FAQ

Participation

• How can I become a participant? You can apply via our online application form.
• Which target groups is this event aimed at? The International Summer University is interdisciplinary and aimed at students from all over the world from different disciplines.
• Which qualifications are required? The International Summer University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students the opportunity to gain practical experience in addition to their theoretical education and training. Students from all disciplines should have prior knowledge in their respective fields, work collaboratively, and demonstrate a strong willingness to learn in order to successfully complete the course.
• Is there any preparation needed before the course in terms of theory/research ? You do not need to prepare for any specific academic topics or fields of study. However, since all presentations and course materials for the lab sessions and group projects are made available via an online platform - where each participant can download the files themselves before the start of each lecture or upload their reports after completing their own experimental work - it is important that you have access to your own laptop or tablet. You should bring a laptop equipped with standard office software, to be able to participate in homework and presentations. Please note that Switzerland uses SN 441011 power sockets (suitable also for EU plugs CEE 7/16 „Eurostecker“).
• What is the maximum number of students that can participate? The number of participants is limited to 65 students.
• Where and when does the event take place? The ISUenergy 2026 takes plase in Falera, Grissons, Switzerland, from 23. August 2026 -  04. September 2026.
• When is an application possible? The application for 2026 is open now until 31. May 2026.
  The application deadline has been extended by two weeks to 15 June 2026. Only a few spots remain.
• In which language will the event take place? The course language is English.
• Where can I find the General Terms and Conditions (T&C) before I apply? You can download the T&C here.
• If I need a visa to participate in Switzerland, can I get support? You can get support via your university, or by requesting an invitation letter via contact@isuenergy.org.
• Where can I find a brief overview? On our page ISUenergy 2026.
   

Organisation

• Who is the organiser of this course and is it accredited by a particular organisation? The organiser of this course is the International Summer University Renewable Energy and Sustainability, founded in 2024 by 3 renowned members with a long academic and leadership track record. The association ISUres is continuing the tradition of the curriculum developped by the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin 2009-2015 and is accredited amongst others by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).
• Can I obtain an ETCS certificate on the basis of the event? Yes, you can obtain up to 4 microcredentials for the participation in the 2026 event.
• What do I need to bring? You need to bring only items of personal use. You should bring a laptop equipped with standard office software, to be able to participate in homework and presentations. Please note that Switzerland uses SN 441011 power sockets (suitable also for EU plugs CEE 7/16 „Eurostecker“). For those having problems with recharging their electrical equipment, we provide power converters at the venue.
• Are there special flight rates for students? The nearest airport is Zurich. Special flight rates from SWISS for students you can find here.
• How do you get to Falera by public transportation? The easiest way to reach Falera by public transportation is via the Chur railway hub. From there, PostBus routes take you directly to your destination. In Chur, transfer directly at the train station (PostBus deck) to the PostBus. Line 81: Take the PostBus toward Flims/Laax/Falera. Transfer: In some cases, a transfer is required at the Laax GR, Posta stop to catch the connecting bus directly to Falera. Final stop: The last stop in the village is Falera, Center. Since Falera is a car-free village (access restricted to residents and guests with permits), traveling by public transit is particularly stress-free, as you arrive right in the center. Would you like to check a specific connection from your location or do you need information on ticket prices? Find the best connection on the Swiss Federal Railways website https://www.sbb.ch/en.
• I’d like to arrive by car. Where can I find parking near the accommodation or in the surrounding area? Upon arrival, we’ll provide you with a yellow parking permit so you can drive to your vacation rental in Falera and park there. Alternatively, you can park your car in the large parking lot at the village entrance and charge it there if needed. Parking fees vary depending on the parking lot. We may be able to arrange a free parking spot for you. You can find official, detailed information at https://www.parking.ch/en/parkings/falera.
   

Costs and grants

• How much are the tuition fees? The fees are displayed on the registration page and classed by professional level: 
  • Students in Bachelor/Master courses,
  • Students in PhD courses,                 
  • Other participants (e.g. from industry),
  • For student applications, a "Current Term Certificate" of inscription is required.
• How do I get the 10% discount for participants from non-OECD countries? 
  We will automatically apply the discount when we issue the invoice.
  What matters is the OECD country of residence, not the OECD country of origin.
• What is included in the participation fee? The participation fee includes accommodation in Falera, all program components (lectures, internships, group projects, excursions, entrance fees, social events organised by ISUres, lunch and coffee breaks during the course periods, etc.), as well as lecture materials and tickets for public transport in Falera and surrounding. 
• What costs do I have to cover myself? All costs related to:
  • Your travel to Falera, e.g. flight, train, bus, visa fees, etc.,
  • Costs related to health, private and home contents insurance,
  • Breakfast and dinner, which are organized individually,
  • Individual activities. 
• Is financial support available for me as a participant? All participants are already receiving financial support, as a part of the event is funded by public funds and sponsors, so that for students the participation fees are significantly lower than the event costs. As it is important to us that outstanding young students are able to take part in ISUenergy regardless of their financial circumstances, we will, within the limits of our resources, assist the best participants in their search for a funding opportunity.
• How can I apply for a scholarship if I am studying at a partner university of the ISUres? 
  • Bachelor's, Master's and PhD students at our partner university, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, are eligible for a reduction of CHF 250.00 in the participation fee, funded by our BTU Fund.
  • If you are a student at an EELISA universitiy, you can expect EELISA to cover at least part of your participation fee. First check with your home university to see if any funding is available. If your university issues a letter of denial, please send us the relevant documentation, which we will need in order to cover CHF 250.00 of your participation fee from the fund of our partner university ZHAW EELISA.
• ISUenergy 2026 - Grant Program
  To make ISUenergy 2026 accessible to talented and motivated participants from around the world, a dedicated grant program has been established with the support of an additional sponsor. A limited number of Excellence Grants and Mobility Grants are available for participants with outstanding achievements in the fields of energy, sustainability and innovation or for applicants facing significant travel and mobility costs. Participants may apply for the grant program by submitting the corresponding Application for Funding Participants of ISUenergy 2026 form together with their ISUenergy 2026 application.
   

Accommodation & Food

• Do you offer accommodation in Falera? Yes, accommodation in holiday apartments usually for 3-6 persons is included in the participant fee. We will send you further information about the accommodation as soon as your participation is confirmed. 
• Where exactly is the accommodation located and what type of accommodation is it? Hotel/dormitory/shared apartment, etc.?
  All accommodations are located in Falera and near surroundings. All apartments are within walking distance of the course venue. We are renting several cozy vacation apartments (separate accommodations for male and female participants) each featuring a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and several bedrooms. However, we will only assign participants to specific accommodations after the registration deadline has passed, once the number and origin of the female and male participants have been determined. We therefore ask for your patience.
• What is the schedule? Arrival is on Sunday 23th August 2026 in the afternoon. Departure is on Saturday morning, 5th September 2026.  
• Food: We provide lunch meals at local restaurants, with regular and vegetarian options. For local self-supplies, a grocery story is available from 07:00-18:00 on Weekdays. All apartments have cooking facilities and social rooms.
• Special requests: We will strive to accomodate special requests, regarding food, arrival, breakout or prayer rooms within the given framework. Please inform us of important changes before your final registration, so we can assess and inform you about the possibilities. 

If you have any further questions, please contact us directly by email contact@isuenergy.org or using the contact form on our website.