CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026 – Geneva, Switzerland

The CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026 is a prestigious global opportunity for PhD students to advance their research at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. This fully funded fellowship allows you to work on your doctoral thesis for up to 36 months at the forefront of science, using the world’s largest and most advanced particle physics instruments. Participants join a unique research community – an environment “like nowhere else on Earth” – gaining professional development and leadership experience through cutting-edge experiments and international collaboration. With CERN’s support and resources, you’ll deepen your technical skills and expand your global network, positioning yourself as a future leader in science. For more information on similar opportunities, visit our Fellowship Resources and Career Advice guides.

Fellowship Overview

CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland, hosts this Doctoral Student Programme. It is designed for PhD candidates in applied physics, engineering, computing or related fields. Over the course of up to three years, you will conduct research projects that are integral to your thesis, working side-by-side with world-class scientists and engineers. The programme’s purpose is to advance your professional development: you’ll gain hands-on training in cutting-edge science, attend specialized workshops, and join a vibrant international community of researchers.

This global opportunity lets you apply your academic knowledge in a truly unique lab environment – a career-defining experience for aspiring scientists. Check out related posts in our Science Careers Blog and Career Insights for tips on making the most of this opportunity.

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Fellowship Details

• Country: Switzerland
• Host Organization: CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
• Duration: 12 months initially, renewable up to 3 years (maximum 36 months in total).
• Funding/Type: Full-time doctoral fellowship (association contract) with full funding – including a monthly stipend of CHF 3891, plus travel allowances, potential family supplements, comprehensive health insurance, and 2.5 days of paid leave per month.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Applicant must be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• Academic Status: Must be enrolled in a PhD programme at a university (either already started or about to begin).
• Research: The work you plan to do at CERN must contribute to your doctoral thesis.
• Field of Study: Background in applied physics, engineering, computing or similar technical fields (e.g. IT, mathematics, electronics). Theoretical or experimental particle physics specialisations are explicitly excluded.
• Language: Proficiency in English or French is required.

Benefits & Funding

• Monthly Stipend: CHF 3891 net per month, tax-free.
• Travel & Allowances: Travel expenses covered; additional supplements for married students or those with children.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage provided by CERN (premiums deducted from the stipend).
• Paid Leave: 2.5 days of paid leave earned per month.
• Professional Development: Mentorship from CERN scientists, on-the-job training, and a global research network. This fully funded leadership fellowship offers not just salary support but also invaluable training, career guidance, and the prestige of working on world-class scientific projects.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Review the requirements to ensure you meet the criteria (CERN member-state nationality, relevant field, PhD enrollment, etc.).
2. Prepare Documents: Update your CV in English or French, and collect academic transcripts and reference letters.
3. Identify Research Interests: Explore CERN’s list of available doctoral projects and think about how your thesis work could align. If a specific project interests you, mention it in your application.
4. Submit Online: Complete the application on CERN’s careers portal by the deadline, uploading your CV and any required documents.
5. Interview & Selection: After submission, a panel of experts reviews applications. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a phone/video interview (November 2025 – February 2026), with final offers announced in late February 2026.

Application Deadline

16 November 2025 (23:59 CET) – Applications must reach CERN by this date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Tips for Applicants

• Start Early: Gather and proofread all documents well before the deadline. A well-organized application stands out.
• Tailor Your Application: Emphasize your experience in applied physics, engineering or computing. Explain why CERN’s programme is a perfect fit for your research goals.
• Mention Specific Interests: If you have knowledge of a particular CERN experiment or project relevant to your work, note it in your application to show genuine interest.
• Show Collaboration Skills: Highlight any international experience or teamwork (academic or industry), as CERN values diversity and collaboration.
• Double-Check Requirements: Revisit the eligibility criteria and deadline. Make sure you submit all materials (especially the CV in English/French) on time.

Conclusion

The CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime, fully funded opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research at the heart of the European physics community. If you meet the criteria and are ready for an international challenge, seize this global opportunity – and don’t forget to share it with your peers. The skills, network, and experience you gain through CERN’s programme will launch your career toward becoming a changemaker in science.

Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a global changemaker!

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