CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 26 January 2026 |
| Programme Start Date | 22 June 2026 |
| Duration | 2 months |
| Venue | CERN, Meyrin, Switzerland |
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Summer Research Programme |
| Organizer | CERN Openlab |
| Working Hours | 40 hours per week (full-time, onsite) |
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities |
| Application Link | Apply Here |
Table of Contents
1. Overview of the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026
CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 is a fully funded summer research opportunity at CERN for IT and engineering students. Learn eligibility and how to apply.
2. Responsibilities
Participants in the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme will:
- Contribute to a technical or scientific IT project at CERN.
- Attend lectures delivered by world-leading scientists, engineers, and IT specialists.
- Join workshops, discussions, and guided visits to CERN’s advanced research facilities.
- Collaborate with an international cohort of students from diverse academic backgrounds.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026, applicants must:
- Be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (PhD students are not eligible).
- Have completed at least 6 semesters (3 academic years) of full-time university studies by June 2026.
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student until the programme starts.
- Have good English proficiency; French is beneficial but not required.
- Not have worked at CERN for more than 3 months in any capacity.
- Not have previously participated in any CERN Summer Student Programme.
- Be a citizen of any country — the programme is open worldwide.
4. Required Documents
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic Reference Letter (issued within the last 12 months)
- Official Academic Transcript
- Additional supporting documents (optional)
5. Employment & Programme Conditions
- Start Date: 22 June 2026
- Duration: 2 months
- Working Hours: 40 hours/week
- Mode: Fully onsite at CERN, Meyrin, Switzerland
- Work Environment: High-performance IT, software, data processing, and research teams
6. Financial Support & Benefits
Participants receive:
- Daily allowance: 93 CHF per day (tax-free)
- Health insurance: Provided by CERN (deducted from allowance)
- Students funded by national agencies must have their own insurance.
- Travel reimbursement: CERN reimburses travel to/from Geneva based on individual circumstances
- Accommodation assistance: Support with securing housing at or near CERN
- Academic & professional benefits:
- Access to physics and IT lecture series
- Mentorship from CERN specialists
- Participation in workshops and specialized training
- Networking with global experts and international peers
7. How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026:
- Visit the official application page.
- Create or log in to your CERN account.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents (PDF format).
- Submit your application before the deadline: 26 January 2026.
- Wait for confirmation and updates from CERN’s selection team.
👉 Apply Here: CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026
8. About CERN Openlab
CERN Openlab is a unique public–private partnership that brings together CERN and leading ICT companies to accelerate innovation in areas such as computing, data management, software systems, and high-performance IT. The Summer Student Programme allows selected students to contribute directly to technologies underpinning some of the most significant scientific discoveries in particle physics and data-intensive research worldwide.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Is the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme fully funded?
Yes. Participants receive a daily allowance of 93 CHF, health insurance, travel reimbursement, and accommodation support.
Do I need to know French to apply?
No. English is required; French is optional.
Can students from any country apply?
Yes. The programme is open to all nationalities.
Is previous CERN experience allowed?
You cannot have worked at CERN for more than 3 months or participated in any prior CERN Summer Student Programme.
Is this programme suitable for IT and computer science students?
Yes — it is specifically targeted at students in IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, and related fields.
