Want a paid international internship at one of the most famous scientific organisations in the world, even if you are not a physicist? The CERN Administrative Student Program gives you that chance. You will join teams in Geneva, Switzerland, learn from world-class professionals, and get fully funded support so you can focus on real work that matters.
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This is a practical, career-boosting studentship for people studying administration-related fields. You get a monthly allowance, travel support, health insurance, and paid leave. Foreigners welcome. No application fee. If you are enrolled in a Bachelor or Master’s program and can relocate for a few months in 2026 or 2027, this could be your next big step.
Why this program stands out
The CERN Administrative Student Program is different because it blends serious responsibility with full financial backing. You will be placed in a professional unit such as HR, finance, translation, communications, legal, or procurement and handle real tasks that impact a global organisation. It is fully funded, international, and designed for students in non-technical fields who want top-tier experience before graduation.
Unlike many internships, CERN covers your living costs, helps with visa paperwork, and gives you paid leave. You will meet interns from dozens of countries, build a global network, and leave with brand-name experience on your CV that recruiters recognise immediately.
Program snapshot
Item
Details
Program
CERN Administrative Student Program 2026/2027
Organisation
CERN, Geneva-Meyrin, Switzerland
Type
Fully funded, paid internship for students in administrative fields
Duration
2 to 12 months in 2026 or 2027
Funding
Monthly allowance, travel support, health insurance, paid leave, visa help
Eligibility level
Current Bachelor or Master student, enrolled for the full internship period
Languages
Good English or French
Application fee
None
Deadline
Visit the official website for the current deadline
This is a fully funded studentship. CERN provides a comprehensive benefits package so you can relocate and work with peace of mind.
Monthly allowance paid directly by CERN to cover living costs in the Geneva area
Travel support for your relocation to and from Geneva at the start and end of the internship
Health insurance scheme if you cannot maintain suitable private coverage
Paid leave during the internship period
Visa and residence permit support documents to help you obtain the right authorisations
Access to on-site training, workshops, and CERN’s community events
Exact allowance amounts and any family-related top-ups are published on the official programme page and may be adjusted periodically. Always check the latest figures before applying.
Available fields
You do not need to be a scientist. This program is for administrative and support disciplines. Typical areas include:
Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development
Communications, Marketing, Media, Digital Content, Social Media
Public Relations, Outreach, Events, Education
Business Administration, Management, Project Management, Office Management
Library and Information Science, Records Management, Archiving
Logistics, Travel Services, Secretarial and Clerical Support
Psychology and Organisational Behaviour in HR-related assignments
Who can apply
Strong candidates show motivation for administration in a complex international environment and can commit to a full-time placement. You must be enrolled at a university for the entire internship period.
Eligibility area
Requirement
Enrollment
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor or Master program in an administrative discipline
Study progress
Have completed a meaningful portion of your degree by the start date. Many selected students have at least 18 months of university studies completed
Availability
Available to relocate to Geneva and work full-time for 2 to 12 months in 2026 or 2027
Language
Good working knowledge of English or French. Knowledge of the other language is an asset
International applicants
Foreigners welcome. CERN provides visa support documents where needed
Fees
No application fee
Would You Like To Apply For This Opportunity?
Recent graduates who are no longer enrolled for the full internship period are generally not eligible. This is a studentship, not a post-graduate fellowship.
Documents required
Prepare clear and complete documents. Uploading high-quality files will speed up your review.
CV or resume in English or French
Most recent academic transcript with course list and grades
Proof of enrollment confirming you will remain a registered student during the internship
Letter(s) of recommendation from a professor or academic supervisor, if requested in the call
Motivation statement tailored to the Administrative Student Program, highlighting relevant coursework and skills
Copy of your passport or national ID
File formats and reference procedures can change. Follow the instructions on the application portal precisely.
Read the call carefully. Confirm you meet the eligibility and availability requirements for 2026/2027.
Create or log in to your CERN Careers account.
Complete the online form. Be specific about your study field, skills, preferred start date, and duration.
Upload all required documents. Use clear filenames and ensure scans are readable.
Submit before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Monitor your email and portal messages. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further information or interviews.
Selection timeline and deadlines
Calls for the Administrative Student Program run on a regular cycle each year and placements typically start throughout the year. For the 2026/2027 intake, timelines may vary by call. Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Tip: Aim to submit your application several months before your ideal start date. This gives time for selection, visa processing, and relocation planning.
What you will do during the internship
Work assignments reflect real operational needs and your profile. Examples include:
Support recruitment campaigns, onboarding, and training logistics in HR
Assist with budgeting, financial reporting, invoice control, or procurement procedures
Draft and edit content, manage social media calendars, and help run outreach events
Translate documents, maintain terminology databases, and support multilingual communications
Coordinate meetings, prepare minutes, manage documentation, and improve office workflows
Help with contract administration, policy reviews, and document control in legal and governance units
Catalogue resources, manage metadata, and improve access tools in library and records teams
Visa support and relocation
If you are selected and need a visa or residence authorisation, CERN will provide the official documents you need for the process with Swiss or French authorities. The HR team guides you through the steps, timing, and any local registrations after arrival. Start early and keep your passport validity and travel history handy to avoid delays.
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How to stand out
Tailor your motivation statement to the exact administrative area you want. Show impact and outcomes from your coursework or previous roles
Highlight language skills, cross-cultural experience, and teamwork on international projects
Show mastery of relevant tools such as Excel, ERP systems, project management software, CMS, or CAT tools for translation
Demonstrate availability and flexibility for start dates and duration within 2026/2027
Ask referees to focus on your reliability, initiative, and communication skills
Frequently asked questions
Is this internship fully funded?
Yes. You receive a monthly allowance, travel support, health insurance options, paid leave, and visa support documents. Exact allowance amounts are published on the CERN site.
Do I need to pay an application fee?
No. There is no application fee.
Do I need to speak French?
No. You can work in English. Knowledge of French is an advantage for daily life and some teams.
Can I apply if I have already graduated?
You must be enrolled as a student for the entire internship period. If you have already graduated and are no longer enrolled, consider CERN’s graduate or fellowship opportunities instead.
Can the internship be remote?
No. This is an on-site program in the Geneva area. Relocation is required.
How long can I stay?
Assignments typically run from 2 to 12 months. Indicate your preferred duration and availability in your application.
Ready to apply?
This is your chance to add a world-class brand to your CV, get fully funded international experience, and grow fast in your field. Prepare your documents now and apply through the official portal. Opportunities fill quickly. Apply now and secure your spot for 2026/2027.
