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

  • Igalia Coding Experience

    Igalia

    Open to all

    Timeline Rolling / periodic openings
    Stipend
    $7,000

  • Outreachy

    Software Freedom Conservancy

    Underrepresented groups in tech

    underrepresented
    Timeline Two cohorts annually (Jun-Aug / Dec-Mar). Check official site for 2026 round dates.
    Stipend
    $7,000

  • Google Summer of Code

    Google

    18+ years, open to all

    beginner-friendly
    Timeline Org Apps: Jan 19 - Feb 3 - Contributors: Mar 16 - Mar 31 - Coding: May 25 - Nov 2
    Stipend
    $1,500 - $6,600
    12-22 week projects

  • LF Decentralized Trust Mentorship

    Linux Foundation

    Open to all

    Timeline Multiple terms yearly (via LFX ecosystem)
    Stipend
    $3,000 - $6,600

  • LFX Mentorship

    Linux Foundation

    Open to all

    beginner-friendly
    Timeline Multiple terms each year. Applications typically open before each term.
    Stipend
    $1,000 - $6,600

  • Open Mainframe Project Mentorship Program

    Open Mainframe Project (Linux Foundation)

    University students (18+) interested in Linux, mainframe, COBOL, Zowe, and open source development

    students
    Timeline Spring, Summer and Fall mentorship cycles (via LFX Mentorship)
    Stipend
    $1,000 - $6,600

  • Summer of Bitcoin

    Summer of Bitcoin

    University students

    students
    Timeline Annual spring/summer program. Check official site for 2026 dates.
    Stipend
    $3,000
    Paid in Bitcoin

  • Code for GovTech - Dedicated Mentoring Program

    Code for GovTech

    Students, working professionals, and tech enthusiasts

    Timeline Annual 3-month mentoring program (typically summer cycle; dates vary by year)
    Stipend
    ₹1,00,000

  • Djangonaut Space

    Django Community

    Open to Django contributors

    beginner-friendly
    Timeline Free 8-week mentoring program. Multiple sessions yearly.
    Stipend
    Mentorship-based

  • European Summer of Code

    European Summer of Code

    Open worldwide, especially contributors new to open source

    beginner-friendly
    Timeline Batch 1: Feb 18 - Mar 18 - Batch 2: Mar 19 - Apr 16 - Starts: Apr 15 / May 15
    Stipend
    Stipends available / paid internship possible

  • FOSSASIA Internship

    FOSSASIA

    Open to all

    Timeline Rolling / project-based
    Stipend
    Varies

  • FOSSEE Summer Fellowship

    IIT Bombay

    Students (primarily India)

    students
    Timeline Annual summer fellowship
    Stipend
    Paid / stipend-based

  • Free Software Foundation Internship

    Free Software Foundation (FSF)

    Students

    students
    Timeline Rolling applications
    Stipend
    Educational

  • Kubernetes Release Shadow Program

    Kubernetes

    Open to Kubernetes SIG contributors

    Timeline 13-week remote program
    Stipend
    Community-driven program

  • Linux Kernel Mentorship Program

    Linux Foundation

    Open to all

    Timeline Aligns with LFX / kernel community cycles
    Stipend
    Community-driven program

  • MLH Fellowship

    Major League Hacking

    18+ years, students/recent grads

    students

    Recent batches have shown limited or no available matches for applicants residing in India and some other regions. Verify current batch eligibility on the official application page before applying.

    Timeline 12-week remote program. Multiple cohorts/tracks.
    Stipend
    Educational stipend provided

  • Nexus Spring of Code

    Nexus

    Open to contributors interested in real-world open source work

    Timeline 45-day open source program. Dates vary by season/year.
    Stipend
    Community-driven program

  • Open Source Research Experience

    Open Source Program Office (OSPO), UC Santa Cruz

    Undergraduate and graduate students interested in open source research

    students
    Timeline Summer research program. Also participates through GSoC and other outreach/sponsorship cycles.
    Stipend
    Varies / sponsored opportunities available

  • Season of KDE

    KDE Community

    Students

    studentsbeginner-friendly
    Timeline Applications due Jan 14 - Work: Jan 23 - Mar 20
    Stipend
    Certificate and swag

  • sktime Mentoring Program

    sktime Community

    Open to contributors interested in time series ML and open source

    Timeline Rolling / seasonal mentoring opportunities. Check official page for current rounds.
    Stipend
    Varies / may be paid depending on program

  • Hacktoberfest

    DigitalOcean

    Open to all

    beginner-friendly
    Timeline October 1-31 annually. Registration usually opens in September.
    Stipend
    Digital badges, swag, recognition

  • 24 Pull Requests

    Community

    Open to all

    beginner-friendly
    Timeline December 1-24 annually
    Stipend
    Recognition, badges