Paid Open Source Programs Students Should Know About

What are Open Source Programs?

First, quick clarity. Open source means software that’s public. Anyone can use it, study it, modify it, and build on top of it.

Open Source Programs are basically remote, project-based internships. You work on real products, solve real problems, and collaborate with people who actually ship software. Not dummy tasks. Not fake experience.

Why should you care about Open Source Programs?

Here’s the thing. Open source gives you real-world exposure way earlier than most internships.

You:

Work on production-level projects
Learn how teams actually collaborate
Build connections with maintainers and developers globally
Improve your skills in a way tutorials never can

And yes, many of these programs pay you for your work.

Let’s break down the best paid open source programs students should look into.

1. Google Summer of Code (GSoC)

GSoC is one of the most popular open source programs out there. Run by Google, it helps students contribute to real open source projects under experienced mentors.

If you’re just getting started with open source, this is a solid entry point.

Stipend: $1,500
Website: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/

2. Outreachy Internships

Outreachy focuses on supporting women and underrepresented groups in tech. It’s a fully remote, paid open source internship that works with well-known organizations.

The work is meaningful, the mentorship is strong, and the experience actually counts.

Stipend: $6,000
Duration: 3 months
Website: https://www.outreachy.org/

3. FOSSASIA

FOSSASIA is one of the biggest open technology organizations in Asia. They build and promote free and open source software while running global programs for developers and designers.

You’ll find real projects, real communities, and serious learning here.

Stipend: $5,500
Website: https://fossasia.org/

4. MLH Fellowship

If you’ve heard of hackathons, you’ve heard of MLH. The MLH Fellowship is their open source program for student developers worldwide.

It’s a 12-week remote program where you work on open source projects that match your interests, alongside other strong developers.

Stipend: $5,000
Website: https://fellowship.mlh.io/programs/open-source

5. Microsoft Reinforcement Learning Open Source Fest

This one’s next-level.

Microsoft’s Reinforcement Learning Open Source Fest lets students work directly with researchers, data scientists, and senior engineers on real-world reinforcement learning problems.

It’s a four-month program and offers one of the highest stipends on this list.

Stipend: $10,000
Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/academic-program/rl-open-source-fest/

6. Google Season of Docs

Not everything in open source is about code.

Google Season of Docs is perfect for technical writers and beginners who want to contribute through documentation. You work with open source organizations to improve their docs and get paid by Google.

Started in 2019, this program helps bridge the gap between developers and documentation.

Stipend: $6,600
Website: https://developers.google.com/season-of-docs

7. X.Org

The X.Org Project maintains the open source implementation of the X Window System, working closely with the freedesktop.org community.

It’s backed by the X.Org Foundation, a non-profit that supports long-term open source development.

Stipend: $2,250
Website: https://www.x.org/wiki/

8. Hacktoberfest

Hacktoberfest happens every October and is one of the easiest ways to get into open source.

You contribute to open source repositories, learn by doing, and get rewarded with exclusive Hacktoberfest swag. No long-term commitment required.

Reward: Hacktoberfest goodies
Website: https://hacktoberfest.com/

Final Thoughts

Open source isn’t just about free software. It’s about learning in public, building real skills, and working with people who care about quality.

You might pick up a new language. You might find your niche. You might even change how you think about building software.

And getting paid while doing all that? That’s a win.