If you are an IT, computer science, or software engineering student looking for a paid international summer internship in Europe, the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 is one of the most valuable opportunities available worldwide. Hosted by CERN in Switzerland, this fully funded summer internship allows students from all countries, including the US, UK, EU, and GCC, to gain hands-on experience at a world-leading research organization. This programme is ideal for students who want career-boosting global exposure, real project experience, and the chance to work in a high-prestige European research ecosystem. With a tax-free daily allowance, travel support, health insurance, and no application fee, it consistently ranks among the top paid summer internships in Europe.

CERN Openlab Summer Internship—Overview

Host Country: Switzerland
Host Organization: CERN (CERN Openlab)
Location: Meyrin (near Geneva), Switzerland
Program Type: Fully Funded & Paid Summer Internship
Duration: 2 months
Ideal Start Date: 22 June 2026
Weekly Working Hours: 40 hours
Application Deadline: 26 January 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)
Eligible Applicants: International Bachelor’s and Master’s students

Available Fields / Project Areas

The CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme focuses on high-impact IT and computing domains that support large-scale scientific research and global data infrastructure. Common project areas include:

Software Engineering
Computer Science
Information Technology (IT)
Data Science and Big Data Systems
Distributed & Cloud Computing
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Scientific Computing
Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure

Students work within CERN’s professional IT teams, contributing to real systems used by the global scientific community, not academic simulations.

Click Here for Detailed CERN Fully Funded Internship in Switzerland for International Students

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you meet all of the following:

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (PhD candidates are not eligible)
Field of study in IT, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines
Completed at least 6 semesters (3 academic years) of full-time university study by summer 2026
Remain a full-time student until the start of the internship
Have not worked at CERN for more than 3 months under any previous contract
Have not previously participated in any CERN Summer Student Programme
Have a good working knowledge of English
All nationalities are welcome, including US, UK, EU, GCC, Asia, and Africa

Application Process

Applying is straightforward and fully online for the CERN summer student program:

Step 1: Visit the official CERN careers CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026. Review eligibility and project expectations

Click Here to Visit the CERN OPENLAB Summer Paid Internships for International students

Step 2: Submit the CERN summer research internship without IELTS application along with required documents

Click Here to Apply Online for CERN Openlab High-Paying Internships for students

Benefits / Financial Coverage

This programme is fully funded and paid, making it especially attractive for students from high-CPC regions and beyond:

93 CHF per day tax-free allowance (very attractive for Switzerland)
Comprehensive CERN health insurance for the full duration
Travel expenses to Geneva, depending on individual circumstances
No tuition fees and no application fee
Access to world-class physics and IT lecture series
Participation in workshops, discussions, and facility visits
Accommodation assistance on or near the CERN site
Career-defining experience at one of the most prestigious research organizations in the world

No IELTS is required, making it highly attractive for applicants from the GCC, Asia, and Africa.

Apply Now—Study and work in Switzerland

The CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme 2026 in Switzerland stands out as one of the best paid, fully funded summer internships in Europe for IT and known for its global prestige, real-world impact, and career acceleration. Whether you are applying from the US, UK, EU, or GCC, this opportunity offers unmatched exposure to international research, advanced computing, and top-tier professional networks.

Click Here to Explore and Apply for CERN’s Fully Funded, Paid Internship in Switzerland 2026

Also Check: List of Fully Funded Research Internships and Scholarships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme fully funded?
Yes. It offers a tax-free daily allowance, health insurance, travel support, and accommodation assistance.

Is this a paid internship?
Yes. Students receive 93 CHF per day, which is competitive even by Swiss standards.

Can students from the US, UK, or GCC apply?
Absolutely. Applicants from all nationalities are eligible.

Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No official English test is required. A good working knowledge of English is sufficient.

Can PhD students apply?
No. The programme is only open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

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