CERN invites global applicants to apply for its Summer Student Program 2026. This fully funded program offered in Switzerland is completely onsite and will begin in June 2026. The scientists will gain experience working in a unique & advanced environment, broadening their educational and professional career.

CERN is the European Council for Nuclear Research, located near Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border. It was established in 1954 and operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. It aims to conduct fundamental research into the nature of matter.

Students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in fields such as Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline are eligible to attend this internship program, which lasts 8-13 weeks. You can belong to any nationality and apply without an application fee by 26 January 2026.

Details of the CERN Summer Student Program 2026

Read the details about the Summer Student Internship Program 2026 offered by CERN (European Council for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland here.

Benefits of an Internship 

The CERN Summer Student Program 2026 in Switzerland offers the following benefits.

• Interns will attend an extensive physics lecture program.
• Interns will receive a daily allowance of 90 CHF (net of tax) to cover the expenses of individual accommodation and meals in the Geneva area throughout the internship.
• Interns will receive a lump sum travel allowance at the end of their stay to cover travel costs between Geneva and their residence at the time of the selection committee.
• Interns will receive comprehensive health coverage (expenses deducted from allowance).
• Interns will be assisted in finding accommodation on the CERN site or in the surrounding area.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the CERN Summer Student Program 2026 in Switzerland must meet the given criteria. 

• You can have the nationality of any country.
• You must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in the field of Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
• You must not have worked at CERN in any capacity for more than 3 months before this application, nor have you previously attended a CERN Summer Internship.
• You must be proficient in English or French.

How to Apply

Students can apply for the CERN Summer Student Program 2026 in Switzerland by following the procedure below.

• You can access the application via the SmartRecruiters platform, which is linked from the CERN careers page. 
• Provide your personal details and the listed documents.
• Once you provide the contact details of your referees, they will get an email with guidelines on how to upload their letter directly to the application portal. Please ensure they submit the letter before the last date.

Documents Required for CERN Summer Student Program 2026

• Passport
• CV/Resume
• Motivational letter
• Academic transcripts
• Reference letters or Recommendation letter 

Last Date to Apply

The deadline to apply for the CERN Summer Student Program in Switzerland is 26 February 2026.

FAQs

What does the CERN Summer Student Program 2026 cover?

The CERN Summer Student Program 2026 covers the following aspects.

• An extensive physics lecture program.
• A daily allowance of 90 CHF.
• A travel allowance.
• A comprehensive health coverage.
• Assistance in finding accommodation.

What if a student misses out on any document while submitting the internship application?

The CERN Summer Student Program is highly competitive, so that any incomplete application will be immediately rejected.

I am a PhD applicant. Am I eligible to apply for this internship?

Unfortunately, you are ineligible to be considered for this internship. However, if you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you are eligible to proceed.

What is the duration of this program?

This internship program will last from 8 to 13 weeks.