The ETH Zurich Student Summer Research Fellowship (SSRF) is a prestigious, fully-funded 8-week summer research opportunity offered by the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich↗️ Students (both undergraduates and master’s level) from all over the world undertake cutting-edge projects and experience life in Switzerland between July and August.
This programme is designed to provide hands-on research experience, networking with peers and mentors, and exposure to a globally recognised university environment.
Details About ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
- University: ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland (a top-ranked global university)
- Department Offering Programme: Department of Computer Science ↗️
- Programme Duration: 1 July – ~31 August 2026 (two full summer months↗️)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 16th December 2025
Research Areas & Fields Covered
Students can apply to work in one or two preferred research areas. Typical fields include:
- Theory & Algorithms fib.upc.edu+1↗️
- Computer Systems & Parallel Computing heysuccess.com↗️
- Information & System Security fib.upc.edu↗️
- Data Management, Machine Learning & Big Data Analytics StudyAbroad.pk↗️
- Visual Computing, Programming Languages, Software Engineering Elvoyager↗️
- Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems fib.upc.edu↗️
Students must pick research topics aligned with existing groups/labs at ETH↗️
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must fulfill:
- Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme (global students from any country). heysuccess.com+1↗️
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies by the start of the programme; or be a master’s student. Department of Computer Science+1↗️
- Expected graduation date must be after the fellowship ends (spring semester following the summer). Department of Computer Science↗️
- The programme is conducted in English — formal IELTS/TOEFL not required, but good working English is expected. Scholarship Union↗️
- Available to students worldwide — nationalities not restricted. heysuccess.com↗️
Financial Benefits & Funding
The fellowship offers an exceptional support package:
- Stipend: CHF 4,000 (approx €4,240) to cover housing and living expenses. Elvoyager+1↗️
- Accommodation: Student housing with single rooms, shared kitchen/bathrooms, organised by ETH. Department of Computer Science↗️
- Travel & Visa: Round-trip airfare and visa costs covered (via receipts) for international students. StudyAbroad.pk↗️
- Fully funded: No tuition required; focus purely on research experience.
- Cultural & social events included to help fellows network and explore Switzerland. Department of Computer science↗️
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents to apply smoothly:
- CV/Resume in English (preferably Europass format) Department of Computer Science↗️
- Official academic transcripts (English, German, French or Italian) — no screenshots/translations unless from authorized translator. Department of Computer Science↗️
- Letter of Motivation / Personal Statement (max 1 page) outlining research interest and goals. Department of Computer Science↗️
- Two preferred research areas/labs (choose carefully aligned with ETH’s groups) Department of Computer Science↗️
- Additional element: passport copy, proof of enrolment, etc. (Check official page)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Start early: Applications usually open in November of the previous year for the following summer. Department of Computer Science↗️
- Visit the official ETH page: ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowship↗️
- Complete the online application via the SiROP portal. Indicate your top two preferred labs. Department of Computer Science↗️
- Upload all required documents (PDF format, no password-protected files) before the deadline (often mid-December) heysuccess.com↗️
- After submission, shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews (digital). fib.upc.edu
- Decision notifications come typically by February 2026. Full program runs ~1 July – 31 August 2026. heysuccess.com
Why You Should Apply
- Add ETH Zurich + research experience on your CV — a major boost for PhD or job applications.
- Immerse yourself in Switzerland — one of the world’s most innovative countries.
- Work with top researchers, make global connections, gain real hands-on experience.
- No tuition or hidden costs — the programme is truly fully funded.
- Opens pathways to further research opportunities and international careers.
Pro Tips for Success
- Research ETH’s labs and choose 1-2 that match your background and passion — don’t pick just randomly.
- Keep your motivation letter concise and focused — emphasise what you’ll bring and what you will gain.
- Ask mentors or professors for feedback on your CV and application early.
- Highlight any research or project work you’ve done even if small. It shows interest and readiness.
- Application portals often close in mid-December — aim to submit a few days early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Prepare for interview scenarios: know why you selected ETH and how you fit within your chosen lab.
