Swiss Summer Student Program in Particle Physics 2026 Applications Open

Application Deadline: 20 March 2026

About the Program

The Swiss Summer Student Program in Particle Physics is now accepting applications for its 2026 session. This prestigious international research internship is supported by the Swiss Institute of Particle Physics (CHIPP) and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). The program brings together talented students from around the world to participate in advanced research in particle physics and related scientific fields. Participants will spend nine weeks working on real scientific projects at five major universities across Switzerland, including ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), University of Geneva, and University of Bern. The program is organized collaboratively by these institutions to provide students with hands-on research experience in world-class particle physics laboratories.

Research Areas

Students may work on various particle physics research topics, including:

• High-energy particle physics
• Neutrino physics
• Dark matter research
• Detector technology development
• Astroparticle physics
• Data analysis and machine learning in physics
• Quantum optics and exotic atom studies

Program Benefits

The costs for successful students are fully covered, including:

• Health insurance (if needed) valid for the internship duration
• Visa expenses (if required)
• Travel expenses to and from Switzerland
• Living expenses funding sufficient to cover accommodation, food, and other items during the nine-week stay

Eligibility Requirements

The program welcomes applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Open to all nationalities worldwide 
• Currently enrolled Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree students in:

• Physics
• Applied Physics
• Medical Physics
• Engineering
• Computing Science
• Materials Science

PhD students cannot apply

• Applicants must remain registered at their home university during the program period
• Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential

Academic Performance Expectations

• Bachelor’s students should rank within the top 10–15% of their class
• Master’s students should rank within the top 10% of their class

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the S3P3 Application portal and must include the following documents:

1. Cover Letter explaining why the applicant seeks admission to the program and their motivation for pursuing particle physics research
2. Curriculum Vitae detailing academic background and relevant experience
3. Application Form + Academic Transcripts combined as a single .pdf file (download the official Application Form from the program website)
4. Previous Research Projects (if available) in pdf format. If the original document is not in English, applicants should provide a summary (2-3 pages) in English explaining their main contributions
5. Two Reference Letters (in English) from professors or scientists at national or international laboratories. Letters must be submitted online by the reference writers before the deadline

Program Duration

• The program runs for approximately nine weeks during the summer
• Typical timing is from July to September 2026 
• Students work full-time on research projects under faculty supervision

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Selection and Notification

• Application review takes place immediately after the deadline
• Selected students are typically notified by late April 2026 
• Admission is competitive and based on academic performance and research potential

Why This Program Matters

This internship provides international research experience in one of the most exciting fields of modern science. Participants work alongside world-leading scientists and research teams, building a strong academic profile for future PhD programs and scientific careers. The program also offers the unique opportunity to experience research at multiple top Swiss universities and connect with international researchers and students from around the globe.

Click here to apply