Are you a student in an administrative-related field looking for international experience at a world-renowned research organization? The CERN Administrative Student Programme 2025 offers you a golden opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Switzerland while being fully supported with a monthly stipend, travel allowance and many other benefits.
This prestigious internship is open to undergraduate and master’s students who want to be part of an international, cutting-edge environment without necessarily being in a technical or engineering field. Here’s everything you need to know to apply and stand out.
About CERN and the Internship Programme
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), located in Geneva, Switzerland, is one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research. While it is primarily known for physics and engineering, CERN also requires professionals in administration, finance, HR, law, communication, and more to keep the organization running smoothly.
The Administrative Student Programme is designed to bring in students from diverse non-technical disciplines and immerse them in the practical, real-world workings of a global research hub. You will work with experienced professionals on various exciting projects while developing your skills and boosting your international career profile.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:
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Nationality: You must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. If you are studying in one of these countries, you may also be eligible even if your nationality is different.
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Field of Study: You should be pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in an administrative field such as:
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Human Resources
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Translation and Interpretation
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Legal Studies
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Finance or Accounting
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Business Administration
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Communications or Public Relations
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Management
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Political Science
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Logistics and more
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Study Level: You must have completed at least 18 months of undergraduate studies by the time of application.
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Enrollment: You must remain a full-time student for the entire duration of the internship.
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Language Skills: You must have a good knowledge of English or French (French is a plus but not required).
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⚠️ Note: If you’re a student in a technical or engineering field, this program is not for you. Instead, apply for the CERN Technical Student Programme.
Internship Duration & Benefits
This is not just an internship; it’s a fully funded professional experience in one of the most international workplaces on the planet. Selected candidates will receive:
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Monthly Stipend: CHF 3,452 (tax-free)
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✈️ Travel Allowance: To cover your trip to and from Geneva
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Health Insurance: Provided (with a small deduction from the stipend)
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Family Allowance: For interns who are married or have children
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Paid Leave: 2.5 working days of paid leave per month
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Networking and Cultural Exposure: Meet students and professionals from around the world
You will work at CERN for 2 to 12 months, depending on your academic schedule and project needs.
Application Deadline and Timeline
The next deadline to apply is November 4, 2024, at 23:59 (CET). Applications will be reviewed in late November, and successful candidates will be informed by the end of February 2025.
CERN usually selects around 50 students per cycle, so this is a competitive opportunity. The earlier you apply, the better!
Required Documents
Make sure you gather and prepare the following documents:
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✅ Your updated CV
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✅ Most recent academic transcript
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✅ A certificate of enrollment from your university
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✅ A recommendation letter from a professor (a second one is optional but increases your chances)
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✅ Responses to short-answer questions on the online application form
Tip: Prepare your responses to the form questions offline before copying them into the application portal. These are usually time-limited once you start.
How to Apply
Ready to take the leap? Follow these steps:
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Go to the official CERN recruitment page via their SmartRecruiters platform.
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Select the Administrative Student Programme 2025.
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Click “I’m interested” to begin the application process.
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Upload your documents and fill in the required fields.
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Submit before the deadline: November 4, 2024.
Apply Now on CERN Official Site
Why Should You Apply?
Interning at CERN is not just a job—it’s an experience that can transform your career path. Here’s why this program stands out:
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Work in a multicultural environment
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Gain practical experience in your field
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Enhance your CV with international exposure
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Improve communication and project management skills
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Join the CERN alumni network
This programme is especially valuable for students who want to enter global organizations like the UN, EU, or other multinational institutions.