CERN Summer Student Programme 2026 (Member and Non-Member State)

Join a multicultural team and contribute to technical or scientific projects this summer.

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CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Overview

Join a multicultural team and contribute to technical or scientific projects this summer.

You have:

  • You are currently pursuing a degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
  • You have completed at least 6 semesters (3 academic years) of full-time university studies in the required field by the start of the summer.
  • You are a Bachelor's or Master’s student (not a PhD candidate).
  • 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.
  • You have not worked at CERN for more than 3 months under any other status.
  • You have not previously participated in the Summer Student Programme at CERN.

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.

Company Description

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

Job Description

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 experimental, engineering, IT or research 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 Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
  • 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.

Qualifications

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria:

  • You are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student (not a PhD candidate), and you have completed at least 6 semesters (3 academic years) of full-time university studies in the required field 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 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.

If you are a national of either Canada, Japan or United States, you must also apply via the following respective websites:

Additional Information

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

Employment Conditions:

  • Ideal Start Date: 15/6/26
  • 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

Potential interview questions

Describe a group project you contributed to and your role in it. Understanding your teamwork and collaboration skills. Highlight your specific contributions and what you learned from the experience.
What motivates you to pursue a career in science or engineering? To gauge your passion and long-term commitment to the field. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a time you faced a challenge in your studies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep up with developments in your field of study? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What does collaboration mean to you in a research environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a new environment or team. How did you handle it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are you hoping to learn during your summer at CERN? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you think diversity is important in a scientific or engineering team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: careers.cern