The Summer Research Program (SRP) is run by the School of Life Sciences (SV) at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. Each summer it places 20–25 international students into a research group for an eight-week, full-time lab immersion.
Participants join on-going research, learn experimental techniques and design, and take part in scientific seminars and workshops alongside the wider EPFL science community. The program closes with a symposium where participants present a poster or a talk.
It is aimed at students who have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s degree, up to the first year of a master’s, and who intend to pursue a career in life sciences. The online form is closed until mid-October 2026, when the round for summer 2027 opens.
Benefits & funding
- Stipend of CHF 3,600 for the two-month period; housing is arranged in advance and paid out of this stipend, leaving roughly CHF 1,700 for living costs.
- Accommodation near the EPFL campus in Lausanne: a single room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
- Travel reimbursed after the program: up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights, up to CHF 500 for shorter distances. Participants placed in Geneva-based labs receive a larger stipend covering the extra commute of about 1 hour 15 minutes each way.
- Mentoring by faculty and scientific staff; hands-on work in a life-sciences research group.
- Visa support, including an invitation letter and guidance.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled students who have finished at least two years of a bachelor’s degree, up to the first year of a master’s, before the program starts. You must remain an enrolled student in a degree program during the program. PhD students are not eligible.
- Fields: biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medical or other life-sciences related programs.
- Academic record: a GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher, or top 5% of your class.
- A strong, demonstrated interest in a life-sciences career.
- Open to students worldwide; no nationality restriction. No proof of English level is required, though shortlisted applicants may be invited to a Zoom call; transcripts are accepted in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese or Italian.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Wait for the online form to reopen — it is the only accepted format, and it is closed until mid-October 2026 for the summer 2027 round.
- 2Prepare your bachelor (and, if started, master’s) transcript or an official list of classes and grades, and arrange one letter of recommendation.
- 3Complete the personal and scientific essays, including your reasons for your lab choices, and submit before the November 15 deadline — the form must be finished in one sitting and cannot be saved and resumed.
Program timeline
Mid-October 2026
Online application reopens for the summer 2027 edition
Annual application deadline
November 15, 23:59 CET
Every applicant is emailed the result
Before December 20
July 3 – August 27, 2026
The most recent edition ran; summer 2027 dates are not yet published