Overview
Doctoral/PhD (Students enrolled in a PhD programme at a university).
Description
Doctoral/PhD (Students enrolled in a PhD programme at a university).
Eligibility
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
You are a national of a CERN Non-Member State.
You are enrolled in a PhD programme at a university.
Your work at CERN must be an integral part of your thesis.
You have a good knowledge of English OR French.
Additional Information
Degree Level
Doctoral/PhD (Students enrolled in a PhD programme at a university).
Available Subjects
The programme is open to a wide range of technical and scientific disciplines, including but not limited to:
Physics (Applied, Theoretical, Experimental)
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Civil, Material Science)
Computer Science (Software Development, Data Science, Machine Learning)
Mathematics
Robotics
Cryogenics
Radiation Protection
This specific programme is exclusively for nationals of CERN Non-Member States. (Citizens of CERN Member States should apply to the national doctoral student programmes of their respective countries).
Benefits
Selected candidates receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
A contract of association for between 6 and 36 months.
A monthly stipend of 4,506 Swiss Francs (net of tax).
Travel expense coverage to and from Geneva.
Comprehensive health insurance scheme.
Paid leave of 2.5 days per month.
Unparalleled access to CERN's cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from world-leading experts.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students from CERN Non-Member Countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
You are a national of a CERN Non-Member State.
You are enrolled in a PhD programme at a university.
Your work at CERN must be an integral part of your thesis.
You have a good knowledge of English OR French.
Application Procedure
Prepare Your Documents: You will need a CV, a copy of your most recent academic transcript, and three mandatory reference letters (with a minimum of two from university professors).
Online Application: Submit your application through CERN's SmartRecruiters platform via the official job posting .
Selection Committee Review: Applications are reviewed by a dedicated panel at CERN.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
Offer: Successful candidates will receive an offer to join this prestigious programme.
Deadline: 20th October, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Is the monthly stipend sufficient to live in Geneva? Yes, the net stipend of 4,506 CHF per month is calculated to cover the cost of living in the Geneva area comfortably, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees for my home university? The stipend is for your living costs. Tuition fees payable to your home university are typically your own responsibility, though you should confirm this arrangement with your academic supervisor.
What is the main goal of CERN? CERN's primary mission is fundamental research in physics: uncovering what the universe is made of and how it works. They do this by providing a unique range of particle accelerator facilities for researchers.
Can I apply if my country is a CERN Member State? No, this programme is specifically for Non-Member State nationals. Students from Member States have separate, national programmes to apply for.
What is the duration of the contract? Contracts are initially for between 6 and 36 months, allowing for the significant research period required to complete a doctoral thesis.
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Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
CERN
Degree
PhD
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students
Country
Switzerland
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.