Country: Switzerland
Category: Summer Student Program
Organization: ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, EPFL and the University of Bern
Deadline: 28 March 2026
Duration: 13 July to 13 September 2026
Eligibility: International BSc and MSc students
The Swiss Summer Student Particle Physics Program 2026 is an international nine-week research program in Switzerland. It is run by the particle physics groups of ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, EPFL and the University of Bern, with support from the Swiss Institute of Particle Physics and the Swiss Academy of Sciences. The 2026 edition will take place from 13 July to 13 September 2026.
Research Areas
The official website states that participants may work on detector development or on data analysis in particle physics. The listed areas range from exotic atoms, where particle physics, atomic physics and quantum optics meet, to neutrino, flavour and high-energy physics, dark matter searches, and astroparticle physics. Selected students may also work on detector upgrades and data analysis using machine learning techniques.
Where Students Will Work
Students join research groups at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, EPFL and the University of Bern. The application page further notes that participants will spend nine weeks at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, PSI, the University of Bern, possibly FERMILAB, EPFL, and the University of Geneva.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants are international BSc and MSc degree students in Physics and Applied Physics. PhD students are not eligible. Engineering students may also apply if they have a background and interest in particle physics. Undergraduate students must be in at least their third year at the time of application. To be considered, applicants must remain registered at a university for the full duration of the program from July to September 2026, and a university certificate confirming student status is required.
Academic Criteria
The official requirements state that bachelor’s degree students should have average exam results ranked in the top 10–15%. Master’s degree students should have average exam results ranked in the top 10%.
Selection Basis
Selection is made on the basis of academic achievement, exam averages, graduation score where applicable, and suitability for the program as described in the personal statement. The source also notes that the admission process is highly competitive, encourages students from underrepresented groups to apply, and expects successful candidates to respect and value individual differences.
During the Program
Each participant is supervised within a training program. The official information states that a final report and presentations in English are required during the program. At the end, all students come together to present their work. Some flexibility may be considered depending on project needs.
Funding
Some merit-based scholarships are available through support from CHIPP and SCNAT. The source also states that funding sufficient to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food and other items will be provided.
Costs to Be Covered
Successful students are expected to cover health insurance if needed, visa expenses if needed, and travel expenses.
Required Documents
Applicants must apply online and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, application form with academic transcripts as one PDF file, and previous research projects if available. Where previous research projects are not in English, a two- to three-page English summary of the applicant’s main contributions is required. Two reference letters in English from professors or scientists at national or international laboratories must also be submitted online by the reference writers before the deadline.
Important Dates
The application deadline is 28 March 2026. Selected candidates will be informed by the end of April 2026.
