What is Google Summer of Code (GSoC)?
Google Summer of Code is a global mentorship programme aimed at welcoming new contributors to open source software development. Contributors get to engage in a programming project which lasts a total of 12 weeks, where they are guided by experienced mentors from their respective open-source organisation. This initiative was established over 2 decades ago, and Google has introduced more than 21,000 contributors to open source under the guidance of over 20,000 mentors from more than 1,000 open-source organisations. The year 2024 has been a productive year for GSoC, as it concluded with 1,127 contributors completing their projects with 195 open-source organisations.
Eligibility for Application
Whether a contributor is new to open-source development or a student wanting to delve into open source, they are welcome to apply. Contributors can gain several benefits from delving into this opportunity. These perks include—a unique learning experience, a chance to develop and polish up developer skills, an opportunity to interact with other contributors with similar interests, to network with highly skilled professionals in the industry, and a stipend for participation.
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older on the date they register for the programme.
- Not reside in a country embargoed by the United States.
- Be eligible to work in the country where they reside for the duration of the programme.
- Be students or beginner contributors to open-source software development.
- Not have been accepted as a GSoC Contributor more than once.
When Do Applications Open?
Applications for GSoC contributors start on the 24th of March 2025 at 18:00 UTC (23:30 IST), and the application deadline will end on the 8th of April at 18:00 UTC (23:30 IST). Other highlights include the acceptance of the project announcement, which will begin on the 8th of May at 18:00 UTC (23:30 IST) and June 2nd when coding officially begins.
For more details, you can refer to the official GSoC timeline here.
How Does GSoC Work?
Contributors can connect with mentor organisations they’re interested in and create a project proposal based on ideas suggested by the organisation. They then get a few weeks to familiarise themselves with the programme and community while reviewing expected goals with their mentors. The standard coding period lasts 12 weeks, from June 2nd to September 1st. For projects with extended timelines, the coding period will last from June 2nd to November 10th.
Mentor organisations are open-source software groups that, once accepted into the programme, work closely with contributors to discuss ideas, review proposals, and provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Mentors play a crucial role by ensuring contributors receive the support and direction needed to successfully complete their projects
What Does The Ideal Proposal Look Like?
A strong proposal follows the organisation’s specific guidelines and templates to stand out among numerous submissions. Here’s what to include:
- Personal Details – Provide your full name, preferred name, email address, and phone number.
- Clear and Engaging Title – Keep it concise, relevant, and attention-grabbing.
- Project Benefits – Explain how your project will contribute to the community and sponsoring organisations.
- Milestones and Deadlines – Outline a clear timeline with achievable goals.
- Understanding of Related Work – Show awareness of existing projects and highlight how yours is different.
- Brief Biography – Showcase your relevant skills and experiences to demonstrate your eligibility.
- Formatting & Submission – Ensure your proposal meets formatting and length requirements and submit it professionally as a PDF.
For reference, check out this proposal example.
What Happens After a Proposal is Accepted?
GSoC progresses in phases after a proposal is accepted. In the first phase, contributors familiarise themselves with their community, their code base and their work style. This is followed by the coding phase, which includes a midterm evaluation by the contributor’s mentor. The final phase of the programme focuses on project completion. A final evaluation is conducted at the end of the term, where the contributors must submit a URL to their work product.
Goals of the Programme
One of the primary goals of the programme is to grow the open-source community and enhance code accessibility for the benefit of all. By ensuring that all code produced is released under an open source licence, GSoC aims to create an environment where individuals from around the world get to utilise and contribute to this code. The programme also encourages developers to engage more deeply in open-source initiatives and helps these projects discover and onboard new contributors.
What Can GSoC Do for Your Career?
GSoC provides you with an opportunity to learn and use existing and new skills. It also allows you to refine your skills as you work on your project and receive feedback from mentors. The programme gives you the chance to engage and network with other professionals within the same industry all over the world. Mentors involved in GSoC are dedicated to helping contributors learn about their communities and teaching them how to be open-source contributors.
In Summary
GSoC is not just a programme; it’s an eye-opening experience in innovation, learning, and global collaboration within the open-source community. Whether you’re a newcomer hoping to hop on board or an experienced developer looking to make an impact, GSoC provides opportunities to grow, learn and contribute to your community in many meaningful ways. So, why wait? Dive in and let this be an incredible journey with Google’s Summer of Code 2025.