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CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland)

Last verified 25 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Paid 8–13 week summer research internship at CERN in Geneva for undergraduate and Master's students in physics, engineering, computer science and mathematics — open to nationals of Non-Member States including African countries.

Provider
CERN
Host country
Switzerland
Deadline
Late January (annual)
Region
Europe

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
By the start of the summer, you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields. You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship. 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.
Funding
Partial Funding
Study level
Undergraduate
Deadline
Late January (annual)

Key eligibility criteria

  • By the start of the summer, you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields. You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship. 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.

Recorded funding information

  • Partial Funding

About the CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland) (2026)

## About the Programme The CERN Summer Student Programme invites undergraduate and Master's students from around the world to spend 8 to 13 weeks during the European summer working alongside CERN scientists and engineers in Geneva, Switzerland. A dedicated quota of places is reserved for students from Non-Member States, which includes most African countries. ## What is Offered - Monthly subsistence allowance (covers living costs in Geneva) - Travel allowance to and from Geneva - Health insurance contribution - Accommodation support on the CERN hostel campus - Lecture series, workshops and lab visits with CERN researchers ## Eligibility - Undergraduate (after at least 3 completed years) or Master's student - Studying physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics or a closely related field - Good knowledge of English (French not required) - Open to nationals of Non-Member States, including most African countries ## How to Apply Applications open in November and close in late January each year via the CERN careers portal. Two reference letters, transcripts and a motivation letter are required.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Partial Funding

CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland) eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • By the start of the summer, you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields. You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship. 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.

CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland) document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland) 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://careers.cern/programmes/summer-studentship/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: By the start of the summer, you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields. You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship. 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Late January (annual). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland) deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Late January (annual). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Late January (annual)

      Provider deadline information: Late January (annual). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Editorial verification note

    Editorial review: verified open to African nationals via Non-Member States quota.
    Last checked 5/25/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland)?+

    By the start of the summer, you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields. You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship. 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.

    What funding does the CERN Summer Student Programme (Switzerland) offer?+

    Listed funding: Partial Funding. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Late January (annual). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://careers.cern/programmes/summer-studentship/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: By the start of the summer, you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not a PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and have completed at least 6 semesters of full-time university studies in one of these fields. You remain enrolled as a full-time student at least until the start of the summer studentship. 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Late January (annual). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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