Fully Funded CERN Technical Student Program 2025

Overview of Fully Funded CERN Technical Student Program 2025

Imagine yourself at the heart of discovery, where the fundamental questions of the universe are explored every day. This is not science fiction. The CERN Technical Student Program 2025 offers you a fully funded, career-defining internship in Geneva, Switzerland.

This is your invitation to join the world's most renowned physics laboratory. You will not just be an intern; you will be a contributor to groundbreaking projects, working alongside global experts. If you are a student of engineering, IT, or applied physics ready for a real-world challenge, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Eligible Countries

Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Associate Member States: Brazil, Croatia, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Pakistan, Türkiye, Ukraine.

Associate Member in pre-stage to Membership: Cyprus.

Fields of Study

• Information Technology, Mathematics, and Robotics

• Electrical or Electronics Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• General or Civil Engineering

• Material and Surface Science

• Applied Physics

Financial Coverage

• A tax-free allowance of 3,452 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month. This is more than enough to live comfortably in Geneva.

• Your flight tickets to and from Geneva are covered (Travel Allowance).

• You will be covered by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance plan.

• You get 2.5 days of paid leave every month to relax and explore.

• If you are married or have children, you may receive an additional family allowance.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a citizen of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. You can find the full list here: CERN Member States

• You must be a Bachelor's or Master's student having completed at least 18 months of your undergraduate studies.

• You must remain enrolled as a full-time student during the 4 to 12 month internship.

• Your degree must be in Applied Physics, IT, Computer Science, Mathematics, Robotics, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), or Material and Surface Science. Students of theoretical or experimental particle physics are not eligible for this specific program.

• A good knowledge of English or French is required.

Required Documents

• An updated CV (in English or French).

• Your most recent academic transcript.

• A letter of recommendation from a university professor is mandatory.

Application Process

1. Head to the official CERN careers portal.

2. Find the Technical Student Program openings that match your field.

3. Click "I'm interested" and fill out the online application.

4. Upload the required documents in PDF format.

Expert Tips for a Successful Application

Getting selected is competitive, but not impossible. Here are some insider tips to make your application stand out:

• Keywords are Key: Supervisors often search the application database using keywords. Instead of saying you are good at "multiple programming languages," specify them: "experience with Python, C++, LabVIEW."

• Be Specific and Honest: Clearly state what you know and what you have accomplished. Don't exaggerate. Honesty is valued.

• Show Eagerness to Learn: You are applying as a student. Emphasize your desire to learn new technologies and tackle unfamiliar challenges. This shows maturity and potential.

• Make Your CV Clear: Avoid generic templates like Europass. Create a clean, professional CV that is easy to read and highlights your specific projects and skills.

What's It Really Like to Be a CERN Student?

Beyond the prestige, being a CERN Technical Student is an immersive experience. You will join a vibrant international community with people from over 100 nationalities. The culture is built on curiosity and collaboration. You might find yourself working on software for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), developing 3D X-ray imaging technology used in medicine, or even contributing to projects like TimePix, a chip technology used on the International Space Station.

Student testimonials speak of a life-changing journey. It's a place where you learn that engineering is a mindset, not just a task. You will tackle complex problems, attend workshops led by Nobel-level scientists, and build a global network of friends and future colleagues.