Quantum Computing Internship for Physics Undergraduates Program (QCIPU) - Summer 2026

Three- week undergraduate physics students interested in quantum computing for the simulation of physics participate in this three-week program to gain hands-on Python and Qiskit programming experience. Daily lectures on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and quantum computing are additional program components. The program culminates in participants running their own code on an IBM quantum computer.

QCIPU is a training platform that supports the next generation of scientific research and engineering professionals.

Eligibility

Enrollment in a U.S. college or university in Physics, Math, Computer Science, or Engineering

Completed year of introductory level Physics course

Eligible to work in the United States

Application Procedure
Before applying have all requirements ready. Once submitted, access to the application will no longer be available to upload any missing requirements.

Online Application – Application Walkthrough Video Guide

Resume

Unofficial transcript

A short statement of interest in the topic (Two paragraphs is sufficient, no more than a page) Save in a pdf format upload under the Resume section.

Internship Details
Program Dates: June 8 – June 26, 2026

Application Period: November 3, 2025 – January 17, 2026
Offer Date: February 19, 2026
Acceptance Date: February 28, 2026
Salary: $20/hr.

Airfare/Housing/Transportation: Airfare, Housing and Ground transportation paid by the program if permanent address is more than 50 miles from host laboratory.

Location: Onsite work schedule

Program Outcomes

Basic Proficiency with Python and Qiskit through development of personal code base

Opportunity for a paid year-long internship at Fermilab researching quantum computing.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to internships@fnal.gov.