TL;DR — OSPP is a summer program organized by the Institute of Software, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Open to university students worldwide. Projects are difficulty-tiered with bonuses up to ¥12,000 RMB (~$1,650 USD). Runs annually since 2020.
What is OSPP?
The Open Source Promotion Plan (开源之夏) is a summer program launched in 2020 by the Institute of Software at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its goal is to encourage university students worldwide to participate in open-source development. Key features:- Open to international students — not China-only
- Difficulty-tiered projects — Basic and Advanced levels with different bonuses
- Wide range of projects — From Linux kernel to web frameworks to AI tools
- Growing rapidly — Increasing number of communities and projects each year
Eligibility
- Must be a currently enrolled university student (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD)
- Must be 18 years or older
- Open to students worldwide (not limited to China)
- Students can only participate in one project per summer
Timeline (Based on Recent Cycles)
| Phase | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| Community registration & review | March |
| Communities submit projects | April – Early May |
| Student registration & applications | May – Mid June |
| Application review | Mid – Late June |
| Selected students announced | Late June |
| Coding & development period | July – September |
| Mentor review & PR merging | October |
| Final committee review | Early November |
| Results announced | Mid November |
Bonuses (Stipend)
Projects are divided into two difficulty levels:| Level | Bonus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | ¥8,000 RMB (~$1,100 USD) | Suitable for beginners, smaller scope |
| Advanced | ¥12,000 RMB (~$1,650 USD) | More complex, requires deeper expertise |
Bonuses are paid after successful project completion. International students receive payment via wire transfer.
How to Apply
Step 1: Browse Communities and Projects
Visit summer-ospp.ac.cn and browse participating communities once projects are published (usually April–May). Each project lists:- Technical requirements
- Difficulty level (Basic or Advanced)
- Mentor contact information
- Expected deliverables
Step 2: Contact Mentors Early
Reach out to mentors of projects you’re interested in:- Introduce yourself and your background
- Ask clarifying questions about the project scope
- Discuss your approach to the project
- Some mentors may assign small pre-application tasks
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Register on the OSPP platform and submit your application with:- Personal information and university enrollment proof
- Project selection (you can apply to multiple but only work on one)
- A detailed project proposal with technical approach and timeline
- Relevant experience and portfolio links
Step 4: Development Phase
If selected:- Work on your project from July through September
- Maintain regular communication with your mentor
- Submit code via pull requests / merge requests
- Document your work and progress
Tips for Success
- Start early — Contact mentors as soon as projects are published
- Show initiative — Make preliminary contributions to the project before applying
- Write a detailed proposal — Include technical design, timeline, and risk assessment
- Communicate in English or Chinese — Most communities accept both languages
- Choose the right difficulty — Be honest about your skill level
Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | summer-ospp.ac.cn |
| Help Documentation (English) | summer-ospp.ac.cn/help/en |
| GitHub | github.com/summer-ospp |
| Contact Email | org@summer-ospp.ac.cn |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OSPP only for Chinese students?
Is OSPP only for Chinese students?
No. OSPP is open to university students worldwide. The platform and many project descriptions are available in English.
Can I participate in OSPP and GSoC in the same year?
Can I participate in OSPP and GSoC in the same year?
Potentially, if the timelines don’t conflict with each other. Check both programs’ policies on concurrent participation.
What languages are the projects in?
What languages are the projects in?
Projects span many languages — Python, Java, Go, C/C++, JavaScript, Rust, and more. It depends on the participating community.
How competitive is OSPP?
How competitive is OSPP?
Less competitive than GSoC overall, but varies by project. Some popular communities (like Apache projects) are highly competitive.