Who can apply?

Summer School of Science is open to all high school students (grades 9 to 13) with a strong interest in science, regardless of their nationality, high school program or experience. However, S3 is strictly a high school program, hence university students will not be accepted.

How to apply?

You can apply only by filling in the online application form. When filling out the form, you will need to write a letter of motivation and provide us with the contact information of one of your teachers (not necessarily in the science field). We will likely contact your teacher separately to obtain a recommendation letter, so please inform them beforehand. In case you would like to apply for a scholarship, you will need to upload a separate scholarship application letter as well. An appropriate text box will be available in the application form. You can read more about our scholarship offers here.

If you are still not sure whether you want to apply or not you can submit your email address through this form so we can remind you when the application deadline approaches or we have updates on the Summer School's program. Meanwhile, feel free to contact us if you have any concerns about the application process or read through the questions we were frequently asked.

Selection procedure

All applications will be reviewed by the School's organizing team and a certain number of applicants will be selected for interviews. You will receive a response form us regardless of whether or not you have been granted an interview. Please check your email regularly so we can schedule your interview on time.

There are usually more good applicants than available places. Therefore, it is of great importance to write a good letter of motivation. Interviews will be conducted online, via Microsoft Teams or a similar meeting platform, and we expect to complete all interviews by late May. We will notify you of the final selection results via email in the following week. You will be able to choose a time that suits you from many available slots. During the interview, we will focus on a wide range of topics (not necessarily science), assess your proficiency in English and your personal motivation.

We often preferentially offer places to students who could most benefit from the School, so feel free to let us know if the School would open up new opportunities to you. We believe that each applicant who has expressed an interest in science should be given the opportunity to develop professionally. However, due to a lack of resources, we cannot offer a place to all applicants. Therefore, not being selected doesn't mean you were "not good enough" and you can always try next year. We will likely want to stay in contact with you and will happily offer you guidance if needed.

Fees

Fees are income-based, and cover course material, additional activities, accident insurance, food, and accommodation for the duration of the camp. The fee does not include travel to or from Zagreb, visa expenses, spending money, laundry or stationery.

For more information on exact costs visit our Fees page. A detailed description of available scholarships and exceptions can be found here.

Letter of motivation

Since only about 30 participants can be admitted each year, the organizers select those students who will benefit the most from participating. It is of utmost importance to write a good letter of motivation because it offers us a window into who you are, what your background is and, most importantly, your motivation. The letter is a way for the organizers to get to know you and understand why you want to participate.

Your letter of motivation should include:

• a description of your own interests in science and how you express or share this interest,
• a short summary of your educational experiences, practical experience in science and opportunities you have used so far to expand your education (if you have had any),
• plans for your professional development (i.e. choice of university, if you made it) and what actions you plan to take in the following years to develop professionally,
• any other thoughts, ideas or interests you have that are important to you but not related to science.

The letter should be at least 200 words long, but there is no upper limit. Don't be afraid to write something "wrong". Honesty and openness are very much appreciated.

Looking for inspiration is fine, but make sure not to copy anyone else's writing. We also highly discourage the use of generative AI tools for this purpose, and will use an AI detector if needed. Using AI as an assistive tool while brainstorming is okay, but submitting a letter written entirely by AI might force us to disqualify your application. You can find some recommendations on how to use AI to aid your creative process (instead of replace it) here or here.