CERN Technical Studentship 2027

The CERN Technical Studentship is designed for university students who want to complete practical training in a major international scientific and technical environment.

Students join CERN teams in Geneva and work alongside engineers, technicians and scientists on real projects connected with CERN’s research infrastructure, computing systems and engineering activities. Depending on the selected field, students may contribute to activities such as instrumentation, software development, robotics, materials testing, civil engineering, electronics or mechanical systems.

For the 2027-1 intake, CERN currently lists six Technical Studentship routes:

• Applied Physics
• Material & Surface Science
• General & Civil Engineering
• IT, Mathematics & Robotics
• Electrical / Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

The programme combines practical work with learning under experienced CERN professionals. Technical Students are expected to contribute to day-to-day activities, develop practical skills and work within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

The placement lasts between 4 and 12 months and is fully onsite. CERN lists 1 April 2027 as the ideal start date for the current 2027-1 vacancies.

• Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• Applicants must have completed at least 18 months of their studies, equivalent to three semesters, in the relevant field by the time of selection.
• Applicants must remain enrolled as full-time students throughout the studentship.
• PhD students are not eligible.
• PhD holders are not eligible.
• Applicants must have a good knowledge of English or French.
• Applicants should be studying a field relevant to the specific Technical Studentship vacancy.
• Applicants should normally be required or encouraged by their university to complete a practical training period.
• Applicants should be comfortable working in an international and collaborative environment.

Selected Technical Students receive:

• CHF 3,486 net monthly allowance.
• CERN Health Insurance Scheme coverage, with the applicable contribution automatically deducted from the allowance.
• Family supplement to the subsistence allowance where individual circumstances qualify.
• Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN where individual circumstances qualify.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• An additional two-week annual CERN closure.
• A paid contract lasting 4–12 months.
• Practical experience working alongside CERN engineers, scientists and technicians.
• Experience within an international and multidisciplinary working environment.

CERN also states that it assists with necessary visa and work-permit processes where applicable, with specific requirements communicated during recruitment.

For the current Technical Studentship applications, CERN lists:

• CV in English or French – required.
• Academic reference letter – optional.
• Academic transcript – optional.
• Any additional document the applicant considers relevant – optional.

CERN does not publish a formal percentage-based scoring system for the Technical Studentship. Based on the current vacancies and recruitment process, applicants are assessed on factors including:

• Relevance of academic studies to the selected technical field.
• Appropriate technical or scientific fundamentals.
• Eligibility and continued full-time student status.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Precision and proactive attitude.
• Communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.
• Alignment between the applicant’s profile and available CERN projects.
• Performance during any interview or assessment stage.

• Gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading scientific organisations.
• Apply university knowledge to real engineering, computing and scientific projects.
• Work alongside experienced CERN engineers, technicians and scientists.
• Build technical and professional skills in an international environment.
• Gain exposure to large-scale scientific infrastructure and technology.
• Strengthen your CV with practical experience relevant to future science and technology careers.
• Develop teamwork and communication skills within multicultural teams.