Ecolint highlights scholarship impact as Arsenii Rykov heads to EPFL

Former Ecolint scholarship student Arsenii Rykov, from Kharkiv, is now studying computer science at EPFL after a standout academic run in Geneva. His story comes as Ecolint opens applications for its 2027 scholarship program through Nov. 1, 2026.

Why it matters: - Ecolint is using Arsenii Rykov’s path to show how scholarship funding can move students from crisis-hit backgrounds into top-tier higher education. - The Geneva school is now recruiting the next class of scholarship recipients, with applications open through Nov. 1, 2026. - The program is fully funded by philanthropy and aims to widen access for students who would otherwise not be able to afford an Ecolint education.

What happened: - Arsenii Rykov, originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, started studying computer science at EPFL in September 2026. - Rykov was previously a scholarship student at Ecolint. - Ecolint opened applications for its 2027 scholarship program. - The school set the application deadline for Nov. 1, 2026.

The details: - Rykov applied to Ecolint at age 15 with a handwritten letter describing his interest in physics, mathematics and computer science. - He had already been programming for several years and taught himself web development. - Rykov described technology as “a freedom for my imagination.” - He said he hoped his knowledge would become “useful skills for my country and the world.” - Rykov later earned 44 points out of 45 in the International Baccalaureate. - That score places a student among the top 1% to 3% of candidates worldwide. - Ecolint says the scholarship program serves motivated young people with diverse talents who cannot access the school without financial support. - Since 2019, Ecolint has welcomed scholarship students from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Armenia, Brazil, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. - Many of those students have been displaced or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. - Scholarships can cover exam fees, school trips, extracurricular activities, supplies, meals, transport, a laptop and university preparation, depending on need. - Each scholarship student receives a personal mentor, regular pastoral support, academic guidance, pre-university support, wellbeing support and peer sponsorship. - Ecolint is looking for students who show academic potential, intellectual curiosity, international openness and a desire to contribute to their community. - Ecolint was founded in 1924 and describes itself as the world’s first international school. - The school operates campuses in Geneva and the canton of Vaud.

Between the lines: - Rykov’s story gives Ecolint a concrete example of the long-term payoff of scholarship aid, from secondary school access to admission at one of Switzerland’s leading technical universities. - The school’s emphasis on mentoring and broader support suggests the program is designed to remove more than just tuition barriers. - The geographic spread of scholarship recipients signals a program shaped by displacement, conflict and inequality rather than academic talent alone.

What's next: - Ecolint will review applications in November and December 2026. - The school plans to notify applicants by mid-February 2027. - Rykov is available for media interviews. - More information and applications are available in the scholarship program announcement.

The bottom line: - Ecolint is betting that targeted scholarship support can turn student potential into lasting academic and career opportunity, and Arsenii Rykov is the school’s latest proof point.