The Google Summer of Code 2026 (GSoC) is a fully online, internationally open programme through which Google awards stipends to students and beginner developers who complete a coding project with a participating open-source organisation over 12 weeks. Participants earn a stipend ranging from $750 to $6,600 USD, calculated according to project size and the contributor’s country of residence. The programme requires no travel, charges no application fee, and welcomes applicants from all countries except those under U.S. embargo. The application deadline is 31 March 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Paid Open-Source Coding Programme |
| Organising Body | |
| Mode | Fully Online |
| Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Location | Remote (Worldwide) |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 |
About the Program
Google launched the Google Summer of Code to connect students and early-stage developers with established open-source organisations, actively building a global pipeline of contributors who advance freely available software worldwide. Each participating organisation spans diverse technology domains — from scientific computing and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence and web development — and pairs accepted contributors with experienced mentors for the full programme duration. Furthermore, GSoC operates entirely as a remote, independent contractor arrangement, meaning participants take full ownership of their project proposal and execution. Consequently, the programme develops technical coding proficiency alongside open-source collaboration, communication, and project management skills that professional software careers actively demand.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of registration.
- Applicants must qualify as either a student currently enrolled in an academic programme or a beginner in open-source software development.
- Applicants must not reside in a country subject to U.S. government embargo.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Each applicant may secure acceptance as a GSoC contributor a maximum of one time across all programme years.
- Applicants may submit up to three project proposals during the application period, directed to one or multiple participating organisations.
- Applicants must review the programme rules, contributor guide, FAQ, and application advice on the official GSoC website before submitting proposals.
- Applicants must contact their chosen organisations directly through the contact methods listed on the GSoC site before submitting a proposal.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
Google calculates the GSoC stipend based on both project size and the contributor’s country of residence. The following table outlines the global stipend ranges by project size.
| Project Size | Minimum Stipend | Maximum Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Small Project | $750 USD | $1,650 USD |
| Medium Project | $1,500 USD | $3,300 USD |
| Large Project | $3,000 USD | $6,600 USD |
Applicants can additionally verify the precise stipend amount applicable to their specific country of residence through the official GSoC country stipend calculator available on the programme website.
Selection Process
- Applicants submit project proposals directly through the GSoC official portal
- Participating open-source organisations independently review all submitted proposals
- Organisations select contributors based on the quality, feasibility, and alignment of the proposed project with their ongoing development priorities
- Google confirms accepted contributors and pairs each one with a designated mentor from their chosen organisation
- Accepted contributors begin coding under mentor supervision for the 12-week programme period
- Contributors submit the completed project within the designated submission window for final evaluation
How to Apply
- Visit the official Google Summer of Code website and thoroughly read the programme rules, contributor guide, and FAQ before beginning your application.
- Review the full list of 2026 GSoC participating organisations and apply filters to identify organisations that align with your technical skills and interests.
- Contact your chosen organisation directly through the contact methods listed on their GSoC profile page to discuss potential project ideas before submitting a proposal.
- Develop a detailed and well-structured project proposal, ensuring it aligns precisely with the tasks or ideas the organisation has listed on the GSoC platform.
- Register on the GSoC official portal and submit up to three project proposals — to one or multiple organisations — before the deadline of 31 March 2026.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 31 March 2026 |
| Programme Duration | 12 Weeks from acceptance |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| GSoC 2026 Organisations List | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Google Summer of Code 2026?
Any individual aged 18 or older who qualifies as a student or a beginner in open-source software development is eligible, provided they do not reside in a U.S.-embargoed country. Notably, each applicant may only secure acceptance as a GSoC contributor once across all programme editions, making it essential to approach the application strategically.
How does Google calculate the GSoC 2026 stipend?
Google determines the stipend based on two factors: the size of the project — small, medium, or large — and the contributor’s country of residence. Consequently, stipend amounts range from $750 for small projects in lower-cost regions to $6,600 for large projects in higher-cost regions. Applicants should check the official country stipend table on the GSoC website to identify the precise amount applicable to their location.
How does the Google Summer of Code 2026 programme work?
Applicants first identify a participating open-source organisation and submit project proposals through the GSoC portal. Subsequently, organisations review proposals and select contributors, whom Google then pairs with a designated mentor. Accepted contributors work remotely on their project for 12 weeks and submit the completed work within the designated period for final evaluation and stipend payment.
Can an applicant submit more than one project proposal?
Yes. The Google Summer of Code 2026 permits each applicant to submit up to three project proposals, either to different participating organisations or as multiple proposals to the same organisation. Furthermore, directly contacting organisations before submitting a proposal significantly strengthens the quality and relevance of the application.
When is the application deadline for the Google Summer of Code 2026?
The deadline to submit project proposals for the Google Summer of Code 2026 is 31 March 2026. Notably, successful applications typically require prior outreach to the chosen organisation, so applicants should begin reviewing organisations and developing their proposals well in advance of this date to allow adequate preparation time.