Google’s acclaimed, fully sponsored global initiative, the Google Summer of Code Program 2026, enables students and early-career engineers to obtain practical experience by participating in significant open-source software projects over the summer. The goal of this program is to assist individuals improve their coding abilities while developing a solid, globally recognized professional portfolio.
Selected contributors work remotely with top open-source organizations through Google Summer of Code 2026. Throughout the program, they receive one-on-one mentoring from seasoned mentors. In contrast to traditional internships, GSoC emphasizes structured mentorship, learning, and significant contributions to open-source development. Participants receive a stipend from Google.
Country: USA
Host: Google
Duration: 12 Weeks
Dates: May to August, 2026
Benefits: Fully Funded
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Advantages:-
- paid stipend (amount varies according on project size and country)
- Possibility of working on actual open-source projects
- One-on-one guidance from seasoned open-source programmers
- Upon successful completion, an official Google certificate
- Strong resume and portfolio enhancement using code that is visible to the public
- International networking with open-source communities and developers
- Practical knowledge of professional growth processes
- More prospects for internships and employment in the future.
Eligibility Criteria:-
- When registering, you have to be at least eighteen.
- You must be able to work in the nation in which you will be taking part in the program.
- You must be a student or a novice in open source development (but newcomers are welcome).
- You have to live in a nation free from U.S. embargo limitations.
- It is not possible for you to be approved as a GSoC contributor more than once.
- During the coding period, you should be able to dedicate the necessary time (often 30 to 40 hours per week).
How to Apply:-
- Go to the official Google Summer of Code website and thoroughly review the GSoC 2026 schedule, eligibility requirements, and program summary.
- To access the Google Summer of Code application portal, create a Google account or log in.
- Look through the list of participating open-source organizations and select the ones that fit your interests and skill set.
- Examine the project proposals from each organization and get in touch with mentors via the means indicated.
- To demonstrate your interest and establish credibility, begin contributing to the organization’s open-source code.
- Create a thorough project proposal outlining your concept, technical strategy, schedule, and anticipated results.
- Before the application deadline, submit your Google Summer of Code 2026 proposal on the official website.
- Await the evaluation process and keep an eye on your dashboard and email for the results of the selection.
- During the formal GSoC program period, if chosen, finish the necessary onboarding procedures and start coding.