Frequently asked questions

How flexible is the programme when it comes to the start date?
The programme is fixed the full two months of July and August. Unfortunately, there is no flexibility for logistical reasons.

I am currently in the middle of my 3rd out of 4 years of a Bachelor degree. At the moment of applying I will be 1.5 years from the end of the degree, am I eligible to apply?
Yes, since you graduate only in the year after the fellowship.

I will receive my bachelor's degree before the start of the fellowship, but I will enrol in a master's programme seamlessly. Am I eligible to apply?
No, unfortunately not, as your graduation date is not in the year after the fellowship.

Do I need to be a citizen of a specific country to be eligible for application?
No, this programme is open to students of all nationalities.

Is the research project given by the professors or are students expected to come up with their own research topic?
Professors will usually suggest one or several projects to you. However, if you are really passionate about a certain problem or a topic, you can bring this up upon arrival and also mention it in your motivation letter.

Will the selection process be biased towards students with more experience?
No, we evaluate every application individually.

What kind of experience should students have prior to applying to the programme? Does only research experience count?
No, we welcome students with a diverse set of experiences and are looking forward to getting to know more about them.

If applicable, am I required to obtain the appropriate visa to participate in the programme?
Yes, it is your responsibility to acquire the necessary visa. The ETH Student Exchange office will help fellows with the process. Visa expenses will be covered.

Do I need to organize housing by myself?
No, accommodation will be organized. We intend to find accomodation for all fellows in the same student house. Housing expenses will be deducted from the scholarship.

Does the fellowship allowance cover living expenses in Zurich?
Yes, the allowance is enough to live comfortably in Zurich and can even cover some travel expenses if you wish to travel during the weekends.

I worry about living in Zurich since I do not speak any German. What is life in Zurich like?
Not speaking German is fine. Zurich is very international (more than 30% are foreigners) and the majority of people speak and understand English. Furthermore, English is the common language at ETH.

How long are the commute times in Zurich?
The accommodations are quite close with a commute time of about half an hour. Public transportation is reliable, clean, safe, and easy to use.