CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme

Home Scholarships CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

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All Subjects, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

IELTS Required

Are you a computer science, engineering, or physics student with a passion for cutting‑edge technology? The CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme offers a remarkable opportunity to work at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory in Switzerland. This fully funded summer programme allows talented students from all nationalities to spend nine weeks working on advanced computing projects alongside world‑leading experts. If you are seeking an international internship that combines innovation, research, and career growth, this programme could be your gateway to an extraordinary experience in scientific computing.

The CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme is a prestigious nine‑week internship held annually at CERN in Meyrin, Switzerland. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is home to groundbreaking experiments including the Large Hadron Collider and is famously known as the birthplace of the World Wide Web.

CERN Openlab is a unique public‑private partnership that accelerates the development of cutting‑edge computing technologies for the worldwide LHC community and broader scientific research. Through this collaboration, CERN works with leading technology companies and research institutes to tackle some of the most complex computing challenges in science.

The programme brings together Bachelor’s and Master’s students from around the globe who specialize in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or physics with strong computing profiles. Selected students work on real projects related to artificial intelligence, data science, software optimisation, digital twins, and other advanced computing topics. Each participant is assigned a dedicated CERN supervisor who guides them throughout the programme.

What makes this programme exceptional is the opportunity to work with the latest hardware and software technologies while contributing to projects that support CERN’s large‑scale scientific experiments. Students also attend specialised lectures from computing experts, participate in workshops, and visit CERN’s unique facilities. At the end of the nine weeks, each student produces a report and delivers a public presentation of their work.

Detail

Information

Host Country Switzerland

Host Institution CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Location Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland

Level of Study Bachelor’s and Master’s Students

Eligible Fields Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics (with strong computing profile)

Programme Duration 9 weeks (June to August 2026)

Financial Support 93 CHF per day allowance, travel costs, health insurance

IELTS Requirement Not required (good knowledge of English needed)

Eligible Nationalities All nationalities welcome

Final date to receive applications January 26, 2026, 23:59 CET (Geneva time)

Category Fully Funded Summer Internship

The CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme offers comprehensive financial and professional benefits that make it one of the most attractive summer opportunities for computing students worldwide.

• Daily subsistence allowance of 93 CHF (approximately $105 USD) per calendar day, tax‑free
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution already deducted from allowance)
• Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on individual circumstances
• Assistance in finding accommodation on the CERN site or nearby

Professional and Academic Benefits:

• Hands‑on experience working on real computing projects at a world‑renowned research institution
• Access to an extensive physics lecture programme designed for summer students
• Additional IT lectures organised specifically by CERN Openlab
• Dedicated supervision from CERN experts throughout the programme
• Opportunity to produce a formal research report and deliver a public presentation
• Networking with students from diverse backgrounds…