Applications are officially open for the CERN Doctoral Student Program 2026 in Switzerland, a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for doctoral students who wish to complete their thesis at one of the world’s leading research centers. Hosted in Geneva, this 3-year program (36 months) allows participants to immerse themselves in cutting-edge scientific projects at CERN while pursuing their PhD.
Whether you have already chosen your thesis topic or are still deciding, this program provides the ideal environment to collaborate with leading scientists and expand your expertise in your chosen field — with no application fee and no IELTS requirement.
Key Details About CERN Doctoral Student Program 2026
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Organization: CERN
- Duration: 3 years (36 months)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 16th November 2025
Benefits of the CERN Doctoral Student Program
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- A 3-year employment contract at CERN
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel allowance for relocation
- Health coverage and additional support
- Paid leave during the program
This funding ensures that students can focus entirely on their research without financial stress.
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Research Areas Offered
Participants can work in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Applied Physics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Mathematics
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Instrumentation for accelerators and particle physics experiments
- Materials Science
- Radiation Protection
- Safety & Environmental Protection
- Science Communication
- Surveying
- Ultra-High Vacuum
This diversity of fields ensures that students from multiple academic backgrounds can find a suitable research area at CERN.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CERN Doctoral Student Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
- Have already started or be about to start a doctoral program at a university
- Have completed at least 18 months of undergraduate studies (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
- Remain registered as a full-time student throughout the program at CERN
- Have good knowledge of English or French (no proof of English test required)
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:
- A detailed CV
- The most recent academic transcript
- A reference letter from a university professor
- A motivation letter
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How to Apply for the CERN Doctoral Student Program 2026
The application process is completely online. Interested candidates can submit their applications through CERN’s official portal. The results of the recruitment process will be announced by the end of November 2025.
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit International Scholarships.
