The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is inviting undergraduate and master’s students to spend their summer at the birthplace of the World Wide Web. Specifically, this programme offers students from around the globe the chance to work on the world’s largest particle physics experiments in Geneva, Switzerland. Consequently, selected students receive a tax-free living allowance and invaluable hands-on experience in high-energy physics and engineering.
Program Overview
This is the “Holy Grail” of STEM internships. Therefore, it combines work on a technical project with a comprehensive lecture series from Nobel Prize-winning physicists. By joining, you become part of a multicultural scientific community, working on the frontiers of human knowledge.
Key Benefits
CERN provides a fully funded experience that removes financial barriers. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Stipend: A subsistence allowance of approximately 93 CHF per day (tax-free) to cover accommodation and meals in Geneva.
- Travel: Coverage of travel expenses to and from Geneva.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance scheme.
- Lectures: Access to a customized lecture series exclusively for summer students.
- Duration: 8 to 13 weeks (between June and September).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, an applicant must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State (though a limited number of spots exist for Non-Member States). Crucially, you must not have graduated before the program starts.
- Status: Must be a Bachelor or Master student (not PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
- Experience: Must have completed at least 3 years of full-time university studies by summer 2026.
- Language: Good knowledge of English (French is an asset but not required).
- Restrictions: You must not have worked at CERN before for more than 3 months.
Application Process
- Deadline: January 26, 2026 (12:00 PM CET).
- Submission: You must apply via the CERN Careers portal (SmartRecruiters).
- Requirements: CV (English/French), academic transcript, and two mandatory reference letters.
