CERN STFC Switzerland Doctoral Student Scholarship 2026 Available
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland, is offering a prestigious opportunity for outstanding PhD students from select African nations to participate in the CERN–STFC Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme.
This initiative, launched under the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Africa–UK Physics Partnership Programme and funded by the UK Government’s International Science Partnerships Fund, aims to strengthen research capacity in Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science within eligible countries.
Why Apply?
Imagine working alongside world-leading scientists and engineers at the forefront of discovery — contributing to experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and other cutting-edge CERN projects. This programme allows you to conduct one year of your PhD research at CERN while remaining enrolled in your home university, ensuring you bring back vital expertise, skills, and networks to your country.
Fields include:
- Particle Physics & Applied Physics
- Engineering & Instrumentation
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Materials Science and other related domains.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a national of South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, or Uganda.
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in one of these countries.
- Have completed at least one year of PhD studies by the time of application.
- Propose thesis research relevant to CERN’s fields, with your university affiliated to the corresponding experiment collaboration (if applicable).
- Have good knowledge of English and/or French.
(Nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States are not eligible for this scheme.)
Funding & Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- 1-year CERN contract starting early 2026 (no later than March 2026).
- Monthly allowance of 3,891 Swiss Francs (net of tax).
- Travel allowance.
- Additional allowances for dependents if applicable.
- Comprehensive CERN health insurance.
- 2.5 days of paid leave per month.
Submit an Application: https://www.smartrecruiters.com/CERN/744000075155262-cern-stfc-non-member-state-doctoral-student-programme
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by October 20, 2025 (23:59 CET). Selection will be made by a panel of CERN experts, with placements starting by March 2026.