Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is an online mentoring programme that introduces new contributors to open-source software development. A contributor proposes a project with an accepted open-source mentoring organisation, and selected contributors work with a mentor on code intended for public use.
What participants do: Contributors first discuss project ideas with mentor organisations. After selection, they spend a community-bonding period learning the codebase and setting milestones with a mentor, then work on a 12+ week coding project and submit the code and a final evaluation. Some projects may have extended schedules.
Potential evidence: A completed public code contribution, project summary, work milestones and mentor feedback can document technical implementation, collaboration and delivery. Selection is competitive; participation does not guarantee a publication, admission, scholarship, job or university placement.
Eligibility and support: The published 2026 rules require contributors to be at least 18, be a student or open-source beginner, be eligible to work in the country where they reside during the programme, and reside in a country not subject to applicable US embargoes or restrictions. Google's official rules say stipends may be offered at its discretion, adjusted for country of residence, and depend on passing evaluations and completing payment/compliance steps. Stipend amounts and the participant's ability to receive payment must be checked for the relevant cycle. Official reviewed pages do not state a programme fee.
Timing: The 2026 contributor application period was March 16–31; standard coding ran May 25–August 24, with some extended projects through November 2. These dates are historical. The official 2027 dates and updated eligibility, stipend and payment rules were not published when checked on November 7, 2026.
Sources checked November 7, 2026: About, How it works, Get started/eligibility, program rules, and official timeline.