5,235 to 6,558 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month (net of tax)
Duration
Up to 36 months (Standard contract is 24 months)
Deadline
Multiple deadlines per year (typically March, September, and October)
Level
Recent Graduates (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD)
Acceptance
Low (Highly competitive international selection)
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) offers CERN Graduate Programme (Origin and Quest Tracks), a fully funded opportunity designed for international students heading to Switzerland and France. The award covers Provides a high-value monthly stipend, comprehensive health insurance, travel reimbursement, and allowances for relocation and family support. and is open to recent graduates (bachelors, masters, or phd) students studying civil engineering, controls and data acquisition, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, it, mathematics, robotics, material science, mechanical engineering, applied physics. The scholarship runs for up to 36 months (standard contract is 24 months). Eligibility is generally based on must be a citizen of a CERN Member State, hold a university degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD), and have no more than 2 years (Origin) or 6 years (Quest) of post-degree experience. The application deadline is Multiple deadlines per year (typically March, September, and October), with an acceptance rate of approximately Low (Highly competitive international selection). Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for CERN Graduate Programme (Origin and Quest Tracks)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 2% to 5% depending on the engineering discipline
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
5,235 to 6,558 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month (net of tax)
⏳
Duration
Up to 36 months (Standard contract is 24 months)
📅
Deadline
Multiple deadlines per year (typically March, September, and October)
🔬
Fields
Civil Engineering, Controls and Data Acquisition, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, IT, Mathematics, Robotics, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 200 to 250 positions per year across all disciplines
🌏
Study Country
Switzerland and France
🏛️
Provider
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
📊
Acceptance
Low (Highly competitive international selection)
The CERN Graduate Programme offers engineering and science graduates the chance to work at one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. The program is divided into the 'Origin' track (for those with a BSc or MSc and up to 2 years experience) and the 'Quest' track (for those with an MSc or PhD and 2-6 years experience). It provides a unique environment for professional growth through high-level technical projects.
👥 Who Should Apply
Must be a citizen of a CERN Member State, hold a university degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD), and have no more than 2 years (Origin) or 6 years (Quest) of post-degree experience.
🏛️ Host University
CERN Research Facilities
🔬 Fields of Study
Civil Engineering, Controls and Data Acquisition, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, IT, Mathematics, Robotics, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a high-value monthly stipend, comprehensive health insurance, travel reimbursement, and allowances for relocation and family support.
🎯 Target Students
Early career engineers, scientists, and technicians
🏷 Tags
EngineeringSTEMResearchPhysicsSwitzerlandGraduate ProgrammeInternational Career
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Varies; approximately 5,000 to 8,000 across all graduate vacancy cycles
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 220
Winners
Low (Highly competitive international selection)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 2% to 5% depending on the engineering discipline
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Not applicable (Program provides a salary/stipend for research/work)
Living Stipend
5,235 to 6,558 CHF per month depending on experience level
Total Award
5,235 to 6,558 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month (net of tax)
✈️ Travel: Yes (Travel expenses for the fellow, spouse, and children are covered at start and end of contract)🏠 Accommodation: No (Paid from stipend, though installation allowance is provided)💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Comprehensive coverage through CERN Health Insurance Scheme)🔄 Renewable: No (Fixed-term contract up to maximum 36 months total)💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Not applicable (Program provides a salary/stipend for research/work)
🏠 Living Stipend
5,235 to 6,558 CHF per month depending on experience level
🏡 Accommodation
No (Paid from stipend, though installation allowance is provided)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Travel expenses for the fellow, spouse, and children are covered at start and end of contract)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Comprehensive coverage through CERN Health Insurance Scheme)
🎁 Other Benefits
Family allowance, child allowance, installation grant, 2.5 days of paid leave per month, and relocation assistance
🔄 Renewable
No (Fixed-term contract up to maximum 36 months total)
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
🎓 Academic Level
Recent Graduates (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
Not specified (Strong emphasis on technical skills and project experience)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English or French (CERN's official working languages)
🍢 Age Limit
No strict age limit, but restricted by years since graduation
💼 Work Experience
0 to 2 years for Origin track; 2 to 6 years for Quest track
🏆 Leadership
Not required, but beneficial for senior-level Quest positions
💰 Financial Need
Not a requirement
🎯 Target Students
Early career engineers, scientists, and technicians
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Motivation letter/statement is a core requirement)
Rec Letters
Yes (Usually 1 to 3 recommendation letters are required)
Interview
Yes (Typically includes an asynchronous video interview and a technical panel interview)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Usually 1 to 3 recommendation letters are required) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency in English or French (CERN's official working languages)
Interview: Yes (Typically includes an asynchronous video interview and a technical panel interview)
Min GPA: Not specified (Strong emphasis on technical skills and project experience)
📋 Application Process
Tailor your CV to highlight specific technical skills (e.g., Python, CAD, FPGA). Focus the motivation letter on why CERN’s mission resonates with your career goals.
💡 Insider Tip: Include details of your final year project or any internships, as these are highly valued by CERN supervisors.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Rolling applications with specific selection committees three times a year
⏰ Deadline
Multiple deadlines per year (typically March, September, and October)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Typically includes an asynchronous video interview and a technical panel interview)
🎓 Study Starts
Variable based on project and candidate availability
Rolling applications with specific selection committees three times a year
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Multiple deadlines per year (typically March, September, and October)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Typically includes an asynchronous video interview and a technical panel interview)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Variable based on project and candidate availability
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, technical proficiency in the relevant field, motivation, and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
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Country
Coverage
Level
CERN Graduate Programme (Origin and Quest Tracks)Current
Switzerland and France
Full Funding
Recent Graduates (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD)
—
🇬🇳 Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry (UGANC) International Scholarship
Must be a citizen of a CERN Member State, hold a university degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD), and have no more than 2 years (Origin) or 6 years (Quest) of post-degree experience.
This scholarship covers: Provides a high-value monthly stipend, comprehensive health insurance, travel reimbursement, and allowances for relocation and family support.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Multiple deadlines per year (typically March, September, and October). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 2% to 5% depending on the engineering discipline. Acceptance rate: Low (Highly competitive international selection). Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No (Fixed-term contract up to maximum 36 months total)
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English or French (CERN's official working languages), Yes (Usually 1 to 3 recommendation letters are required) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.