EPFL Summer Research Program in Switzerland

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) invites international students to apply for its Summer Research Program 2027, an eight-week research experience in Switzerland.

Organized by the EPFL School of Life Sciences, the program allows undergraduate and early-stage master's students to join active research laboratories, work alongside experienced scientists, and develop practical research skills.

Research Areas

Participants can explore research opportunities in fields such as:

• Biology and Molecular Biology

• Bioengineering and Biotechnology

• Bioinformatics and Quantitative Biology

• Biophysics and Biochemistry

• Genetics and Neuroscience

• Immunology and Cancer Research

• Computational Biology and related Life Sciences

Students join an EPFL research laboratory and contribute to ongoing scientific projects under the guidance of researchers and faculty members.

Funding and Benefits

Selected participants receive financial and academic support, including:

• CHF 3,600 stipend for the eight-week program, covering accommodation and living expenses.

• Accommodation arranged by EPFL in Lausanne, with housing costs deducted from the stipend before arrival.

• Approximately CHF 1,700 remaining for living expenses after accommodation costs.

• Travel reimbursement of up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights or CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel.

• Research mentoring from experienced scientists.

• Scientific seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.

• Social activities and opportunities to explore Switzerland.

• Assistance with the visa application process when required.

Travel reimbursement is provided after the program. Participants should budget separately for optional tourism and personal expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a university degree program in biology, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, biophysics, quantitative biology, genetics, medical sciences, or another relevant life sciences discipline.

• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate education by the start of the program.

• Be studying at undergraduate level or within the first year of a master's degree.

• Have an excellent academic record, generally equivalent to a GPA of 3.75/4.0 or ranking among the top 5% of their class.

• Demonstrate a strong interest in scientific research and a future career in life sciences.

• Be available for the entire eight-week program.

Students from all countries are welcome to apply. PhD students are not eligible.

Previous laboratory experience is an advantage but is not mandatory.

Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

1. Academic transcripts showing university courses and grades.

2. Short personal essays describing their achievements, experience, strengths, interests, and motivation for pursuing science.

3. Short scientific essays explaining their interest in selected EPFL laboratories and research topics.

4. Contact details for one academic referee who will submit a recommendation letter.

Applicants can select up to three preferred laboratories.

A formal CV, traditional motivation letter, and official English-language proficiency certificate are not required.

Important: The online application cannot be saved and completed later. Applicants should prepare their documents and written responses before starting.

Program Dates and Deadline

• Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

• Program dates: July 5 – August 27, 2027.

• Duration: Eight weeks.

• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland, with some research laboratories based in Geneva.

• Working language: English.