Applications are now open for the Paid 2026 CERN Short Term Internship Programme for both domestic and international students
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The CERN Short Term Internship Programme allows students to spend months working with teams at CERN on real projects.
This article provides every information you need to apply for this internship.
CERN Short-Term Internship Programme at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | CERN Short-Term Internship Programme |
| Duration | 1 to 6 months |
| Monthly allowance | CHF 1,593 net |
| Study level | Diploma, bachelor’s or master’s |
| Student status | Full-time student |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Languages | English or French |
| Location | CERN |
| Eligible nationality | CERN Member or Associate Member State |
| Application | Online |
| Application deadline | Depends on the specific position |
What is the CERN Short-Term Internship Programme?
The CERN Short Term Internship Programme is for students who want practical experience related to their studies. During the internship, you join a CERN team and work on activities connected to your area of study. The programme can last from 1 to 6 months, depending on the position.
The work can be technical, scientific or administrative. This makes the programme useful for students who want to see how knowledge from university is used in a professional research environment.
You also get to work with people from different countries and academic backgrounds. That experience can be useful when applying for future internships, graduate programmes, research positions or other technical roles.
Fields of Study Available
- Applied Physics
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science and Data Analytics
- Electrical or Electronics Engineering
- Health, Safety and Environment
- International Relations
- Material and Surface Science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering and IT
- Support services
What does CERN provide?
- Monthly net allowance of CHF 1,593.
- Beyond the financial allowance, students get the chance to work on actual CERN activities with professionals in their field.
Who can apply for the CERN Short-Term Internship?
Nationality requirement
You must be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. CERN also states that it currently cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals because the ceiling under the relevant Associate Membership Agreements has been reached.
You must be a student
You must be studying for one of the following:
- A technical or administrative diploma
- A bachelor’s degree
- A master’s degree
You must also remain enrolled as a full-time student during your studentship. This is an important requirement. The programme is intended for students who are still enrolled in their studies.
Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age stated in the eligibility information provided for the programme.
Language requirement
You need a good working knowledge of English or French. You don’t necessarily need to be fluent in both languages. The requirement is a good working knowledge of either English or French.
CERN Short Term Internship application process
The application process is handled online. There are 3 main stages.
Step 1: Find a suitable position
Start by checking the available Short-Term Internship positions. CERN lists opportunities under different fields of work, including physics, engineering, data science, IT and support services. Read the individual job description carefully. Your studies should make sense for the position you’re applying for. Don’t apply simply because the CERN name looks good on your CV.
Step 2: Prepare your CV
You need a CV in English or French. Keep it focused on the position. Your education should be easy to find. Include relevant coursework, projects, laboratory work, programming skills, research experience, technical skills and previous internships where applicable. If you’ve worked on a university project that connects directly to the position, explain what you actually did.
Step 3: Submit the online application
Complete the online application before the deadline attached to the position. The programme page does not give one universal deadline for every Short-Term Internship. The deadline can depend on the individual opening. Check the specific position before submitting your application.
What happens after you apply?
CERN reviews applications and invite suitable candidates for an online interview. The interview gives CERN and the applicant an opportunity to decide whether the position is a suitable match. Successful applicants receive a job offer. After accepting the offer, the onboarding process begins.
Application Deadline: Check Individual Disciplines
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently asked questions
1. How much does the CERN Short-Term Internship pay?
The programme provides a monthly net allowance of CHF 1,593.
2. How long is the CERN Short-Term Internship?
The internship can last between 1 and 6 months.
3. Is the CERN Short-Term Internship open to bachelor’s students?
Yes. Bachelor’s students can apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
4. Can master’s students apply?
Yes. Students pursuing a master’s degree can apply.
5. Can diploma students apply?
Yes. The programme is also open to students pursuing technical or administrative diplomas.
6. What is the minimum age?
You must be at least 18 years old.
7. Do I need to be a full-time student?
Yes. You must remain enrolled as a full-time student during the studentship.
8. What languages can I use for the application?
Your CV can be submitted in English or French. You also need a good working knowledge of English or French.
9. Can students from any country apply?
No. Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State, subject to CERN’s current nationality restrictions.
10. Can Pakistani nationals apply?
The programme information states that CERN currently cannot consider applications from Pakistani nationals because the relevant associate membership ceiling has been reached.
11. Can Lithuanian nationals apply?
The programme information states that CERN currently cannot consider applications from Lithuanian nationals because the relevant associate membership ceiling has been reached.
12. Can Latvian nationals apply?
The programme information states that CERN currently cannot consider applications from Latvian nationals because the relevant associate membership ceiling has been reached.
13. Can Cypriot nationals apply?
The programme information states that CERN currently cannot consider applications from Cypriot nationals because the relevant associate membership ceiling has been reached.
14. Can Croatian nationals apply?
The programme information states that CERN currently cannot consider applications from Croatian nationals because the relevant associate membership ceiling has been reached.
15. What fields can I apply for?
Fields listed by CERN include applied physics, civil engineering, data science, electrical engineering, experimental physics, health and safety, international relations, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, software engineering, IT, theoretical physics and support services.
16. Does CERN provide a salary or allowance?
The programme provides a monthly net allowance of CHF 1,593.
17. Is the internship available online?
The programme description says interns work as part of CERN teams. The eligibility and programme information provided does not describe the internship as a remote programme.
18. Will I be interviewed?
You may be invited to an online interview with the hiring manager or managers after your application is reviewed.
19. What documents do I need?
The programme specifically states that applicants should apply with a CV in English or French. Individual vacancies may contain additional application requirements.
20. Where can I find available CERN Short-Term Internship positions?
Available positions are listed on CERN’s careers website under the Short-Term Internship Programme. You should select a field that matches your studies and then read the individual vacancy carefully before applying.
