What is Open Source?
● Computer software where the source code is
distributed under an open source license that allows
anyone to study, change, improve and distribute the
software.
● Promotes collaboration.
● Community of dedicated developers.
What is Google Summer
of Code?
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is an online,
international program designed to encourage
new contributors to participate in open source
software development under the guidance of
mentors from the open source community.
● Introduce new contributors to open source
software development.
● Help open source projects bring in new,
excited developers who stay involved in their
communities after the program ends.
● Give contributors exposure to real-world
software development scenarios (testing,
version control, software licensing,
Goals distributed development, etc.).
● Create more open source code for all to use.
of the Program ● Help early career professionals build their
skills
About GSoC
● GSoC is a global program focused on bringing more contributors into open source
software development.
● The program is open to students and to beginners in open source that are 18 years
and older.
● Contributors work on small sized projects (~90 hours), medium sized projects
(~175 hours) or large projects (~350 hours).
● The standard coding period is 12 weeks, however, contributors can extend their
project to a max of 22 weeks with approval from their mentor. For the small sized
projects, the coding period is 8 weeks.
● Contributors work with an open source organization under the guidance of
mentors while earning a stipend for successfully completing their project.
How does GSoC work?
Feb 27 - Mar 24
Feb 26 Apr 8 May 8 June 2
Mar 24 - Apr 8
Google Interested Contributors Mentor Accepted Coding begins!
chooses the participants submit organizations GSoC Contributors
organizations reach out to project choose the Contributors work on their
to participate orgs, review proposals to contributors announced project under the
(195 in 2024) Project Ideas mentor they’d like to and paired guidance of their
and discuss organizations accept with a mentor over 12
with orgs mentor to weeks (possible
help them extensions
throughout available)
their project
Over 18 upon registration for
program.
Beginner contributor to open source
or a student.
Eligible to work in the country in
which you will reside during the
coding period.
Eligibility Not a resident of a US embargoed
country.
Previously accepted into GSoC no
more than once.
Things to consider before applying to GSoC
1 2 3
What are your What technologies are What is your available
interests? you familiar with? time commitment?
(Security, AI, data, (python, go, C++, android, (90, 175, 350 hours for
developer tools, operating javascript, django, etc.) coding period)
systems, science and
medicine, web, etc.) --
Search by Category -- top
of search page
Tips for Applying to GSoC
How do I choose an organization?
● Use the previous criteria to narrow down the ~200 mentoring
organizations down to 10 or less.
● Read more about each of their organizations from their org URL.
● Read through their Project Ideas list -- try to find a couple ideas with the
orgs that really interest you.
● Reach out to the orgs via their communications channels to ask
questions about the project ideas.
● Determine if you like the ‘vibe’ of the community.
Project Proposal Info
● Once you’ve narrowed it down to 1-3 orgs, reach out to them and start writing your
proposal for the project.
● You can submit a maximum of 3 project proposals total (to different orgs or even
multiple to same org if you wish).
● Once your proposal is written ask the org for feedback.
● The earlier you write the proposal the better
○ Try to write it before March 24 when Contributor apps open, gets super busy
● 98% of Mentors are volunteers, be patient.
Writing the Project Proposal
Many organizations have their own template with certain questions or information they
want applicants to include.
● Why you want to work on the project idea
● Include any background skills/knowledge, maybe a short biography
● Related work you have done
● Deliverables - what you want to achieve with the project and how you
propose to break up the work (by week/month)
● Clear title! Not Jane’s proposal to Org A : )
● Generally 3-8 pages - doesn’t need to be a book!
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I need to I’m new to open source, can I
spend on the project? participate?
There are 3 project sizes: Yes, GSoC is open to all newcomers
● 90 hours (8 week coding period), of 18+ years. As long as you are
● 175 hours (12 week coding period) excited and ready to learn from
● 350 hours (12 week coding period) your mentors and have some level
of programming experience you
With mentor agreement you can extend the can succeed in GSoC.
period to a max of 22 weeks.
2025 Program Timeline
Jan 27 - Feb 11 March 24 - April 08 May 08- June 02 September 10
Community
Organization GSoC Contributors Successful GSoC Contributor
bonding period with
applications open submit their projects are announced
orgs
proposals
(for standard 12 week projects)
B
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
February 27 May 08 June 2- August 25 November 17
Accepted GSoC Accepted GSoC GSoC Contributors Final submission
mentoring Contributors are code the summer deadline for
organizations announced away extended projects
announcedephasis copy
when needed.
Evaluations
● Contributors must pass two (2) evaluations
● Contributors who pass each evaluation are paid a stipend for their
work (varies based on size of project and country)
● At the conclusion of GSoC, Contributors submit the code they’ve
written for their project for everyone to see and use!
Confidential and Proprietary 14
Read the Program Rules, FAQs, watch
GSoC videos
Read the Contributor Guide - tons of
great information and tips!
Feb 27 look at accepted org list, start
investigating orgs and reach out as soon
Next Steps as possible
Think about what time commitment you
can make for GSoC - helps decide your
project size
Helpful Links
● Program Site: http://g.co/gsoc
● GSoC Contributor Guide http://g.co/gsoc/resources/guide
● Program Rules https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/rules
● Advice for Applying to GSoC
https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/help/student-advice
● Discord Chat channel: discord.gg/google-dev-community
