About this opportunity
The CERN Summer Student Programme is one of the world's most prestigious paid research internships for physics, engineering, computer science and mathematics students. For 8 to 13 weeks between June and September 2027, bachelor's and master's students join a real CERN research team in Geneva, attend an extensive physics lecture programme, and present a report on their contributions. Students receive a net subsistence allowance of CHF 94 per calendar day, CERN health insurance, travel support, and help finding accommodation. All nationalities are welcome.
The CERN Summer Student Programme 2027 is a paid internship offered by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) for applicants heading to Switzerland. Applications close on Jan 31, 2027.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics
- Have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields by the start of the summer
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship
- Have a good knowledge of English
- Not have worked at CERN for more than 3 months under any other status
- Not have previously participated in the CERN Summer Student Programme
What the opportunity may offer
- Net subsistence allowance of CHF 94 per calendar day (roughly CHF 2,800 for a 30-day month)
- Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health insurance scheme (contribution already deducted from the allowance)
- Travel expenses to and from Geneva, depending on individual circumstances
- Assistance finding accommodation on the CERN site or nearby
- Extensive physics lecture programme plus optional IT lectures
- Work inside a real CERN research team with a final report presentation
- 8 to 13 week contract of association between June and September 2027
Required documents
- CV in English or French
- Completed online application on careers.cern
- Academic reference letter
- Official academic transcripts
Application process
- Prepare a technically focused CV in English or French highlighting projects, programming, lab or engineering experience
- Complete the online application on careers.cern before the end-of-January deadline
- Attach your academic reference letter and official transcripts
- CERN reviews applications and may invite you to an online interview with the hiring manager
- Successful candidates receive an offer and begin onboarding for a June to September 2027 placement
Before you apply
- □Apply before Jan 31, 2027 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- □Prepare your 4 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
CERN states applications must arrive no later than the end of January and directs candidates to careers.cern for the exact current-year date; the programme page does not publish the exact day. Multiple verified third-party sources converge on 31 January 2027 (the 2025 call closed 26 January). Confirm the exact date on careers.cern before submitting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CERN Summer Student Programme stipend?
Students receive a net subsistence allowance of CHF 94 per calendar day, which works out to roughly CHF 2,800 for a 30-day month, plus CERN health insurance, travel support depending on circumstances, and help finding accommodation.
Who can apply for the CERN Summer Student Programme?
Bachelor's and master's students (not PhD) in physics, engineering, computer science or mathematics who have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time study, remain enrolled at least until the summer starts, have good English, and have not previously been a CERN summer student or worked at CERN for more than 3 months.
What is the deadline for the 2027 programme?
CERN states applications must arrive no later than the end of January. Verified sources converge on 31 January 2027; confirm the exact date on careers.cern.
Do I need to be from a CERN member state?
No. CERN states all nationalities are welcome for the Summer Student Programme, though candidates from Canada, the United States and Japan use dedicated national application routes.
How long is the CERN summer studentship?
Contracts of association run 8 to 13 weeks between June and September 2027, working on a scientific or technical project inside a CERN research team.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.