Summer Student Programme (Member and Non-Member States)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

Are you currently studying for a Bachelor or Master degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics? Are you looking for a practical training period during the European summer (June – September)? If so, this could be the opportunity for you: apply now for the CERN Summer Student Programme!

One of CERN’s key missions is education. Our professionals very much enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with students who are committed and passionate about their chosen field. And there’s no better way to learn than on-the-job: when that job happens to be in a world-famous research organisation and centre of scientific excellence, it’s even better.

This is what our 2019 Summer Students had to say about their experience:

“Perfect and unforgettable, the best summer program in the world. “

“Simply it is a once in a life time opportunity that you could have and I am so glad that you gave me this opportunity. This will allow me to dream bigger and achieve greatest thing in future. The knowledge and the experience, I gain through my project and this programme is not just academic it another level that extended to social skills and working environment and many more. This is the best summer I ever had and it will be for a long time. “

​“A unique and indescribable opportunity to grow professionally – by understanding how applied science is developed and contribute in the daily work routine of one of the biggest institutes in the world – and personally – by exchanging knowledge and experiences with people from all around the world and having your worldview transformed by others’ perspectives.”

​“The most amazing opportunity to start my research career and a great place to understand that although we are from different places, we have great things in common, mostly, love for science.”

Take part in CERN’s Summer Student Programme! 

Over a period of 8 to 13 weeks, you will work on an advanced technical project in an experimental or engineering team.

During this unique and exciting time, you can attend a series of lectures specially prepared for you where experts and scientists from around the world share their knowledge about a wide range of topics in the fields of theoretical and experimental particle physics, engineering and computing. Visits to the CERN facilities, as well as discussion sessions and workshops are also key features of the programme. Find out more on the Summer Student information page. A short report on your work and project at CERN will be expected at the end of your stay.

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a Bachelor or Master student (not PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics and should have completed, by the European Summer 2020, at least three years of full-time studies at university level.
• You will remain registered as a student during your stay at CERN. If you expect to graduate during European summer 2020 (as of May), you are also eligible to apply.
• You have not worked at CERN before with any other status (Technical Student, Trainee, User or other status) for more than 3 months and you have not been previously a Summer Student at CERN.
• You have a good knowledge of English; knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply for this Summer Student Programme.

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion.

In return, CERN will provide you with:

• A contract of association of 8 to 13 weeks* to work on a technical project.
• An extensive physics lecture programme (students will also be able to attend a series of IT lectures organized by Openlab).
• A 90 CHF per calendar day (net of tax) subsistence allowance to cover the cost of accommodation and meals in the Geneva area for a single person for the whole contract duration.
• A travel allowance on a lump sum basis paid at the end of your stay to help you with the cost of travel between Geneva and your residence at the time of the selection committee.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution already deducted from allowance).**
• Assistance to find accommodation on the CERN site or nearby.

* Candidates coming from a CERN Non Member State country can stay for a duration of 8 weeks only. (Find here the list of CERN Member and Associate Member States).

**The few students who are paid directly from a national funding agency have to come to CERN with their own insurance coverage.

Possible arrival dates:

Every Monday from beginning to end of June, namely 2 June*, 8 June 15 June, 22 June and 29 June 2020.

*Exception is Tuesday 2 June, as Monday 1 June 2020 is an official holiday at CERN.

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents, clearly labelled (e.g. “CV”, “Motivation letter”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:

• A CV in either English or French.
• A copy of your most recent academic transcript giving an overview of your marks (if you download it from your university portal please make sure the document is not protected so that we can open it).
• Two mandatory reference letters (dated less than 12 months), from your lecturers and/or previous internships.

Please make sure you have all the documents requested to hand when you start your application on our career portal as they cannot be added after its completion (only reference letters can be submitted afterwards).

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail which contains a link. You must forward this link to your referees, so that they can upload their recommendation letter. Please note that this must be done before the application deadline (31 January 2020 at 12 pm CET).

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

• US
• Japan
• Canada

A few tips…

Ensure your CV is complete with all skills and experience that make you stand out as a candidate.

Be as clear and specific as possible in the application fields “Education” and “Experience” in order to increase your chances of being selected. Also, include in this section all the specific skills (e.g. programming languages, hardware, databases etc.) that you have acquired that will support your application. 

And last but not least, make good use of the ‘Motivation’ section to tell us why you’re a great candidate for CERN!

Selection procedure

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and have completed their application before the deadline will pass to the next step of the selection process. The final results of the selection procedure will be communicated to candidates by mid-April at the latest.