EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Programme 2027: Funded Research Opportunity in Switzerland

The School of Life Sciences at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, is inviting applications for its 2027 Summer Research Programme.

The eight-week programme gives international undergraduate and early master's students the opportunity to participate in laboratory research, learn scientific techniques and work alongside researchers in life sciences.

The programme typically selects approximately 20 to 25 participants each summer.

Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

Stipend: CHF 3,600 for the two-month programme to cover housing and living expenses.

Accommodation: Housing near the EPFL campus is arranged, with the cost deducted from the stipend.

Travel support: Reimbursement of eligible travel costs, up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights and CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel.

Research experience: Eight weeks of laboratory immersion in a participating research group.

Mentorship: Guidance from faculty members and scientific staff.

Professional development: Access to scientific seminars, workshops and a closing symposium.

Participants working in laboratories in Geneva may receive a larger stipend to help cover additional travel costs.

The travel reimbursement is subject to the programme's applicable conditions.

Eligible Fields of Study

The programme is intended for students studying life sciences or closely related disciplines, including:

Biology.

Biophysics.

Chemistry.

Bioengineering.

Bioinformatics.

Quantitative Biology.

Genetics.

Medical and other related life sciences fields.

Applicants should have a clear interest in pursuing a career in life sciences.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in a university degree programme in a relevant field.

Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the start of the programme, with eligibility extending up to students in the first year of a master's programme.

Have a GPA equivalent to at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, or rank among the top 5% of their class.

Demonstrate a strong interest in life sciences research.

Be available to participate in the entire programme from 5 July to 27 August 2027.

Applicants must remain enrolled in a degree programme throughout the programme.

PhD students are not eligible. The programme does not select applicants whose backgrounds are exclusively in animal or plant sciences.

Previous laboratory experience is an advantage but is not compulsory.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

University transcripts or an official list of classes and grades.

Responses to the required personal and scientific essay questions.

Contact details for a referee who can provide a recommendation letter.

Explanations of their preferred research laboratories, as requested in the application.

The application includes short-answer questions instead of requiring a conventional CV and motivation letter.

Programme Dates

27 August 2027.

Duration: Eight weeks.

Participants must be available for the entire programme.

How to Apply

Visit the official EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Programme website.

Read the programme description, eligibility criteria and FAQs carefully.

Review the participating laboratories and identify research areas that match your academic background.

Prepare your transcripts, short-answer essays and referee details.

Complete and submit the online application in one sitting.

Official programme page: https://www.epfl.ch/schools/sv/education/summer-research-program/

Application instructions: https://www.epfl.ch/schools/sv/education/summer-research-program/how-to-apply/

Frequently asked questions: https://www.epfl.ch/schools/sv/education/summer-research-program/faqs/

Application Deadline

15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time (CET).

Important Information:

The online application cannot be saved and completed later. Applicants should prepare all required information before starting. Applicants should complete the application before the deadline and ensure that all required materials are included.