Few summer placements put you this close to the frontier of computing. CERN is the birthplace of the World Wide Web, home to ground-breaking experiments, and at the heart of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid. The CERN openlab Summer Student Programme lets bachelor’s and master’s students spend nine weeks there on a real computing project.
This guide covers what the programme offers, who can apply, what to prepare, how the application works and what is still unconfirmed for 2027. Read the deadline section carefully, because CERN has not yet published the closing date for this edition.
Time-sensitive: According to the official page, the call for applications for the 2027 programme opens in November 2026. The 2027 closing date has not been announced, so check the official page regularly and start preparing your documents now.
What the Programme Actually Offers
Each summer, CERN openlab runs a nine-week programme for bachelor’s and master’s students in subjects related to computer science. Students work on cutting-edge projects with CERN’s collaborators and gain hands-on experience with the latest hardware and software technologies. You also see how advanced computing tools are used in high-energy physics.
Each student works on a specific computing topic with a dedicated CERN supervisor. At the end of the nine weeks, you produce a report and give a short public presentation on your work. Past projects have covered AI, digital twins, data storage, software optimisation and trigger systems for particle detectors, and many are published on the CERN openlab Zenodo community.
Beyond the Project
The programme is more than a placement. According to the CERN openlab FAQ, students follow a tailored computing lecture programme and can also attend the main CERN summer student lectures and activities. Visits to CERN facilities are part of the experience, and the surrounding Geneva region is a bonus after work.
Funding and Benefits
This is a paid placement rather than a classic scholarship. The official page lists the following for the 2027 programme:
- Allowance: CHF 94 per calendar day
- Travel: a lump-sum travel allowance paid at the end of your stay
- Insurance: coverage by CERN’s Health Insurance scheme
- Housing help: assistance to find accommodation
The FAQ describes the allowance as covering accommodation and meals in the Geneva area for a single person, with the health insurance contribution already deducted. The FAQ I reviewed quotes older figures for the 2025 edition, so rely on the 2027 amounts on the programme page. The FAQ also notes that the few students paid directly by a national funding agency must arrive with their own insurance.
Geneva is expensive, so budget carefully for rent, meals, local transport and your flights or train tickets before the lump-sum travel payment arrives.
Programme Dates
The programme runs for nine weeks between June and August 2027. The official page gives two possible start dates: 21 June 2027 or 28 June 2027.
The FAQ explains that contracts start on a Monday and end on a Friday. Students must start on one of the offered dates, and only exceptional circumstances justify a change. Students are expected at CERN on the morning of their first day for a welcome session and arrival formalities.
Who Can Apply
The official page asks whether you are a B.Sc. or M.Sc. student in computer science, mathematics, engineering or physics, with a strong computing profile. You should also have completed at least three years of full-time university studies by the following June, and be able to commit to nine weeks during June to August.
The FAQ, written for the 2025 edition, adds further conditions. Check that the same ones apply to 2027:
- You are a bachelor’s or master’s student, not a PhD student.
- You remain registered as a student during your stay. Students who expect to graduate during the summer are also eligible.
- You have not worked at CERN before in another status for more than three months, and you have not been a CERN summer student previously.
- You have a good knowledge of English.
The programme is open to candidates of all nationalities, including those from countries that are not CERN member states. If your degree sits outside the four named fields, the FAQ says you may still apply when your transcript shows the needed technical knowledge and a strong computing profile.
Important Rules to Know First
The FAQ states that students must be on site for the full programme during working hours, and teleworking is not allowed. There is no entitlement to holidays, although exceptions may be made for circumstances such as an exam or graduation. The reference working hours are 8:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday, which may vary slightly by group.
Key Dates You Should Not Miss
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for applications opens | November 2026 |
| Application deadline | Not yet confirmed for 2027 |
| Replies to applicants | Late March to early April 2027 |
| Visa invitation letters (if needed) | Around May 2027 |
| Programme start dates | 21 June or 28 June 2027 |
| Programme length | Nine weeks |
A note on the deadline: the official page does not give the 2027 closing date yet. For reference only, the 2026 call closed on Monday 26 January at 23:59 CET. That was last year’s timetable, so do not assume the same date applies to 2027. Apply as early as you can once the call opens.
Once you receive an acceptance letter, you can use it to start your visa procedure, even before the formal invitation letter arrives in May.
Documents You Will Need
The official page says documents must be in English or French, clearly labelled and in PDF format. Have these ready before you start:
- CV in English. Check the CERN CV tips for advice.
- Your most recent official academic transcript. If you download it from a university portal, remove any password protection so CERN can open it.
- An academic reference letter dated less than 12 months ago.
- Motivation letter (recommended, not mandatory) with your preferred area of work.
The official page stresses that documents cannot be added after the application is completed. The 2025 FAQ asked for two reference letters, while the current page mentions one, so check the 2027 requirements when the call opens. A reference letter does not have to come from a professor, but it should come from someone who has worked with you and can explain why they recommend you.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Prepare early. Request your reference letter, collect your transcript and update your CV before November.
- Watch the official page. The call opens in November 2026, and the deadline will be published there.
- Open the application. Use the application link on the official call page, which leads to CERN’s careers portal. The FAQ describes starting through an “I am interested” button.
- Upload all documents at once. Incomplete applications are not considered, and files cannot be added afterwards.
- Add your project preference. Candidates cannot choose their project, but the FAQ says you can mention your skills and preferred area in the message to the hiring manager.
- Look for your confirmation email. CERN sends one once your application is submitted.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Show a strong computing profile. Mention programming languages, data tools, HPC, machine learning or systems experience with concrete examples.
- Write a targeted motivation letter. It is optional, but it is your best chance to name an area of work that fits your skills.
- Choose your referee carefully. A letter from someone who has seen your technical work beats a generic one.
- Read past projects. Browse the Zenodo community to see the kind of work students deliver, and align your skills with similar topics.
- Plan the practicalities. You must be in Geneva full time for nine weeks, so think about housing, visas and budget early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a scholarship?
It is a paid summer placement. Students receive a daily allowance, health insurance coverage, a lump-sum travel allowance and housing assistance, rather than a tuition scholarship.
Can I apply from outside Europe?
Yes. The FAQ states that candidates of all nationalities are welcome. Visa invitation letters, if needed, are sent around May.
Can I work remotely?
No. Students must be on site for the full nine weeks, and teleworking is not allowed.
Can I choose my project?
Not directly. Projects are assigned based on your application, but you can state your preferences and skills when you apply.
Can I apply if my degree is not in computer science?
Physics, mathematics and engineering students are eligible. Others can apply if their transcript shows the technical knowledge and a strong computing profile.
When will I hear back?
The official page says students receive a reply by late March or early April 2027.
Where to Apply and Learn More
Always rely on CERN’s official pages for the latest dates and requirements.
Disclaimer: Programme terms, allowances and dates can change. Verify all details directly with CERN openlab before applying.