Applications are now open for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026 in Switzerland for international PhD students who want to continue their research at one of the world’s top scientific organizations. This is a fully funded doctoral opportunity for students in fields such as physics, engineering, computer science, and related applied sciences.
Selected candidates will spend 12 to 36 months at CERN in Meyrin, Switzerland while working on research that contributes directly to their PhD thesis. Applicants must already be enrolled in a doctoral program and have support from their university. The application deadline is 30 June 2026, and there is no application fee mentioned by CERN.
Key Details:
- Host Organization: CERN
- Program Name: Doctoral Student Programme 2026
- Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Program Duration: 12 to 36 months
- Start Date: 01 January 2027
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Monthly Allowance: 3907 Swiss Francs
- Eligible Applicants: Nationals of CERN Member States or Associate Member States
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time
- Application Fee: No application fee
What This Scholarship Offers:
- A monthly allowance of 3907 Swiss Francs tax free
- Opportunity to conduct PhD research at CERN
- Work experience with world-class scientists, engineers, and researchers
- 30 days of paid leave every year
- Additional 2 weeks of annual closure leave
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Family allowance depending on personal circumstances
- Travel expenses to Geneva may be covered
- Research experience that directly supports your PhD thesis
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State
- Must already be enrolled in a PhD program
- Must have started doctoral studies before applying
- Your field of study must match CERN research areas
- Your university must approve your participation
- Your research at CERN must contribute to your doctoral thesis
- Must have good knowledge of English or French
Programs Available:
- Applied Physics
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computing
- Applied Sciences
- Technical Sciences
- Related scientific fields
Required Documents:
- Updated CV in English or French
- Relevant supporting documents
- Academic reference letter (optional)
- Academic transcript (optional)
Why You Should Apply:
This is a great opportunity for PhD students who want to gain international research experience while completing their doctoral studies. Working at CERN can help you build strong research skills, expand your professional network, and contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
