CERN Technical Student Programme

The CERN Technical Student Programme places bachelor’s and master’s students inside the world’s largest particle physics laboratory for 4 to 12 months of paid, full-time project work in engineering, computing, applied physics, mathematics and robotics. Students earn a net allowance of CHF 3,486 per month with CERN health insurance, and many write their thesis on their CERN project.

The programme is open to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States, with two selection committees per year. Applications for the next round reopen on August 6, 2026 and close in mid-November, so prepare your CV, transcripts and reference over the summer.

• Bachelor's or master's students in applied physics, engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil, materials), computing, IT, mathematics or robotics.
• Nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State; note that Pakistani nationals are temporarily not considered for 2026 starts because the Associate Membership quota is full, so Pakistani students should target later start dates and check the vacancy text.
• At least 18 months (three semesters) of studies completed by the time of selection.
• Remaining enrolled as a full-time student for the whole studentship; PhD students and PhD holders are not eligible.
• Good knowledge of English or French.
• CV in English or French plus transcripts; an academic reference letter strengthens the file.
• Open to students who can commit to a placement of 4 to 12 months in Geneva.

• Work full time inside a CERN technical team on real engineering, computing or applied physics projects supporting the laboratory's mission.
• Apply your academic knowledge to practical challenges, from detector hardware and accelerator systems to data analytics and software.
• Collaborate daily with CERN scientists and engineers in an international environment.
• Document your work in reports that often feed your bachelor's or master's thesis, which many students write at CERN.
• Develop technical and soft skills through the placement's structured supervision.
• Present your results to your section before the contract ends.

• Monthly net allowance of CHF 3,486, one of the strongest student placements in Europe.
• Coverage under CERN's comprehensive health insurance scheme.
• Placements of 4 to 12 months, long enough for genuine project ownership and thesis work.
• The CERN name on your CV, with alumni spread across research labs and industry worldwide.
• Two selection rounds per year, so a missed committee only means a few months' wait.
• Geneva life alongside hundreds of students from the Summer, Technical, Administrative and Doctoral programmes.

• Watch careers.cern: applications for the next round reopen on August 6, 2026, and close before the autumn selection committee (mid-November pattern; November 16 in the 2025 round).
• Check the vacancy's list of eligible fields and confirm your country's Member or Associate Member status.
• Apply online with your CV (English or French), transcripts and, ideally, an academic reference letter.
• Shortlisted candidates are interviewed online by hiring managers before the committee decision.
• Offers state your section, project and start date, with visa and arrival support from CERN.
• If you miss this round, the spring committee (deadline around early March) is the next chance.