The CERN Short Term Internship 2026 is a paid international internship hosted at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, open to students enrolled in diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programmes across technical, engineering, and administrative disciplines. Running for a flexible duration of one to six months, the programme provides a monthly stipend of 1,593 Swiss Francs. No application fee is required, and IELTS is not mandatory. Applicants from all nationalities are eligible, and the programme deadline is 1 November 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Paid Short-Term Internship |
| Organising Body | CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research), Switzerland |
| Mode | On-Site (Offline) |
| Duration | 1 to 6 Months (selected during online application) |
| Location | CERN, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Last Date to Apply | 1 November 2026 |
About the Program
CERN — the European Organisation for Nuclear Research — is the world’s largest and most advanced particle physics laboratory, located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. Home to the Large Hadron Collider and a global community of over 17,000 scientists, engineers, and technical professionals from more than 100 countries, CERN represents one of the most intellectually stimulating and technically sophisticated research environments available to early-career students anywhere in the world.
The CERN Short Term Internship 2026 is structured to provide students with direct, hands-on professional experience within CERN’s operational and research divisions. Participants work alongside world-class experts across applied physics, engineering, data science, mathematics, and support services, gaining practical competencies that complement and significantly extend their academic training. Notably, the programme is specifically designed for students whose universities require or encourage a formal practical training period as part of their degree.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degree programme in a technical, engineering, or administrative field.
- The internship is intended for students seeking a practical training period that is required or formally encouraged by their home university as part of their degree curriculum.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must demonstrate a growth mindset and an eagerness to develop professional skills through hands-on, on-the-job learning.
- A collaborative working style and the ability to thrive in a knowledge-sharing team environment are required.
- No application fee is charged at any stage of the process.
- IELTS or equivalent English language test scores are not required.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The CERN Short Term Internship 2026 provides a competitive monthly financial allowance for the full duration of the placement.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | 1,593 Swiss Francs per month |
| Internship Duration | 1 to 6 months (selected by applicant during online application) |
| Application Fee | None |
| English Proficiency Test | Not required |
Selection Process
- Screening of CV against academic enrolment status and field of study eligibility
- Assessment of alignment between the applicant’s academic background and available internship areas at CERN
- Evaluation of motivation for practical training and collaborative working capacity
- Final selection by the relevant CERN department or division
How to Apply
- Visit the official CERN internship application portal using the link provided on the CERN website.
- Review the available internship areas and identify the field most aligned with your academic background and professional interests.
- Prepare your CV or resume, ensuring it accurately reflects your academic enrolment, field of study, and any relevant skills or experience.
- Complete the online application form, selecting your preferred internship period and duration (between one and six months) during the process.
- Submit the completed application with your CV before the deadline of 1 November 2026.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 1 November 2026 |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Contact
For programme-specific queries, applicants should refer to the official CERN careers and student opportunities portal. Contact details for the CERN human resources and student programmes office are available directly on the official internship page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the CERN Short Term Internship 2026? The internship is open to students of all nationalities currently enrolled in a diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degree programme in a technical, engineering, or administrative discipline. Applicants should be at a stage in their studies where a practical training period is required or encouraged by their home institution.
What is the monthly stipend for the CERN Short Term Internship 2026? All selected interns receive a monthly allowance of 1,593 Swiss Francs for the full duration of their placement. The internship spans between one and six months, and applicants select their preferred period during the online application process.
Which fields and disciplines are available under this internship? The CERN Short Term Internship 2026 covers applied physics, civil engineering, data science and analytics, electrical and electronics engineering, health, safety and environment, international relations, materials and surface science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, software engineering and IT, and support services including finance, human resources, legal, and procurement.
Is an IELTS score or application fee required to apply? Neither an IELTS score nor any application fee is required at any stage of the CERN Short Term Internship 2026 application process. Applicants need only submit their CV through the official online application portal to initiate their application.
When is the deadline for the CERN Short Term Internship 2026? The application deadline for the CERN Short Term Internship 2026 is 1 November 2026. As CERN is one of the world’s most competitive internship destinations, applicants are advised to prepare their CV and complete the application well in advance of this date to ensure timely submission.