Research Program•Switzerland · Lausanne

EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program

Funding

Partial / Stipend

Program dates

Jul 3, 2026 – Aug 27, 2026

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 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.

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 in Geneva-based labs receive an enhanced stipend to cover added travel.
  • 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 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; transcripts are accepted in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese or Italian.

Application process

  1. 1
    Open the online application form (the only accepted format) on the How to Apply page once applications open in late September.
  2. 2
    Prepare your bachelor (and, if started, master’s) transcript or an official list of classes and grades, and arrange one letter of recommendation.
  3. 3
    Complete 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

  1. Applications open for the following summer

    Late September

  2. Application deadline

    November 15 (23:59 CET)

  3. About six weeks after the deadline

    Decisions announced

  4. Program starts

    Jul 3, 2026

  5. Program ends

    Aug 27, 2026