Are you an ambitious graduate or early-career professional looking for a life-changing international opportunity? The CERN QUEST Program 2026 in Switzerland is one of the most prestigious fully funded programs in the world, which is designed for talented individuals who want to advance their careers in research, engineering, IT, and support services while working at the heart of cutting-edge science.
CERN is a European Organization for Nuclear Research known globally as the birthplace of the World Wide Web and home to the Large Hadron Collider. It attracts some of the brightest minds on the planet to explore fundamental questions about the universe.
Through the QUEST Program, CERN offers international graduates not just a job, but a transformative experience in a collaborative environment where science, innovation, and diversity thrive.
The program provides generous financial support, world-class facilities, and professional mentorship, making it an ideal pathway for those who wish to combine academic knowledge with practical, real-world applications.
Whether you come from a background such as physics, engineering, IT, data science, or support services like finance and HR, the QUEST Program offers an unmatched opportunity to grow your expertise while contributing to groundbreaking global projects.
Interested candidates can apply for the CERN QUEST Program 2026 now because the application portal is open!
In this article, we have explained every possible detail of the CERN QUEST Program 2026.
About CERN QUEST Program 2026
CERN has announced the launch of its QUEST Program for 2026, welcoming applications from international candidates across various academic and professional backgrounds. The initiative is open to applicants from CERN Member and Associate Member States and is structured to build careers, enhance skills, and foster international collaboration.
The QUEST Program provides full financial support to selected candidates, ensuring they can focus entirely on professional growth and scientific contributions during their stay at CERN.
Key Program Details
| Organization | CERN |
| Location | Switzerland |
| Duration | 2–3 years |
| Program Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Nationalities | Applicants from CERN Member and Associate Member States |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| Deadline | Open (no specific date announced) |
Benefits of the CERN QUEST Program
Selected participants will enjoy generous financial and professional benefits, including:
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Family allowances (where applicable)
- 6 weeks of paid vacation plus a two-week Christmas shutdown
- Installation grant for relocation support
- Monthly stipend between 6,287 and 6,911 CHF (net)
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- Special leave options such as maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
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Fields of Study and Work Areas
The program offers positions in a variety of technical and non-technical fields, including:
- Mechanical Engineering
- International Relations
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Software Engineering & IT
- Civil Engineering
- Applied Physics
- Material and Surface Science
- Experimental & Theoretical Physics
- Data Science & Analytics
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the CERN QUEST Program 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- Candidates should hold a Master’s degree with 2–6 years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience.
- Applicants must not have previously held a graduate contract or fellowship at CERN.
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Eligible CERN Member and Associate Member States
- Portugal
- India
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Lithuania
- Croatia
- Romania
- Czech Republic
- Türkiye
- Greece
- Serbia
- Austria
- Brazil
- Sweden
- France
- United Kingdom
- Norway
- Germany
- Latvia
- Israel
- Slovenia
- Estonia
- Bulgaria
- Poland
- Netherlands
- Hungary
- Ukraine
- Italy
- Pakistan
- Finland
- Slovak Republic
Application Process
The application process is straightforward:
- Choose your field of interest on CERN’s official portal.
- Review available positions.
- Submit the application online with the required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the CERN QUEST Program 2026?
Applicants from CERN Member or Associate Member States with relevant postgraduate experience are eligible.
2. What is the duration of the CERN QUEST Program?
The program lasts for 2–3 years, depending on the role and project.
3. Is the CERN QUEST Program fully funded?
Yes, it covers stipend, health insurance, travel, family allowances, and paid leave.
4. What academic backgrounds are eligible?
The program accepts candidates from physics, engineering, IT, data science, finance, HR, legal, and related disciplines.
5. Is there an application fee?
No, applying to the CERN QUEST Program is completely free.
6. What is the last date to apply?
The exact application deadline has not been specified yet.