Fully funded summer research in Switzerland with a paid stipend and a travel grant. That is what the CERN Summer Student Program offers. You also get official invitation documents to support your visa application for Switzerland or France, so international students can focus on science, not paperwork.
Spend 8 to 13 weeks at the world’s largest particle physics lab in Geneva, learning from top researchers and contributing to real experiments. Applications for the 2026/2027 intake are open to students from all countries and most technical fields, including physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
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If you want hands-on experience that actually moves your career forward, this program delivers. You will attend high-level lectures, gain practical lab or computing skills, and join a multicultural team at a flagship European research center.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
CERN is not a typical summer school. It is a paid, fully funded research placement inside a world-class laboratory that built the Large Hadron Collider. You will work alongside experienced physicists, engineers, and software specialists on live projects that matter.
Beyond the name recognition, the value is practical. You receive a subsistence allowance for your entire stay, a travel grant to and from Geneva, and structured learning through the CERN Summer Lecture Series. The program welcomes students of all nationalities and is designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students who are still enrolled during summer 2027.
Expect a rich mix of project work, lectures, skills workshops, lab or computing activities, facility visits, and an international cohort that becomes a professional network for life.
What the Scholarship Covers
This is a fully funded opportunity. The typical package for selected students includes the items below. Exact details are set by CERN each cycle and confirmed in your offer.
A paid subsistence allowance for the full 8 to 13 weeks to cover living costs in Geneva.
Travel Grant
Return travel support from your home country to Geneva at the start and end of the program.
Visa Support
Official invitation documents and guidance to support your visa application for Switzerland or France, if required.
Insurance
Access to a health insurance arrangement for the duration of your stay if you do not have adequate coverage. Terms are confirmed in your offer.
Lectures & Training
Access to the CERN Summer Student Lecture Series, workshops, facility tours, and networking events.
Accommodation Guidance
Support from CERN’s housing service and guidance on finding accommodation. Rent is normally paid from your allowance.
Certificate
Official confirmation of participation and, in many cases, the option to agree on project deliverables with your university.
Eligible Countries and Applicants
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All nationalities can apply. The program welcomes students from CERN Member States, Associate Member States, and non-member countries.
Fields of study typically include:
Physics and related disciplines
Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Materials, or related Engineering
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, IT, or Mathematics
Other technical fields relevant to CERN projects
Location and timing: On-site at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, for 8 to 13 weeks during summer 2027.
Requirements
Enrollment status: You must be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student and remain registered as a student during the entire summer 2027 placement. PhD candidates are not eligible for this specific program.
Study progress: Generally at least 3 years of full-time university study completed by the start of summer 2027 or equivalent progress toward your degree.
Availability: Able to stay in Geneva for 8 to 13 consecutive weeks between approximately June and September 2027.
Language: Good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of French is an advantage but not required.
Documents: A complete application package usually includes a CV, most recent academic transcript, and 1 to 2 letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors. Documents should be in English or French.
Visa: If you need a visa for Switzerland or France, you must apply at the embassy in your country using CERN’s invitation documents. You are responsible for complying with all immigration requirements.
Review the 2026/2027 eligibility and confirm your availability for 8 to 13 weeks in summer 2027.
Prepare your documents: CV, academic transcript, and the contact details of referees. Ask your referees early so they can upload on time.
Create your applicant account on the CERN careers portal and start the online application.
Complete all required fields, select your study area, and clearly describe your technical skills, courses, and projects.
Upload your documents as PDF. Enter referee emails as requested so they can submit letters before the deadline.
Submit your application. You can usually update it until the closing date, but submit early to avoid last-minute issues.
Watch your email for updates. If shortlisted, follow instructions for any additional steps, including visa documentation.
Deadline
For the 2026/2027 cycle, applications typically close in January 2027. Exact timelines vary each year. Visit the official website for the current deadline on the CERN careers portal: careers.cern/summer-student-programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need IELTS or an English test to apply?
A: No formal IELTS score is usually required. You must demonstrate a good working level of English in your application and during any interviews.
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Q: Is this program open to students from Africa, Asia, or Latin America?
A: Yes. The CERN Summer Student Program is open to all nationalities, including applicants from non-member countries.
Q: How long is the program and when does it run?
A: The placement lasts 8 to 13 weeks and runs during summer 2027 in Geneva. Exact start dates are coordinated with your team.
A: Accommodation is not free. CERN provides guidance and may help with bookings, but you typically pay rent from your allowance.
Q: Can I participate if I graduate before summer 2027?
A: No. You must be enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student for the entire duration of the summer program. Graduates and PhD students should check other CERN opportunities.
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Q: Will CERN sponsor my visa?
A: CERN provides official invitation documents and guidance to support your visa application for Switzerland or France. You apply for the visa yourself through the embassy or consulate.
Q: Is the internship remote?
A: No. It is an on-site experience in Geneva with lab, engineering, or computing activities, plus lectures and facility visits.
Ready to launch your research career at a world-class lab? Apply for the CERN Summer Student Program 2026/2027 in Switzerland and secure a fully funded spot with stipend and travel support. Start your application now at careers.cern/summer-student-programme before the deadline closes.
