science, AI/ML, Information Security, Physics with strong computing, Mathematics, or related disciplines
Study level
Enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme during the summer 2027 period
Programming skills
Solid experience in one or more: C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go, Rust, SQL, shell scripting; familiarity with Git and Linux is a plus
Tech focus
Interest or experience in areas like distributed systems, cloud, containers, HPC, data engineering, ML/AI, data acquisition, networking, or cybersecurity
Language
Good English communication skills. French is not required.
Availability
Full-time on site at CERN in Geneva for about 9 consecutive weeks in summer 2027
Eligibility notes
Typically not for PhD students. You must be 18+ at the start of the programme.
What you will do as a CERN openlab summer student
Join a CERN team and deliver a focused project in software, data, AI, electronics, or security.
Write clean, documented code and collaborate through reviews, issues, and sprints.
Prototype, benchmark, or validate tools and frameworks used across CERN’s computing stack.
Attend lectures by world-class engineers and researchers and visit key CERN facilities.
Produce a concise technical report and present your results at a closing session.
Network with peers and mentors to build long-term career connections.
Documents required
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Prepare polished, up-to-date documents. Strong applications are complete and precise.
CV or résumé tailored to software, data, and systems skills.
Academic transcript with current grades, plus grading scale if needed.
Proof of enrollment confirming Bachelor’s or Master’s status in 2027.
Motivation letter explaining your fit, interests, and preferred project areas.
Reference letters from 1–2 professors or supervisors who know your technical work.
Passport or ID copy for HR and travel arrangements.
Visa and travel support
CERN hosts students from around the world and provides administrative support once you are selected.
Visa assistance: CERN issues the necessary contract and guidance for Swiss or French entry requirements. Non EU/Schengen nationals receive help with visa paperwork.
Travel allowance: financial support for your round trip to Geneva.
Settlement: housing guidance and practical information for living near the CERN site.
Important: You are responsible for following embassy instructions and timelines. Start visa steps immediately after receiving your offer.
How to apply
Applications for the next intake target summer 2027. Recruitment typically opens months in advance. Follow the steps below and apply early.
Tailor your motivation: Connect your interests to CERN-scale computing challenges. Name relevant tools and techniques.
Be specific on skills: Languages, frameworks, cloud services, data tooling, CI/CD, containers, networking concepts.
Pick referees wisely: Choose supervisors who can detail your code quality and problem solving, not just attendance.
Keep it clean: One-page CV for Bachelor’s, at most two for Master’s. Clear section headings. No typos.
FAQ
Is the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme fully funded?
Yes. You receive a paid studentship for the full period, a travel allowance, and housing support. Confirm exact amounts on the official page each cycle.
Who can apply?
Bachelor’s and Master’s students from any country in computing, engineering, physics with strong programming, data science, AI, or related fields. You must be enrolled during the programme and return to studies afterward.
How long is the programme?
About 9 weeks on site in Geneva during summer 2027.
Do I need to speak French?
No. The working language is English. French can help with daily life but is not required.
Can I apply if I will graduate before summer 2027?
You typically need to be enrolled during the programme window. If you graduate just before summer 2027, you may not be eligible. Check the official eligibility note for your exact case.
If you want a high-impact, fully funded summer in tech, this is it. Shortlist your best projects, polish your CV, brief your referees, and get ready to apply for the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme 2027. Spaces are competitive, so start now and hit the official site for the current deadline.
