ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships is a program that opens doors for students studying at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university to the world of Swiss academia that combines high-quality curriculum with innovative thinking.

The scholarship accepts students who:

• • Are currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. or Canadian university/college.
• • Are either a graduate student or an undergraduate student who will have completed their sophomore year by the time the research stay in Switzerland begins.
• • Have received written confirmation from a professor at a Swiss university that they will accept them for a research stay in their group.
• • We specifically encourage applicants interested in quantum & computing sciences, robotics, space, energy and life sciences to apply.

For ETH Zurich, students must stay a minimum of 91 days, and the research project must be recognized as part of your home university studies in order to have the status “Project Mobility Student.”

*Please note that postdocs are not eligible to apply.

To apply, please complete the contact form below and submit all supporting documents in a single PDF file by January 31, 2027. Please note that we cannot review applications submitted after this deadline. After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an automated email response confirming your submission. Please also send us a confirmation email once you have applied, using the subject line “LAST NAME, First Name, ThinkSwiss Research,” so we can verify that your application has been received.

To be considered for this scholarship, each application must contain:

1. 1. The completed application online form;
2. 2. A research project outline (e.g. an overview of the tasks and milestones of your project that you agreed on with your host professor, max. 2 pages single-spaced, and keep in mind, your audience are educated readers but not necessarily experts in your field);
3. 3. A letter of motivation/explanation of why you should be awarded the ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship, why you would make an excellent “student ambassador” in the future, and why you choose Switzerland as your research destination (please keep this within 2 pages);
4. 4. A CV (no more than two pages);
5. 5. A copy of your current university transcripts and diplomas (if applicable);
6. 6. A letter of acceptance from the host professor and/or hosting institution in Switzerland (we expect this letter to highlight the relevance of your research);
7. 7. Recommendation letter from a professor at the university you are enrolled in.

For further questions, please contact washington.science@eda.admin.ch.