So You Want to Intern at CERN and Not as a Physicist? Yes, It’s Totally a Thing

Let’s be honest. When you hear the name CERN, you probably picture people in lab coats smashing particles and making the universe give up its secrets. Fair enough. But here’s a little-known secret: CERN isn’t just a playground for physics nerds (we love you guys). It’s also a hub for admin whizzes, wordsmiths, logistics masters, finance brains, and all kinds of behind-the-scenes magicians.

Introducing the CERN Administrative Student Programme 2025-3

This could be your ticket to spending 2 to 12 months in Geneva, Switzerland, doing real work at one of the world’s most prestigious research organizations. And you don’t need a PhD in quantum anything to apply. In fact, if you’re in a STEM field, this one is not for you. You should check out CERN’s Technical Student Programme instead.

So what would you actually do as an admin intern at CERN?

Glad you asked.

If you’re studying business administration, HR, finance, translation, secretarial work, law, education, psychology, public relations, communication, or even audiovisual arts, you might just find your place here. Your role could involve supporting massive research projects with your organizing skills, communication smarts, or ability to keep things running smoothly while the science folks chase particles.

You’ll be surrounded by people from around the world who are passionate, curious, and just plain brilliant. You’ll grab lunch in the same cafeteria as Nobel laureates. You’ll probably also get a crash course in European-style coffee breaks.

Official link

Who’s eligible?

Here’s the simple checklist:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State (yes, India is included)
• You have completed at least 18 months or 3 semesters of your undergraduate or master’s studies
• You will remain a full-time student during the internship
• You are not studying engineering or physics
• You have a good knowledge of English or French

What do you get out of it?

Aside from the bragging rights of saying you worked at CERN, you’ll also receive:

• A contract for anywhere between 2 and 12 months
• A monthly allowance of 3452 Swiss Francs, tax-free
• Travel allowance to help you get to Geneva
• Additional support if you are married or have children
• Health insurance coverage through CERN
• 2.5 days of paid leave every month

If your university needs a traineeship agreement, CERN provides its own. They don’t sign external ones from colleges.

How to apply?

You’ll need a CV in English or French (PDF only). You can also upload academic transcripts and reference letters if you want to strengthen your application.

The deadline to apply is August 11, 2025, by 11:59 pm CET.

Once you apply, your materials may be shared with national experts, then reviewed by CERN panels between September and November 2025. You might be contacted for an interview during that time. Final decisions are expected by the end of November.

Bottom line

If you’re a student in an admin-related field and dream of doing something exciting, international, and meaningful, this is your chance. CERN is where science meets organization, and yes, your spreadsheets, communication plans, or budgeting skills could support research that changes the world.

Now get that application ready and start practicing your French. Geneva awaits you.