The CERN Doctoral Student Program 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for PhD students from around the world to conduct doctoral research at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland. The program provides access to world-class facilities, leading scientists, and groundbreaking research in physics, engineering, computing, and applied sciences.
Students selected will be employed at CERN under a 12-month contract, renewable for up to 3 years, depending on academic progress and supervisor approval.
About CERN
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, known for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and path-breaking discoveries such as the Higgs boson. It brings together researchers from over 100+ nationalities to advance scientific knowledge and innovation.
Program Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Host Organization | CERN, Geneva |
| Program Type | Doctoral / PhD Research |
| Eligibility | International Students |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 3 years) |
| Application Deadline | 16 November 2025 (23:59 CET) |
| Apply Link | ✅ Available below |
Funding & Benefits
- Monthly Allowance: 3891 CHF (net)
- Travel Allowance: Included (Airfare supported)
- Family Supplement: Provided (if eligible)
- Health Insurance: Fully covered (deducted from allowance)
- Paid Leave: 2.5 days per month
- Top-tier research environment with full CERN access
- Chance to publish in international journals and conferences
- Networking with world-leading scientists in physics & engineering
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must:
- Be enrolled in a PhD program in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields
- Have completed at least 1 year of doctoral studies before joining CERN
- Have a strong academic record
- Be able to spend 12–36 months at CERN as part of their thesis research
- Be proficient in English or French
Required Documents
- CV / Resume
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal / Thesis plan
- Proof of PhD enrollment
- 2 Recommendation letters
- Supervisor or University approval for CERN stay
How to Apply
- Visit the official CERN application portal (link below)
- Create an account and fill in the online form
- Upload the required documents in PDF format
- Submit the application before the deadline
🔗 Official Apply Link:
Click Here
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 16 November 2025 (23:59 CET) |
| Screening & Shortlisting | December – January |
| Final Selection Results | Early 2026 |
| Program Start | 2026 (Flexible entry date) |
Why Apply to CERN?
- Work on real-world research with global scientific impact
- Opportunities for future careers in academia or high-tech industries
- Experience in the world’s most advanced physics lab
- Exposure to AI, machine learning, quantum computing, particle physics & more
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