The ETH Zurich Student Summer Research Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded program designed for outstanding undergraduate and master’s students from around the world. Hosted by the renowned Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, the fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to engage in immersive, hands-on research under the guidance of leading faculty members. The program aims to nurture future researchers by exposing them to cutting-edge scientific work, advanced laboratories, and a vibrant academic culture.
Overview of the Program
The fellowship takes place in Zurich, Switzerland, during the summer months typically over an eight to ten-week period from July to August. The initiative is open to international students in computer science or closely related fields and offers a structured environment where participants can contribute to active research projects. Whether students are exploring theoretical foundations or applied technologies, the program equips them with the tools, mentorship, and exposure necessary to refine their research interests and academic goals.
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, making this fellowship a unique opportunity to work within an intellectually stimulating environment. Participants gain not only research experience but also an understanding of academic life in one of Europe’s most dynamic scientific communities.
Research Areas
Students can apply to work in a broad range of research domains within computer science. These include:
- Algorithms and Theory
- Systems and Networked Computing
- Data Management and Machine Learning
- Information Security and Privacy
- Programming Languages and Software Engineering
- Visual Computing and Graphics
- Robotics, Computer Vision, and Perception
Each fellow is matched with a research group whose work aligns with their academic background and stated interests. Throughout the fellowship, students actively participate in lab meetings, seminars, and collaborative activities.
Funding and Fellowship Benefits
The ETH Student Summer Research Fellowship is fully funded, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation. The benefits include:
- A competitive monthly stipend of CHF 4,000, which is sufficient to cover meals, local transportation, and daily expenses in Zurich.
- Reimbursement of travel costs, including flights and visa-related expenses.
- Fully covered accommodation arranged by the university, allowing students to focus on their research experience.
- Access to modern research facilities, advanced computational labs, and departmental resources.
- Opportunities to join social events, cultural excursions, and networking sessions organized specifically for summer fellows.
This comprehensive support enables students to immerse themselves in both academic activities and Swiss cultural experiences.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in computer science or a related discipline such as electrical engineering, mathematics, or physics.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the start of the fellowship.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and a genuine interest in research.
- Possess good written and spoken English proficiency, as all activities are conducted in English.
Required Application Documents
A complete application typically includes the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcript or record of grades
- Motivational letter outlining research interests and the reasons for applying
- One academic recommendation letter from a professor or supervisor
Applicants should present clear goals, explain why they are drawn to specific research groups, and highlight previous academic or project experiences.
Application Process and Timeline
The application is submitted online through ETH Zurich’s official portal. Candidates are required to create an account, complete the personal and academic sections, select preferred research areas, and upload all documents. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification.
Key dates typically include:
- Application Deadline: Mid-December
- Results Announcement: February
- Program Duration: July to August
Apply here: https://inf.ethz.ch/studies/summer-research-fellowship/how-to-apply.html
