The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme is a highly competitive 9-week international internship designed for students in computing, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Every summer, a select group of students from around the world joins CERN in Geneva to work on real IT and computing projects supporting high-energy-physics research.
It is one of the world’s most respected student research programmes in scientific computing and advanced technology.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must:
* Be enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (NOT PhD).
* Have completed at least three years of full-time university study by the start of the programme.
* Be studying in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics or similar fields with strong computing skills.
* Remain registered as a student through the start of the internship (or provide proof of upcoming enrolment).
* Have never previously taken part in any CERN Summer Student Programme.
* Have a good command of English (working language).
* Applicants of all nationalities can apply.
* Duration: 9 weeks (summer 2026)
* Work Areas Include:
o High-performance computing
o Machine learning and data analysis
o Software development
o Networking and cloud technologies
o Data acquisition and control systems
o Scientific computing tools
Benefits & What You Get
CERN openlab provides students with a very strong support package:
* Daily allowance to cover living expenses (tax-free, paid by CERN).
* Health insurance for the duration of the stay (contribution deducted from allowance).
* Travel allowance to help cover flight or transport to Geneva.
* Accommodation support to help students secure housing.
* Access to specialized IT lectures, workshops, and visits to CERN facilities.
* Supervision and guidance from CERN researchers and IT experts.
* An opportunity to gain hands-on experience on cutting-edge computing technologies used in world-leading scientific research.
Why This Programme Is Exceptional
* You work at one of the most advanced scientific institutions in the world.
* You join a multicultural scientific community with students and researchers from 100+ countries.
* You build deep computing and engineering skills through real projects, not classroom simulations.>
* Your work may support major scientific projects, including experiments related to the Large Hadron Collider.
* The programme boosts your chances for future opportunities at CERN, in academia, or in the global tech industry.
Application Tips
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To stand out, make sure you:
* Highlight strong programming and computing experience.
* Mention any projects, coding competitions, research work, or open-source contributions.
* Show motivation for scientific computing, research, or large-scale IT systems.
* Keep your CV concise, technical, and achievement-focused.
* Have a well-written reference letter from a professor or supervisor.
* Start preparing early — competition is very high.
The CERN openlab Student Programme is one of the top global opportunities for students passionate about computing, engineering and science. It offers the prestige of working at CERN, hands-on experience with advanced technologies, and exposure to a vibrant international research environment.
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