FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the application deadline for the various student programs?
The application deadlines vary from year to year. Go to the relevant student program on this page for a detailed answer.
How long does it take from applying to receiving an answer?
On this page, application deadlines are listed. In addition, a date for the Selection Committee is listed for each application deadline. Normally you will be notified if you have been admitted or not within two weeks after the Selection Committee.
Is it possible to write an academic thesis at CERN?
Yes. It is common for students to write an academic thesis at CERN. Normally you will then have a supervisor at CERN and a supervisor from the institution you come from. If you want to write the diploma thesis at CERN, it is recommended to write the thesis over a year.
Is not CERN only interested in physicists?
CERN needs all kinds of people. Most students who work at CERN do not work directly with theoretical particle physics, but with engineering assignments in, for example, IT, electronics, mechanics and chemistry.
Do you have to be a genius to get a job at CERN?
The vast majority of people who work at CERN can be characterized as normally intelligent, although CERN also has a number of people who can be characterized as geniuses. However, it is a misconception that only students with top grades are offered a place at CERN.
Do you have to speak French to get a job at CERN?
No. It may be beneficial to speak French in some groups, but far from necessary. Most Norwegian students at CERN do not speak French and are doing just fine. Both English and French are official languages at CERN.
Does CERN help acquire housing?
CERN has a service called Housing Service that helps you find a place to live. Housing Service also operates a hostel located at CERN, which you can, if there is space, stay until you have found another place to live. To find an apartment, house or community, it may be helpful to send a request to CERN's internal marketplace. Another tip is to follow the French website: Le Boncoin or Anibis in Switzerland. (Both are in French and correspond to Finn in Norway.)
Can I bring my spouse and children?
Yes. If you are married and / or have children, you will receive a slightly higher salary to cover the extra costs. The spouse will be able to obtain a work permit in both France and Switzerland during the contract period.
Are there opportunities for daycare at CERN?
There is a kindergarten at CERN. However, it can be somewhat difficult to get a place in this kindergarten. However, there are other kindergartens that you can apply for. See the pages of Social Affairs at CERN for more information.
TIP: Read the CERN welcome brochure which can be found here for a lot of useful information about moving to Geneva and working at CERN.
Questions can be sent to: ole.petter.nordahl@cern.ch
or directly to the Human Resources group at CERN: Recruitment.Service@CERN.CH