OPEN SOURCEPROGRAMS

Sponsored by Google, GSoC matches you with an open-source organisation for a ~12-week coding project. You work remotely with an experienced mentor, contribute real code to a real project, and get a stipend from Google for the work.

• Paid stipend for the whole coding period
• 1-on-1 mentorship from project maintainers
• Real production code on everyday open-source tools
• Certificate, swag & official recognition from Google

1. 1Check eligibility (18+ student or recent graduate)
2. 2Explore the org list when it is announced (Feb 2026)
3. 3Reach out to orgs, study their ideas & draft a proposal
4. 4Submit your proposal before the deadline (Mar 31, 2026)
5. 5If accepted, code with your mentor from May to Aug

LFX Mentorship pairs mentees with a project mentor for a set term (Spring / Summer / Fall). You own a defined scope of work on a world-class open-source project — think Kubernetes, OpenTelemetry, Prometheus and more — while learning from maintainers.

• Paid stipend for every term
• Mentoring by core project maintainers
• Hands-on experience on world-class infra projects
• A strong bridge into GSoC and CNCF contributions

1. 1Create a free LFX profile (profile.lfx.dev)
2. 2Browse open mentorship projects on the platform
3. 3Submit your application for the projects you like
4. 4Interview with the project mentor
5. 5Complete the mentorship scope for your term

GSSoC is a multi-month open-source contribution program where contributors, mentors and project admins work together on fresh student-run projects. You climb a global leaderboard through genuine PRs, guided by mentors along the way.

• 100% free and open to participants worldwide
• Discover & contribute to dozens of new projects
• Roles for Contributors, Mentors & Project Admins
• Rank-based rewards, certificates and swag

1. 1Register for free on the official site
2. 2Pick projects from the season’s registered list
3. 3Start sending PRs during the contribution period
4. 4Track your global rank on the leaderboard

SWoC is a seasonal open-source contribution program. Students register as contributors and work on registered projects during a fixed winter window, following real Git/GitHub workflows under the guidance of mentors and project admins.

• Completely free to participate
• Mentorship & structured project guidance
• Contribution certificates & seasonal goodies
• Real merge-testable PR experience on GitHub

1. 1Register as a contributor during the registration phase
2. 2Shortlist the projects that interest you
3. 3Contribute code/docs throughout the duration
4. 4Get your PRs merged before the end of the window

OSCG is an international, fully-online program where contributors, mentors and project admins collaborate on real-world and open-source startup projects in a structured, sustainable way — a journey, not a hackathon.

• Contribute to real-world startup & OSS projects
• Collaborate with global teams and mentors
• Learn professional contribution workflows
• Official certificates for active participation
• Talks from international speakers

1. 1Explore the projects directory & pick a project
2. 2Register for the ongoing season
3. 3Read the contribution guidelines carefully
4. 4Start contributing (features, fixes, docs, tooling)

ESoC funds a flat-rate stipend so you can spend ~12 weeks working full-time on real open source. Selection happens through multiple hubs across Europe, which bring you community, mentorship and beyond-code skills on top of the coding.

• Flat-rate financial stipend for the program
• Full-time, remote contribution to open source & AI
• Community & mentorship via local hubs
• Beyond-code skills (feedback, presence, collaboration)

1. 1Follow the hub announcements and apply
2. 2Choose or propose the project that fits you
3. 3Work full-time with your project team during summer

KWoC is an online, mentored winter program open to students from every college. You pick projects listed by mentors, contribute over 5 weeks, and the best contributors earn certificates, tags and project stickers.

• Designed for open-source newcomers
• Mentor guidance on every project
• Certificates, tags & project stickers
• Perfect preparation for bigger programs like GSoC

1. 1Register as a student when registrations open
2. 2Shortlist projects and pick your favourites
3. 3Contribute consistently during the 5-week period
4. 4Clear your evaluations to earn your certificate

Summer of Bitcoin is a 12-week online internship where university students work full-time on open-source projects related to Bitcoin — getting hands-on experience in crypto development while being compensated, literally, in the currency they help build.

• Stipend paid in Bitcoin
• Work alongside Bitcoin contributors & the community
• Real experience in blockchain and open-source dev
• Premium weekly stipends for top contributors

1. 1Apply online when applications open (~Feb)
2. 2Clear the selection process
3. 3Get matched to a project and work with your mentor