ETH screening students on spy worries

Wednesday, 6 November 2024 06:30

The federal polytechnic in Zurich, the ETH, is screening students from some countries to counter the risk of espionage.

The countries involved are Russia, Iran and especially China.

Chinese students are accusing the university of discrimination. One said it’s sparked anger and fear among the Chinese students and that they’re being judged on where they come from – and not their accomplishments.

It’s thought as many as 300 applicants from China have been rejected.

The three main reasons are a degree from a university that has military ties, a scholarship from unclear sources and working in sensitive areas – that could be almost everything the polytechnic does.

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