CERN Internship: A Step-by-Step to Cutting-Edge Science

CERN or Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire also called The European Organization for Nuclear Research. It is an intergovernmental organization that operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. Established in 1954, it is headquartered in Meyrin, a western suburb of Geneva on the France-Switzerland border. It has 24 member states. CERN serves as an official observer at the United Nations General Assembly.

About the CERN Internship Opportunity

Suppose you are a student who is passionate about science and technology. In that case, the CERN Internship provides a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the field.

CERN Internship actively engages with students from diverse backgrounds. It offers students a chance to do cutting-edge physics research. It will greatly boost their careers and help them learn a lot.

Available CERN Internships

Summer CERN Internship Program

Nearly 1000 students apply for the CERN summer internship program each year, but only 150 are selected. This program is intended for undergraduate and graduate students seeking degrees in Physics, Computing, Engineering, and Mathematics. It enables them to take part in the daily operations of research teams working on CERN experiments. The internship is accessible to students of any nationality. 

How are you going to spend your summer? How does taking part in some of the world’s biggest experiments sound? This isn’t just summer work. It’s an opportunity to join CERN in Geneva and become part of the day-to-day operations of our multicultural workforce. Attend lectures, see CERN facilities, and participate in debates and workshops with experts in their disciplines. Indeed, this summer will be unlike any other on the planet.

Find the Summer CERN Internship Program here.

Doctoral CERN Internship Program

This is an opportunity to work on your thesis for up to 36 months at the cutting edge of science. Whether you’ve decided on a subject or not, this is a chance to grow your knowledge in a special place. If your focus is Applied Physics, Engineering, or Computing, you can join world-famous experiments. These are very large and cover many different areas. An invitation to join a unique ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. Specific programs are in place for candidates studying in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Norway. Click here to learn more.

Find the Doctoral CERN Internship Program here

Technical CERN Internship Program

Technical CERN Internship Program is a world-renowned program.The Technical Student Programme is an internship program. It is for students getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The program is in these areas:

  • Applied Physics
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering
  • General or Civil Engineering
  • Materials and Surface Science
  • IT Mathematics And Robotics

Find Technical CERN Internship Program

Administrative Student Program

The Administrative Student Program is designed for undergraduate students who specialize in administration and want to spend 2 to 12 months training during their studies (Bachelor’s or Master’s). An extension of up to 14 months may be granted.

If you are a non-stem student, this internship is for you. The Administrative Student Programme is designed for students pursuing administration degrees. This internship is open to students pursuing a degree in any of the following disciplines:

  • Business Administration 
  • Psychology
  • Translation
  • Science Communication 
  • Human Resources
  • Logistics 
  • Law
  • Communication and Public Relations
  • Library and Information Science 
  • Audit, Finance, or Accounting 
  • Advanced Secretarial Work 
  • Engineering Management 
  • Audiovisual 
  • Education

Find the Administrative Student Program here

CERN openlab Summer Student Programme

If you’re studying computer science, consider the openlab summer student program. You’ll work on an IT project and take courses from experts at CERN and other institutes. The program also includes tours of accelerators, experimental areas, and visits to other companies. Interested? Check it out!

Find the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme here

Name of the Internship

Last Date to Apply

Summer Student Program

4th November 2024

Doctoral Student Program

4th November 2024

Technical Student Program

4th November 2024

Administrative Student Program

4th November 2024

CERN openlab Summer Student Programme

This program was open for applications until 31st January 2024 and will reopen at the end of 2024.

Your Role in the CERN Internship

A CERN internship offers practical experience with advanced technologies and methods. It boosts your knowledge. You could work in accelerator tech, detector development, data analysis, or software development. In any case, you’ll gain skills highly valued in science..

Beyond the technical aspects, a CERN internship provides a multicultural and collaborative atmosphere. Interacting with professionals from various backgrounds and nations broadens your perspective, improves intercultural abilities, and builds long-term relationships.

Other Internship Programme

Eligibility Criteria

CERN has a comprehensive range when it comes to their eligibility criteria, it aims to be accessible to as many students across programs as possible. 

  • You are a citizen of a nation that is a member or associate member of CERN.
  • By October 2023, you must have 18 months of your Bachelor’s or Master’s in an admin field. Then, you can meet the student committee.
  • Throughout the internship, you maintain your full-time student status on record.
  • You speak fluent English or French.

Documents Required

CERN Internship requires very few but key documents for the student verification process. Be up-to-date, and keep checking their official website regularly for the latest updates.

  • A CV for showcasing your experience and portfolio.
  • Original copy of your most recent academic marksheet that includes the summary of your grades and CGPA. Make sure the file is not password protected. 
  • Must include a Letter of Recommendation from your college or university guide.

Other Internship Programme

Duration of the Internship

The duration of the internship can last somewhere between 1 month to 6 months depending on the nature of the program that you chose.

Selected Candidates

CERN Internship is quite famous around the world, hence a lot of students apply for CERN Internship. Around 1000 students apply for this internship and only 150 are selected in a year.

Stipend

According to various sources, the total pay range of the interns at CERN is ₹17.5 LPA to ₹33.5 LPA per year for Indian students. For International students, it is $21k to $40k.

Certification

CERN provides its interns a certificate of completion upon the completion of their internship.

Application Process

The application process at CERN is really easy. All you need to do is to go to their careers page and click on the opportunities section and that’s it. Now you can find your summer internship option. Here is a step-by-step process to make it even easier.

  • Step 1: Go to the CERN’s official website.
  • Step 2: Once you click on the website, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on CERN’s Careers options
  • Step 3: After clicking on the careers option at the bottom, search for “Internships” in the search box, and then boom, there it is!
  • Step 4: After hitting the enter button, you will be given a lot of options as a result of your search, scroll down and find “Short Term Internship 2024” or “Short Term Internship 2024 reserved for students with disabilities” according to your eligibility.
  • Step 5: Click on the one that you want to proceed with, and you will be given a page where you actually find the opening. You can find company descriptions, Job descriptions, and qualifications too. 
  • Step 6: After you click on the ‘I am interested’ button on the right side of the page, you will then need to fill in your personal information for the application of the program.

NOTE: For other programs than Short-term Internship 2024 the procedure is almost similar.

After finishing all steps, you’ve applied for the internship. Now, just wait for the confirmation email. The CERN internship offers valuable experience related to your degree. You’ll work with top scientists and engineers, join projects, and improve your skills.

Other Internship Programme

FAQs

How much can I make at the CERN internship?

According to various sources, the total pay range of the interns at CERN is $21k to $40k per year. However, the wage range varies according to the internship program you applied for. 

What are the different internships offered by CERN?

There are plenty of internships offered by CERN, such as: 

  1. Doctoral Student Programme
  2. Technical Student Programme
  3. Administrative Student Programme
  4. Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Internship 
  5. Summer Student Programme
  6. CERN Openlab Summer Student Programme
  7. Short-term Internship Programme

However, students are advised to keep checking the official website to get the latest information.

How many students are selected for the Technical Student Programme?

Each year, around 80 students are carefully selected for the Technical Student Programme. CERN personnel gather in February, June, and October to assess the candidates’ applications. 

What is the deadline for the 2025 CERN Internship?

Some of the internship application dates end by November 4th and few are closed till the end of 2024 but will open before the end of the year. Students are advised to keep checking the official website to get the latest information.

What are the age criteria for the CERN internship?

You need to be at least 18 years of age and fulfill other eligibility criteria(Mentioned in the article above) as well to be eligible for the CERN Internship.

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