Google Summer of Code
A paid summer working on a real open source project, with a mentor from that project. Here's who can apply, what it pays, how to get ready, and how organizations decide who gets in.
TL;DR
- In 2026, about 1 in 13 applicants got in: 1,141 contributors out of 15,245 people who applied.
- It's mostly decided before you apply. Organizations pick people they've already worked with: in their chat, and in their code.
- It's paid, so on a student visa it counts as work. Talk to your DSO before you apply.
1What is GSoC?
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a yearly program run by Google. Open source organizations (in 2026, 184 of them, from programming languages to scientific tools) post project ideas. Contributors apply with a proposal for one idea, and the ones accepted spend the summer building it with a mentor from that organization. Google pays a stipend to those who pass their evaluations.
It isn't an internship: Google says contributors are independent developers receiving a stipend, not Google employees or interns. What you get is real, reviewed work in a public codebase, a mentor who knows you, and a program name recruiters recognize.
Who can apply
- 18 or older when you register.
- A student, or an open source beginner. You don't have to be in school, but regular open source contributors don't count as beginners.
- Accepted into GSoC no more than once before.
- Eligible to work in the country where you live.
Project sizes and pay
You pick a size when you apply: about 90, 175 or 350 hours. A standard project runs 12 weeks (small ones, 8), and can be stretched to as long as 22 weeks if your mentor agrees. The stipend depends on the size and on the country you live in while coding:
| Project | Living in the US | China | India | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small~90 hours | $1,500 | $900 | $750 | $750 – $1,650 |
| Medium~175 hours | $3,000 | $1,800 | $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,300 |
| Large~350 hours | $6,000 | $3,600 | $3,000 | $3,000 – $6,600 |
GSoC 2026, in USD. Paid through Payoneer: 45% after the midterm evaluation, 55% after the final one.
The calendar
GSoC 2026 is wrapping up, and Google hasn't posted 2027's dates yet. 2026's calendar gives you the shape: the part that decides whether you get in happens between February and March.
Jan 19 – Feb 3
Open source organizations apply to take part
Feb 19
Accepted organizations and their project ideas go up
Feb 19 – Mar 15
You talk to organizations about their ideas
Mar 16 – Mar 31
Proposals open, then close. No extensions
Apr 30
Accepted contributors announced
May 1 – 24
Community bonding: meet your mentor, plan the work
May 25
Coding starts
Jul 6 – 10
Midterm evaluation (12-week projects)
Aug 17 – 24
Final submission and evaluation
to Nov 2
Extended projects finish
- The application season: where getting in is decided. Dates are GSoC 2026's.
On an F-1 or J-1 visa? GSoC is paid, and Google requires you to be eligible to work where you live. Google says it can't provide CPT or OPT authorization: accepted contributors get an acceptance email about a week after results, which may or may not be enough for your school. Ask your DSO what they'd need before you apply.
Log in to read the rest
It's free, and takes one click with Google.
Sources (checked Oct 2026)