CERN (EUROPEAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH)
CERN Administrative Student Programme
full · bachelors, masters
- 3,407 CHF/monthMonthly allowance from CERN
- 2-12 monthsPlacement length
- ~EUR 3,500/month (est.)Approximate stipend in euros
- Travel + insuranceTravel allowance and medical cover
- 2.5 days/monthPaid leave accrued
- Geneva, SwitzerlandPlacement location
At a glance
full
Funding
€4k
Max amount
Jul 31, 2026
Deadline
Nationals of CERN Member States
Country
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Provider
The CERN Administrative Student Programme places undergraduate and master's students at CERN, the particle-physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland, in non-scientific roles such as translation, human resources, business administration, law, logistics, finance, communications, library science and public relations. Selected students join for a period of 2 to 12 months and work alongside CERN's administrative teams. CERN pays a monthly allowance of 3,407 Swiss francs (about EUR 3,500 (est.)), plus a travel allowance to and from Geneva, medical insurance, and a supplementary grant for students who are married or have children. Interns also accrue around 2.5 days of paid leave per month. To be eligible you must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, have completed at least 18 months of your degree, remain registered as a full-time student, and be proficient in English or French; students in STEM or engineering subjects are directed to other CERN programmes instead. Applications for the 2026 round close around 31 July 2026. Because allowances are reviewed each year, confirm the exact monthly stipend, travel allowance and deadline on the official CERN careers page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly allowance — A monthly stipend of 3,407 Swiss francs (about EUR 3,500 (est.)) paid by CERN throughout the placement.
- Travel allowance — A travel allowance for international students to cover journeys to and from CERN.
- Medical insurance — Medical insurance coverage provided by CERN for the duration of the contract.
- Family supplement — A supplementary grant for interns who are married or have children.
- Paid leave — Around 2.5 days of paid leave accrued per month during the placement.
- Professional experience — A 2-to-12-month administrative contract at an international institution worth roughly EUR 3,500 (est.) per month in stipend alone.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official CERN careers portal.
- Open the CERN careers portal — Go to the official CERN careers site and find the Administrative Student Programme vacancy.
- Start your application — Click the 'I'm interested' option and sign in via LinkedIn, smart-profile or Indeed, or upload your CV/resume.
- Complete the form accurately — Fill in the application form with accurate academic and personal information.
- Add a motivation message — Provide a motivational message demonstrating your commitment to the Administrative Student Programme.
- Submit each application separately — If you are interested in more than one placement, complete a separate application for each before the deadline.
Eligibility
NationalityMust be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
Study progressMust have completed at least 18 months of a bachelor's or master's degree in an administrative field.
EnrolmentMust remain registered as a full-time student throughout (and after) the placement.
Language and durationMust be proficient in English or French and available for a 2-to-12-month stay.
Students specialising in STEM or engineering fields are not eligible for the Administrative Student Programme and should look at CERN's technical student schemes instead.
Eligible countries
Nationals of CERN Member States, Nationals of CERN Associate Member States
Deadlines
2026 round31 July 2026, noon CET (est.)
Selection
CERN reviews applications on academic background, the fit between the candidate's administrative specialisation and available roles, and motivation. Reference letters and the motivation message support the decision, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted by the relevant CERN team.
Verified sources
- CERN Careers — Administrative Student Programmecareers.cernofficial
About the provider
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the international particle-physics laboratory based near Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border, funded by its Member and Associate Member States and home to the Large Hadron Collider.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the CERN Administrative Student Programme?
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It is a placement for undergraduate and master's students in non-scientific roles at CERN near Geneva, Switzerland, covering fields such as HR, law, finance, logistics, communications and translation.
How long does the placement last?
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Placements run from 2 to 12 months, depending on your availability and the role.
How much is the stipend?
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CERN pays a monthly allowance of 3,407 Swiss francs, roughly EUR 3,500 (est.). Confirm the current figure on the official CERN careers page.
Are travel and insurance covered?
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Yes. CERN provides a travel allowance and medical insurance for the duration of the contract.
Is there support for families?
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Yes. A supplementary grant is available for interns who are married or have children.
Do I get paid leave?
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Interns accrue about 2.5 days of paid leave per month during the placement.
Who is eligible?
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You must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, have completed at least 18 months of an administrative degree, and remain a full-time student.
Can STEM students apply?
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No. Students in STEM or engineering fields are not eligible for this administrative programme and should consider CERN's technical student schemes.
What language skills do I need?
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You must be proficient in English or French, the two working languages at CERN.
How do I apply?
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Apply online through the CERN careers portal: select the vacancy, click 'I'm interested', and complete the form with a motivation message and supporting documents.
Can I apply for more than one role?
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Yes, but each placement requires a separate, fully completed application.
When is the deadline?
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The 2026 round closes around 31 July 2026 at noon CET (est.). Always confirm the exact date on the official CERN careers site.