Open Source Programs

Open source programs and internships for 2026

Every active mentorship, fellowship and competition worth applying to, with stipends and deadlines in one place. 12 of 22 are paid.

22 programs

Outreachy ↗

Software Freedom Conservancy
Underrepresented groups in tech
underrepresented
Two cohorts annually (Jun-Aug / Dec-Mar). Check official site for 2026 round dates.
$7,000

Google Summer of Code ↗

Google
18+ years, open to all
Org Apps: Jan 19 - Feb 3 - Contributors: Mar 16 - Mar 31 - Coding: May 25 - Nov 2
$1,500 - $6,600
12-22 week projects

LFX Mentorship ↗

Linux Foundation / LFX
Open to all
Multiple terms each year. Applications typically open before each term.

Open Mainframe Project Mentorship Program ↗

Open Mainframe Project (Linux Foundation)
University students (18+) interested in Linux, mainframe, COBOL, Zowe, and open source development
Spring, Summer and Fall mentorship cycles (via LFX Mentorship)

Summer of Bitcoin ↗

Summer of Bitcoin
University students
Annual spring/summer program. Check official site for 2026 dates.

Djangonaut Space ↗

Djangonaut
Open to Django contributors
Free 8-week mentoring program. Multiple sessions yearly.

European Summer of Code ↗

European Summer of Code
Open worldwide, especially contributors new to open source
Batch 1: Feb 18 - Mar 18 - Batch 2: Mar 19 - Apr 16 - Starts: Apr 15 / May 15
Stipends available / paid internship possible

MLH Fellowship ↗

MLH
18+ years, students/recent grads
12-week remote program. Multiple cohorts/tracks.
Educational stipend provided

Nexus Spring of Code ↗

Nexus Spring of Code
Open to contributors interested in real-world open source work
45-day open source program. Dates vary by season/year.
Stipend

Open Source Research Experience ↗

Open Source Program Office (OSPO), UC Santa Cruz
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in open source research
Summer research program. Also participates through GSoC and other outreach/sponsorship cycles.
Varies / sponsored opportunities available

Season of KDE ↗

KDE
Students
Applications due Jan 14 - Work: Jan 23 - Mar 20
Stipend

sktime Mentoring Program ↗

sktime
Open to contributors interested in time series ML and open source
Rolling / seasonal mentoring opportunities. Check official page for current rounds.
Varies / may be paid depending on program

Hacktoberfest ↗

Hacktoberfest
Open to all
October 1-31 annually. Registration usually opens in September.
Digital badges, swag, recognition