CERN OPENLAB Summer Student Programme 2026

What you will do?

You will spend your summer where science, technology and innovation meet. You will join a multicultural team, contribute to real projects, and take part in a programme designed to expand your knowledge and curiosity. If selected, you’ll work alongside experts and students from around the world, making this a summer like nowhere else on Earth.

Your responsibilities:

• Contribute to a technical or scientific project within an IT team.
• Learn from lectures delivered by world-leading scientists and specialists.
• Take part in discussions, workshops and visits to CERN’s unique facilities.
• Share your learning and experience with peers from a wide range of backgrounds.

Your profile:

• You are currently pursuing a degree in IT or Software Engineering.
• You are curious, motivated and eager to learn through hands-on work.
• You enjoy collaborating with others in an international environment.
• You are open to exploring new ideas and perspectives.

Your skills:

• Fundamental understanding of your field of study.
• Enthusiasm, curiosity and a proactive approach to learning.
• Ability to communicate and work in a team.
• Adaptability, openness and a collaborative mindset.

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria:

• You are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (not a PhD candidate) with a strong computing profile and you have completed at least 6 semesters (3 academic years) of full-time university studies in one of these fields by the start of the summer.
• You have not worked at CERN for more than 3 months under any other status, and you have not previously participated in the Summer Student Programme at CERN.
• You have a good knowledge of English.
• You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of your summer at CERN.

· Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply for this OPENLAB Summer Student Programme.

You will need these documents (in English of French) to complete your application:

• Your CV.
• An academic reference letter (dated less than 12 months).
• An academic transcript.
• Any document you consider relevant to your application.

Application Deadline: 26/01/26 at 23:59 (Geneva time)

Employment Conditions:

• Ideal Start Date: 22/6/26
• Weekly Hours: 40
• Contract duration (in months): 2
• Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits

• A 93 CHF per calendar day (tax free) subsistence allowance.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution already deducted from allowance). The few students who are paid directly from a national funding agency have to come to CERN with their own insurance coverage.
• Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.
• An extensive physics lecture programme (students will also be able to attend a series of IT lectures organized by Openlab).
• Assistance to find accommodation on the CERN site or nearby.

More information about us, here: careers.cern