Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
What it is: A global program where you spend ~12+ weeks contributing to a free/open-source project under mentor guidance, with a stipend from Google.
Who can apply: 18+, students and non-students — you should be new or a beginner to the org you apply to (read current GSoC rules).
Duration: Often 12–22 weeks depending on project size (175h vs ~350h style projects in recent years).
Typical timeline (annual, dates shift):
- Organizations announced — early year
- Contributor applications & proposals — often mid–late March
- Coding period — summer through fall (varies by project)
Stipend: Often ~$1,500–$6,600 USD equivalent, location-based (PPP). See the official stipend table each year.
How to win: Pick 1–2 orgs you genuinely care about, contribute before proposing, and write a specific proposal tied to their issue tracker.
Official: summerofcode.withgoogle.com