CERN Administrative Student Scholarship 2026
Scholarship Description
The CERN Administrative Student Programme offers a unique, paid internship opportunity for students in administrative fields to gain practical experience at the world's leading particle physics laboratory. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and administrative professionals from around the world.
As an Administrative Student, you will work alongside experienced professionals, contributing to real projects that support CERN's groundbreaking scientific mission. You will develop your skills in a truly international and multicultural environment, discovering how administrative functions enable world-leading research. The programme provides a monthly allowance of CHF 3,486 (tax-free), plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance, paid leave, and travel expenses.
Scholarship Location
The programme is based at CERN's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, spanning the French-Swiss border. The position is fully onsite, allowing students to experience life at one of the world's most prestigious scientific organisations.
Scholarship Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 intake is 30 June 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time).
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)
Ideal Start Date: 1 January 2027
Contract Duration: 2 to 12 months
Recommendation: Apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Host Institution
CERN – the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research. Founded in 1954, CERN is home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and employs over 2,500 staff and 12,000 users from more than 100 nationalities. CERN's mission is to perform world-class research in fundamental physics and to bring nations together through science.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Student internship (Bachelor's or Master's level). PhD students or holders are not eligible.
Fields of study: Administration, Communication, Finance, Human Resources, Law, Logistics, Procurement, and related administrative fields.
Important: If you are studying in a STEM/engineering field, you are not eligible for this position. Please consider applying for the CERN Technical Student Programme instead.
Target Group
Students who are nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. CERN's member states include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Associate Member States include Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Pakistan, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Students from non-member states may also be eligible in exceptional circumstances; check the CERN careers website for current guidance.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Contract Duration: 2 to 12 months (flexible depending on academic requirements and project needs).
Monthly Allowance: CHF 3,486 (tax-free) per month.
Benefits include:
- 30 days of paid leave per year, plus 2 weeks of annual closure (Christmas/New Year)
- Comprehensive Health Insurance – coverage by CERN's health insurance scheme (contribution automatically deducted from allowance)
- Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on individual circumstances
- Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on individual circumstances
- Onsite working at CERN's facilities in Geneva
- Access to CERN's world-class facilities, libraries, and sports facilities
- Opportunity to network with scientists, engineers, and administrative professionals from around the world
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Monthly Allowance: CHF 3,486 (tax-free)
Paid Leave: 30 days/year + 2 weeks closure
Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage (contribution deducted)
Travel: Expenses to Geneva covered (subject to conditions)
Scholarship Eligibility
Essential eligibility criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
- Academic status: You must have completed at least 18 months of your studies (3 semesters) in the respective field at the time of selection.
- Full-time enrolment: You must remain enrolled as a full-time student during your studentship.
- PhD students/holders: PhD students or holders are not eligible.
- Language: Good knowledge of English or French (CERN's two official languages).
- University requirement: You are required or encouraged by your university to complete a practical training period.
Skills and qualities:
- Good understanding of office software and digital tools relevant to your studies
- Curiosity, precision, and a proactive attitude towards learning
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural team
- Enjoy teamwork and learning from others in a collaborative setting
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States.
- Currently enrolled full-time students in Administration, Finance, HR, Law, Communication, Logistics, or related fields.
- Completed at least 18 months (3 semesters) of studies.
- Good knowledge of English or French.
- Required by university to complete a practical training period.
- Not a PhD student or holder.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Non-nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States (unless exceptional circumstances).
- STEM/engineering students (apply for Technical Student Programme instead).
- PhD students or degree holders.
- Students who have not completed at least 18 months of studies.
- Applicants not enrolled as full-time students.
- Those without sufficient English or French language skills.
Application Procedure
- Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all nationality, academic, and language requirements. If you are a STEM student, apply for the Technical Student Programme instead.
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
- CV (Curriculum Vitae) – in English or French
- Academic transcript (optional but recommended)
- Academic reference letter (optional)
- Any other relevant documents (certificates, etc.)
- Submit your application online – Applications are accepted exclusively through the CERN SmartRecruiters portal. Visit the job posting (reference: 744000118186447) and complete the online application form.
- Application review – CERN recruitment team reviews applications. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Selection process – Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews (online or in-person).
- Offer and acceptance – Successful candidates receive a formal offer of a studentship contract.
- Relocation and onboarding – CERN provides support for travel to Geneva and onboarding procedures.
Important notes: You will need a valid passport or national ID. The application deadline is 30 June 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Official Website & Application Link
CERN Administrative Student Programme – Official Application
CERN Careers Website: https://careers.cern
For enquiries: Check the CERN careers website for contact information or FAQs regarding the student programmes.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The CERN Administrative Student Programme is a prestigious opportunity for students in administrative fields to gain hands-on experience at one of the world's most renowned research organisations. With a generous tax-free monthly allowance of CHF 3,486, 30 days of paid leave, and comprehensive health insurance, successful applicants can fully immerse themselves in the unique CERN environment while building valuable professional skills.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Verify your nationality – you must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- Ensure you have completed at least 18 months (3 semesters) of your studies.
- Prepare a strong CV highlighting your administrative skills, relevant coursework, and any previous work or internship experience.
- Demonstrate your ability to work in an international, multicultural environment.
- Showcase your curiosity and proactive attitude – CERN values candidates who are eager to learn and contribute.
- Submit your application well before the 30 June 2026 deadline.
- Include any optional documents (academic transcripts, reference letters) that strengthen your application.
Important reminders: The position is fully onsite at CERN's Geneva headquarters. PhD students/holders are not eligible. If you are studying in a STEM/engineering field, you must apply for the Technical Student Programme instead. Only complete applications submitted through the SmartRecruiters portal will be considered.
CERN Administrative Student Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What is the monthly allowance for the CERN Administrative Student Programme?
The monthly allowance is CHF 3,486 (tax-free). This amount is adjusted periodically and may be supplemented depending on individual circumstances (e.g., family supplement).
Who is eligible to apply?
Nationals of CERN Member States or Associate Member States who are full-time students in Administration, Finance, HR, Law, Communication, Logistics, or related fields, with at least 18 months of studies completed. PhD students/holders are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 30 June 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time).
Can STEM students apply?
No. STEM/engineering students should apply for the CERN Technical Student Programme instead of the Administrative Student Programme.
How long is the contract?
Contracts range from 2 to 12 months, depending on academic requirements and project needs.
Do I need to speak both English and French?
You need a good knowledge of either English or French (CERN's two official languages). Knowledge of both is an advantage.
Is the position remote or onsite?
The position is fully onsite at CERN's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Does CERN provide health insurance?
Yes, CERN provides comprehensive health insurance coverage. The contribution is automatically deducted from your monthly allowance.