CERN Internship Program: Join World's Largest Particle Physics Lab

The CERN internship programs are covered by students enrolled in engineering, physics, math, or computing degrees. CERN, or the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading international research facility in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on particle physics and houses the Large Hadron Collider. 

These internships allow students to gain practical knowledge, participate in ongoing projects, and interact with globally renowned scientists and engineers.

Available CERN Internship Programs

Here is the list of the available internship programs at CERN: 

Summer Student Program

Nearly 1000 students apply for the CERN summer internship program, but only 150 are selected annually. This program is designed for undergraduate and Master's students pursuing degrees in Physics, Computing, Engineering, and Mathematics. It allows them to participate in the daily operations of research teams working on CERN's experiments. The internship is open to students of all nationalities. 

Doctoral Student Program

If you are specializing in Engineering, Applied Physics, or Computing, then you can apply for the Doctoral Student Programme. However, you are not qualified for this internship if you are enrolled in a degree in theoretical or experimental particle Physics. 

Technical Student Program

Technical Student Programme is an internship program that is open for students who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following specializations: 

• Applied Physics 
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical or Electronics Engineering 
• General or Civil Engineering 
• Material and Surface Science 
• IT Mathematics And Robotics 

Administrative Student Program

This opportunity is for non-STEM students. Administrative Student Programme is designed for students who are enrolled in administration degrees. This internship can be applied by students who are pursuing a degree in any of the below 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

CERN Internship Eligibility Criteria and Requirements 

The CERN internship eligibility you need to meet are: 

• For the Summer Student Program, you should be a student pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (not PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. 
• You must have completed a minimum of 6 full-time semesters at the university level by the 2024 European Summer.
• Even if you are graduating in the European summer of 2024 (by May), you are qualified to submit an application.
• You have not participated in the Summer Student program at CERN in the past. 
• You must not have had previous experience working at CERN under any status (such as Trainee, Technical Student, or similar roles) for over 3 months.
• You should be proficient in the English language. Familiarity with French is advantageous. 

Application Process and Important Dates 

Do you want to apply for the CERN summer internship? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the CERN internship: 

1. Go to the CERN official website. 
2. In the menu bar, click on the “Students” section. You will be redirected to the “Student Opportunities” page. 
3. Click on the internship program that aligns with your study. 
4. Tap on the “I’m interested” option. 
5. Fill in your details (name, email, phone number, educational information, etc) 
6. Attach the documents after filling out the application form. You must submit a CV, a recent academic transcript, and 1 or 2 reference letters in PDF. 
7. After applying, you will get a confirmation email to your registered email. 

Here is an overview of the important dates related to CERN internship programs: 

CERN Internship Program: Important Dates

Internship Duration and Schedule 

• The duration of the Doctoral Student Programme is up to 36 months, which can be spread over the next 4 years. You can take up to 12 months of unpaid leave. 
• As for the Technical Student Programme's duration, this internship takes between 4 to 12 months. You can work on different projects and gain hands-on experience in Robotics, IT, and Mathematics. 
• The Administrative Student Programme’s duration ranges from 2 to 12 months. In addition, you can get an extension for about 14 months to complete the internship. 

Conclusion 

The CERN internship is a great opportunity to gain theoretical and practical experience related to your degree. You can engage and learn from well-known scientists and engineers worldwide, participate in projects, and develop your professional skills. 

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