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 http://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. There’s no better way to learn than on-the-job. And 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 2018 Summer Students had to say about their experience:

 “A program that provides excellent international experience and exposure to particle physics and related research fields.”

“Incredibly unique and special opportunity to learn new skills, collaborate in large teams, and meet people in your field from around the world. Truly an amazing experience which I will recommend to others.”

“It has definitely been one of the most exciting experiences in my life. My experience here will undoubtedly prove to be extremely useful in my future career, be it academic or professional. I will never forget and greatly treasure the time spent here working with my supervisor, fellow summer students and colleagues.”

“An amazing, challenging, cheerful, horizon-opening programme! Thanks for everything!”

You can find more information on our summer student website: https://hr-dep.web.cern.ch/content/summer-students

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: https://hr-dep.web.cern.ch/content/summer-students. 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 2019, 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 2019 (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.
• 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. List of Member and Associate Member States: home.cern/about/member-states

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

Possible arrival dates

Every Monday from beginning of June to the 1st Monday in July inclusive, namely 3 June, 11 June*, 17 June, 24 June and 1 July 2019.

*Exception is Tuesday 11th June, as Monday 10th 2019 is a bank holiday at CERN.

This is how you can apply

You will need the following documents to complete your application (please make sure to name the documents accordingly e.g. CV, motivation letter, academic transcript, reference letter):

• 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).
• At least one reference letter (dated less than 12 months), preferably 2, from your lecturers.

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 at least one referee, so that they can upload their recommendation letter. Please note that this must be done before the application deadline (31 January 2019).

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

• US: https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/um-cern-reu/
• Japan: http://www2.kek.jp/kokusai/cernsummerschool/index.html
• Canada: http://www.ipp.ca/programs/CERN_summer.shtml

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 2019.

Please note that applications may be shared with a panel of national experts for evaluation purposes.