5 Fully Funded Summer Research Programs in Switzerland for International Students

Switzerland is one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for higher education and scientific discovery. For the 2026 summer cycle, several world-leading institutions are offering fully funded programs designed to bring international talent into their research labs.

These programs, which include the Swiss Summer Student Particle Physics Program (S3P3), the CERN Summer Student Programme, the ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowship, the EPFL Excellence in Engineering (E3) Internship, and the UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Program, are designed to bring the brightest minds into elite Swiss laboratories.

Funding for these initiatives are supported by a combination of federal funding, university budgets, and international research bodies like the Swiss Institute of Particle Physics (CHIPP) and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), ensuring that all major costs—including airfare, housing, and monthly stipends—are fully covered so students can focus entirely on high-level research.

Overview of the 5 Swiss Summer Programs

1. Swiss Summer Student Particle Physics Program (S3P3)

The Swiss Summer Student Particle Physics Program is a premier research initiative designed to immerse students in the world of subatomic particles and detector technology. Organized through a high-level partnership between ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, the University of Bern, EPFL, and the University of Geneva, it is further supported by the Swiss Institute of Particle Physics (CHIPP).

This 9-week fully funded fellowship runs from July to September and is exclusively open to Bachelor’s (3rd year+) and Master’s degree students in Physics, Applied Physics, or Engineering. The programme typically hosts around 15 undergraduate students each summer, it includes both domestic and international participants.

What makes S3P3 unique is its multi-site nature; students may spend their summer split between major hubs like the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) or even international laboratories like Fermilab, working directly on machine learning and data analysis for next-generation particle detectors.

What S3P3 Program Offers Financially

The Swiss Summer Student Particle Physics Program (S3P3) ensures students are financially taken care of, covering stipends and other essential costs for a smooth summer research experience.

S3P3 Summer Research – Who Should Apply

For students fascinated by particle physics, the S3P3 Program offers a hands-on summer research experience in top Swiss labs, but it’s essential to understand who the program is intended for.

To qualify, you must be a Bachelor student (after at least two years) or a Master student in physics or a closely related field.

Experience with laboratory work, coding, or previous research projects is highly encouraged. As with the other programs, students currently enrolled at the hosting institutes or pursuing a PhD are generally not eligible.

The program is open to international students, making it a unique chance to collaborate with peers from across the globe.

Roadmap to Apply for S3P3 Program 

Students who wish to join the S3P3 program should first think about their research interests, particularly within particle physics, nuclear physics, or multidisciplinary physics. Having a clear idea of your research focus will make the application process much smoother.

The next step is to visit the official program website hosted by ETH Zurich. On the website, navigate to the Application section, where you will find the detailed instructions and the official application form required for submission.

To submit a strong application, you will need to prepare a complete application package, which includes, Cover Letter detailing specific research interests, an updated CV,  and a combined PDF containing the Official S3P3 Application Form and Academic Transcripts.

If you have previously worked on a research project, you are encouraged to upload it as part of your application. However, if the document is not written in English, you must provide a 2–3 page English summary explaining your main research contributions.

After uploading the required documents, you will also need to enter the contact details of two academic referees. The system will automatically send them a link where they can submit their letters of recommendation directly.

Once the application portal closes in late March, a selection committee carefully reviews each application, focusing on the applicant’s academic background and technical preparation. Successful candidates will then receive official invitation letters to participate in the program.

2. CERN Summer Student Programme

The CERN Summer Student Programme offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the birthplace of the World Wide Web and the home of the Large Hadron Collider. For this progremme about 150–300 students are selected annually from thousands of applicants worldwide.

This global fellowship is hosted by CERN in Geneva in collaboration with its Member and Associate Member States, as well as non-member nations worldwide. Aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Physics, Computing, Engineering, and Mathematics, the program lasts between 8 and 13 weeks between June and Septembereach year..

A unique highlight of this scholarship is the specialized lecture series where world-leading scientists share insights into theoretical physics and IT, paired with exclusive hands-on visits to CERN’s underground accelerators and experimental areas.

CERN Summer Student Programme Stipends & Perks

The CERN Summer Student Programme provides generous support to cover living costs, travel, and research essentials for all participants.

Who Can Apply to CERN Summer Student? 

If you’re dreaming of working at the forefront of particle physics, the CERN Summer Student Programme might be your perfect opportunity, but before you dive in, it’s important to know who the program is designed for.

To be eligible, you should be a Bachelor student who has completed at least two years of study or a Master student in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related fields.

Having hands-on laboratory experience or coding skills is highly recommended, as the programme involves real research projects.

Keep in mind that students already enrolled at CERN or pursuing a PhD are generally not eligible. Best of all, the programme is open to students from around the world, giving you a chance to join an international cohort of aspiring physicists.

Pathway to Apply for CERN Summer Student Programme 

Getting into CERN is competitive, but if you plan ahead, the process is straightforward. Start by visiting the CERN SmartRecruiters portal and create your account. Once your account is set up, you can start your application, save drafts, and track your progress as you go along.

Next, you’ll want to prepare all the necessary documents. This includes an updated CV, most Recent Academic Transcript (preferably in English or French), and exactly two letters of recommendation from university professors (These letters must be dated within the last 12 months to be considered valid).

Also don’t forget to include any extra experiences, like internships, coding competitions, or independent research projects, even if they are small. CERN values practical experience, and these details can strengthen your application.

Next and very crucial part of the application is answering technical questions about your coding experience, laboratory skills, and any previous research projects. Be clear and detailed in your responses, as these help the selection committee understand your strengths and see if your experience aligns with the hands-on projects at CERN.

Remember timing is very important. The application portal closes every year in late January, so it’s best to start early. Finalizing your profile and documents ahead of time gives your referees plenty of time to submit their recommendation letters and helps avoid last-minute stress.

Once everything is submitted, you can monitor your application through the portal to make sure nothing is missing. Following this roadmap carefully will give you the best chance of receiving an invitation to the CERN Summer Student Programme and gaining an unforgettable international research experience.

3. ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowship

The ETH Student Summer Research Fellowship is an elite program managed by the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, one of the top-ranked technical universities in the world. This fellowship does not publish a fixed number of seats, but selection is competitive and based on available research group openings.

It provides a 2-month (July–August) research experience for Bachelor’s and Master’s students specializing in Computer Science, Data Science, and Robotics.

The fellowship is unique for its “Match-Making” system, where students are paired with specific ETH hosting labs to work on high-impact projects such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Visual Computing.

Participants receive a substantial stipend of CHF 4,000, ensuring that all living costs in Zurich are covered while they build professional networks within the European tech ecosystem.

ETH Zurich Research Fellowship Financial Benefits

ETH Zurich SSRF ensures students are financially supported during their summer research, covering stipends and necessary research expenses.

Can You Join ETH Zurich Research Fellowship? 

For those looking to gain immersive research experience in computer science, the ETH Student Summer Research Fellowship is a golden opportunity. but first you should know who can apply.

Eligible applicants are Bachelor or Master students in computer science, with strong academic standing and a genuine interest in research.

You must remain enrolled at your home university throughout the summer, and prior lab or coding experience can give you a competitive edge.

This fellowship is open to international students, so whether you’re studying in Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, you can apply and bring your skills to one of ETH Zurich’s top research labs.

Application Procedure for the ETH Zurich Research Fellowship 

If you’re aiming to take your computer science research to the next level with the ETH Zurich Research Fellowship, understanding the application process is the first step toward success.

To begin, you’ll need to visit the SiROP website and create a free student account. After registering and confirming your account, log in and search for the ETH Zurich SSRF opportunity listed on the platform. From there you can begin the official fellowship application.

Once you’re in the system, the next step is to select your preferred research areas. You can choose up to two labs that align with your interests, so it’s a good idea to carefully explore each lab’s projects and focus areas before making your selection. This helps ensure that your application is targeted and relevant to the research you want to pursue.

Preparing your documents is the most important part of your application. You’ll need a CV in Europass format, an official academic transcript (accepted in English, German, French, or Italian), and a high-impact Letter of Motivation that is strictly limited to one A4 page.

You must also provide your GPA on the original scale used by your university. If you’re a Master’s student who hasn’t received your first-semester results yet, you can submit your final Bachelor’s degree GPA instead. Taking the time to make these documents clear, concise, and tailored to your research goals can make a big difference.

After the mid-December deadline, the selection committee reviews applications and may invite shortlisted candidates for a brief virtual interview with the lab heads. This is your chance to show your motivation, highlight your research experience, and explain why you’re a great fit for the lab.

Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the ETH Zurich Research Fellowship application successfully and give you the best chance to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge computer science research.

4. EPFL Excellence in Engineering (E3) Internship

The Excellence in Engineering Internship is a highly flexible and prestigious research program offered by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

It invites Bachelor’s and Master’s students from all engineering and technology fields to join one of over 100 cutting-edge research laboratories. The internship typically lasts between 8 and 12 weeks during the summer months, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate various international academic calendars.

Unlike more rigid programs, E3 allows students to contribute to diverse multidisciplinary projects ranging from Nanotechnology and Bioengineering to Quantum Computing, concluding with an exclusive E3 workshop and a joint symposium to present their findings.

What EPFL E3 Covers for Interns

The EPFL Excellence in Engineering (E3) Internship covers essential costs for interns, including monthly stipends and research-related expenses, so you can focus fully on your projects.

EPFL Excellence in Engineering Internship: Who Qualifies

If you’re passionate about engineering and want to apply your skills in real research projects, the EPFL E3 Internship could be your next step, but to continue, you need to know who qualifies.

Applicants must be Bachelor students (at least 2 years completed) or Master students in engineering or related technical fields.

Keep in mind that students from other majors are usually not considered, and those already enrolled in a PhD program at EPFL are ineligible.

The programme is open to international applicants, so wherever you’re from, you can join this opportunity to work in leading Swiss laboratories.

How To Apply for EPFL Excellence in Engineering Internship

For the EPFL Excellence in Engineering Internship, careful navigation of the application process is key to securing a place in this highly competitive program.

Start by visiting the official EPFL E3 application page and register with your name, email, and password. This account serves as your personal login, allowing you to start the application, save drafts, and monitor your progress.

Next step is to choose up to three host laboratories where you would like to conduct your research. Take your time to explore each lab’s focus and ongoing projects, because your choices will play a central role in the selection process. Selecting labs that align with your skills and interests not only strengthens your application but also sets you up for a meaningful internship experience.

Then, you’ll need to prepare a set of required documents. This includes a Curriculum Vitae, Official Transcripts (covering at least the two most recent years of study), a Motivation Letter of up to 800 words. In this letter, you should clearly explain why you are interested in your chosen labs and outline your future professional goals.

For administrative purposes, a PDF scan of a valid passport is also required. This ensures your identity and eligibility are verified before the program begins. Finally, applicants must provide the contact details of two references. EPFL will only reach out to these individuals after you have passed the initial pre-selection stage, so make sure to choose referees who know your academic work well and can provide a strong recommendation.

Following these steps carefully will give you the best chance to join the EPFL Excellence in Engineering Internship, where you’ll gain invaluable research experience, develop practical engineering skills, and work closely with leading experts in your field.

5. UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Program

The UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research Program is a highly competitive “Life Sciences” fellowship hosted by the School of Biology at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). This 8-week program, running from early July to late August,

It specifically targets undergraduate students (must have completed 2 years of study) in Biology, Medicine, and related Life Sciences. It is distinguished by its intimate cohort size—hosting only about 15 students globally each year—ensuring deep mentorship within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine.

A unique feature of this program is its “sister-program” collaboration with EPFL, where students from both institutions join for shared social activities, Alpine hikes, and a final scientific poster session on the shores of Lake Geneva.

What UNIL SUR Covers for Participants

The UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Program provides financial support for living and administrative costs, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in research.

UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research Program: Eligibility Explained

If biology or medicine excites you and you want to gain research experience in a Swiss university, the UNIL SUR Program is an excellent choice, but before applying, you should know who can participate.

Eligible candidates are Bachelor or Master students in biology, medicine, or closely related fields, who will remain enrolled at their home university throughout the summer.

You should prepare authenticated academic transcripts and a strong recommendation, as these programs are competitive.

Like the others, this program is open to students worldwide, giving you the opportunity to work alongside an international cohort and top researchers in your field.

Roadmap to apply for UNIL SUR Program 

For students interested in the UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Program, careful attention to the application process is essential to secure a spot in this competitive research opportunity.

The first step is to create a SWITCH edu-ID, which serves as your secure personal login for UNIL’s application portal. To do this, you need to visit the SWITCH edu-ID registration page and set up an account by providing your name, email, and password.

After setting up your SWITCH edu-ID, use the same login credentials to access the University of Lausanne application portal where the SUR program application will be submitted.

the next step is to complete the specialized SUR questionnaire in the UNIL portal. This questionnaire helps the selection committee understand your research interests, academic background, and motivation for joining the program.

Next, you’ll need to prepare the required documents. This includes authenticated academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation that follows the official UNIL template. Making sure these documents are correctly prepared and submitted on time is essential for a strong application.

For international applicants, it’s important to include a clear grading scale guide from your home institution. This allows the committee to accurately interpret your academic performance in comparison to other candidates.

The final selection is completed by early March, after which successful applicants are notified. Following these steps carefully will give you the best chance to join the UNIL Summer Undergraduate Research Program, gaining valuable research experience in biology or medicine while learning from top international faculty.