Google Summer of Code
Google's global program paying new contributors to work on open source projects under the mentorship of established open source organizations for 12 weeks.
Overview
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is an annual global program run by Google that brings new contributors into open source software development. Now in its third decade, GSoC pays selected contributors a stipend to work on a specific open source project for 12 weeks under the mentorship of an experienced developer from a participating open source organization. The program is open to anyone 18 or older who is new to a participating open source organization (not just students, since 2022). Stipend amounts vary by country based on purchasing power parity. Hundreds of open source organizations participate including Linux, Python, Apache, Mozilla, Wikimedia, and many others.
What You Can Find Here
- Paid 12-week open source contribution projects with stipends based on country of residence
- Mentorship from experienced developers at 150-200 participating open source organizations
- Project ideas lists from participating organizations to guide application proposals
- Flexible project sizes: small (90 hours), medium (175 hours), or large (350 hours) scopes
- Certificate of completion and Google recognition for successful contributors
- Community and networking within the global open source ecosystem
Who Should Use This
- Developers 18+ who are new to a participating open source organization and want to contribute
- Students and early-career developers seeking structured open source experience and mentorship
- Anyone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to open source while being paid
- Developers from any country looking to join a major open source community and build their portfolio
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit summerofcode.withgoogle.com in January/February when organizations are announced
- Step 2: Browse participating organizations and their project ideas lists
- Step 3: Engage with the communities you are interested in - introduce yourself, explore code, ask questions
- Step 4: Write a detailed project proposal for the specific project idea you want to work on
- Step 5: Submit your proposal during the contributor application window (typically March-April) and await acceptance
Things to Check Before Applying
- Proposals that demonstrate prior engagement with the organization's community are much more competitive
- GSoC is now open to anyone 18+ who is a "new contributor" to the organization, not just students
- Stipend amounts vary significantly by country - check current rates at summerofcode.withgoogle.com/how-it-works
- Selection is by individual organizations, not by Google centrally - target your proposal to the specific org's needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GSoC only for students?
No. Since 2022, GSoC is open to anyone 18+ who is new to a participating open source organization - not just enrolled students.
How much does GSoC pay?
Stipends are based on purchasing power parity (PPP) for the contributor's location. Amounts vary from around $1,500 to $6,600 USD for a standard project depending on country and project size.
How competitive is GSoC?
GSoC typically receives tens of thousands of applications for several thousand slots. Acceptance rates depend heavily on the organization - some accept 1 in 3 quality proposals, others 1 in 20.
Can I propose my own project idea for GSoC?
Yes. You can propose your own project idea to an organization, not just ideas from their list. However, your idea must align with the organization's goals and be approved by mentors.
How do I find GSoC mentors before applying?
Most participating organizations have IRC/Slack/Matrix/mailing list communities. Join them, introduce yourself, and engage with the project you are interested in. Mentors appreciate proactive engagement.
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