EPFL Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland (CHF 3,600 Stipend)
The EPFL Summer Research Program 2027 offers international undergraduate and first-year Master’s students an eight-week research experience in life sciences in Switzerland. Organised by the EPFL School of Life Sciences, the programme provides a CHF 3,600 stipend, arranged accommodation, travel reimbursement, laboratory training, and scientific mentorship. The programme runs from 5 July to 27 August 2027, and applications close on 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Quick Overview
Programme: EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)
Opportunity Type: Summer Research Programme
Host Institution: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lausanne, with selected research laboratories in Geneva
Duration: Eight weeks
Programme Dates: 5 July – 27 August 2027
Funding: CHF 3,600 stipend and travel reimbursement
Eligibility: International undergraduate and first-year Master’s students in life sciences
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
About the EPFL Summer Research Program 2027
The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program offers students practical experience in scientific research laboratories.
The programme brings together approximately 20–25 participants each summer for an eight-week research placement.
Selected students join research groups working in areas ranging from life sciences engineering to quantitative biology.
Participants contribute to ongoing scientific projects, develop laboratory techniques, and learn how research is conducted in an academic environment.
The programme also combines laboratory work with scientific seminars, workshops, and social activities.
Students must attend the entire programme from 5 July to 27 August 2027.
EPFL Summer Research Program Benefits and Financial Coverage
The EPFL Summer Research Program provides financial support to help participants meet their living and travel expenses.
Confirmed financial benefits include:
✓ CHF 3,600 stipend for the two-month programme
✓ Accommodation arranged near the EPFL campus in Lausanne
✓ Housing costs deducted from the stipend before arrival
✓ Approximately CHF 1,700 remaining for living expenses after housing costs
✓ Travel reimbursement of up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights
✓ Travel reimbursement of up to CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel
✓ Increased stipends for students assigned to Geneva laboratories to help cover additional transport costs
Accommodation Arrangements
Accommodation is arranged for selected participants in Lausanne.
Students generally receive single rooms and share kitchens and bathrooms with other Summer Research Program participants.
The accommodation is paid directly from the CHF 3,600 stipend before participants arrive.
Therefore, the full stipend is not provided as additional spending money after accommodation costs.
Travel Reimbursement
EPFL covers a substantial portion of travel expenses within the published reimbursement limits.
• Overseas flights: Up to CHF 1,000
• Shorter-distance travel: Up to CHF 500
Travel costs are reimbursed after the programme has finished.
Participants are responsible for their personal weekend travel and tourism expenses.
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Research and Professional Development Opportunities
The Summer Research Program provides participants with opportunities to gain practical research experience and develop scientific skills.
Confirmed programme benefits include:
✓ Eight weeks of laboratory research experience
✓ Mentorship from EPFL faculty members and scientific staff
✓ Access to scientific seminars
✓ Scientific and personal development workshops
✓ Training in research techniques and experimental design
✓ Opportunities to strengthen critical thinking
✓ Participation in a closing scientific symposium
✓ Opportunities to present research through posters or presentations
The programme also includes social activities, such as a hike in the Swiss Alps, barbecues, and possible excursions.
Participating Research Laboratories
Students joining the EPFL Summer Research Program work with participating laboratories within the School of Life Sciences.
The 2027 programme includes research groups working across several scientific disciplines.
Examples of participating laboratories and research areas include:
• BioNanoPhotonic Systems: Altug Lab
• Virology and Structural Immunology: Antanasijevic Lab
• Protein and Cell Engineering: Barth Lab
• Molecular Microbiology: Blokesch Lab
• Biomolecular Modeling: Dal Peraro Lab
• Cell and Developmental Biology: Gönczy Lab
• Biorobotics: Ijspeert Lab
• Experimental Biophysics: Manley Lab
• NeuroAI: Schrimpf Lab
• Nanoscale Biology: Radenovic Lab
• Biomaterials for Immunoengineering: Tang Lab
• Medical Image Processing: Van de Ville Lab
Some laboratories are located at EPFL’s extended campus in Geneva.
Applicants are asked to identify their preferred research laboratories as part of the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
The EPFL Summer Research Program welcomes students from universities worldwide who meet its academic and research requirements.
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
• Be currently enrolled in a university degree programme in a relevant life sciences field.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and be no further than the first year of a Master’s degree before the programme begins.
• Remain enrolled in a degree programme throughout the Summer Research Program.
• Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or be among the top 5% of their class.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in life sciences.
• Be available to attend the full programme from 5 July to 27 August 2027.
Eligible Academic Fields
The programme welcomes students studying:
• Biology
• Biophysics
• Chemistry
• Bioengineering
• Bioinformatics
• Quantitative Biology
• Genetics
• Medicine
• Other related life sciences fields
Applicants from related academic disciplines should have completed some foundational life sciences courses.
The programme focuses on human-related life sciences and does not select applicants whose backgrounds are in veterinary or plant sciences.
Important Academic Conditions
PhD students are not eligible.
Applicants who have completed their Bachelor’s degree but have not started a Master’s programme may still qualify if they have confirmed admission to a relevant Master’s programme.
They must be enrolled by the start of the Summer Research Program.
Previous laboratory experience is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
English Language Requirements
The working language of the EPFL Summer Research Program is English.
Laboratory meetings, seminars, and most group activities are conducted in English.
Proof of English proficiency is not required when submitting the application.
However, the selection team may invite applicants to a Zoom conversation to assess their English communication skills.
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Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the necessary academic documents and written responses before beginning the online application.
Required application materials include:
• Undergraduate academic transcript
• Master’s academic transcript, if applicable
• Short personal essays
• Scientific essays explaining preferred laboratory choices
• Contact details of one academic referee
• One recommendation letter, submitted directly by the referee
The programme does not require a formal CV or traditional motivation letter.
Personal Essay Questions
The application includes short questions covering the applicant’s academic background, achievements, interests, and motivation.
Applicants are asked to describe:
• Their three most important accomplishments or awards
• Previous internship programme participation
• Relevant professional experience
• Strengths they would bring to the programme
• Their motivation for pursuing science
• Their hobbies and personal interests
The application also asks candidates to explain how they used artificial intelligence when preparing their responses.
Scientific Essay Questions
Applicants must explain their interest in their preferred research laboratories.
For each laboratory choice, candidates should describe:
• The specific research topics that interest them
• The skills or techniques they hope to acquire
• A possible research project they would like to pursue, including justification and relevant scientific references
The scientific essay responses have limits of 800 characters, including spaces, for each question.
Academic Transcripts
EPFL accepts academic transcripts in:
• English
• Spanish
• French
• German
• Portuguese
• Italian
Transcripts issued in other languages should be accompanied by an English translation and the original document.
Where obtaining an official transcript is difficult or expensive, the programme allows alternative evidence, including unofficial transcripts or university student-portal records.
Recommendation Letter
Applicants must provide the contact information of one academic referee.
A laboratory supervisor or professor who knows the applicant’s academic performance and research potential is preferred.
The referee receives an upload link after the applicant submits the online application.
Candidates cannot upload the recommendation letter themselves.
Application Process
Applications for the EPFL Summer Research Program 2027 must be submitted through the official online application system.
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet the academic, GPA, degree-enrolment, and programme availability requirements.
Applicants should also review the programme’s frequently asked questions before beginning their application.
Step 2: Explore Participating Laboratories
Review the available EPFL research groups and identify the laboratories that match your academic interests.
Applicants can select up to three preferred laboratories.
The selection committee considers these preferences during the evaluation process.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Prepare your academic transcripts, personal essay answers, and scientific explanations of your laboratory preferences.
Contact your referee in advance to confirm their availability to provide a recommendation letter.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Access the official application portal and complete all required fields.
Enter your academic information, upload your transcripts, and provide your referee’s contact details.
Copy your prepared essays into the appropriate application sections.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Review your information and submit the completed application before the deadline.
Important: The application form cannot be saved and completed later.
Candidates must finish the application in one sitting.
After submission, the system sends an invitation to the nominated referee to upload their recommendation letter.
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Selection Process
Selection for the EPFL Summer Research Program is based on academic performance, scientific interest, and application quality.
The evaluation considers:
• GPA and academic achievements
• Personal and scientific essay responses
• Undergraduate and Master’s academic transcripts, where applicable
• One recommendation letter
• Demonstrated understanding of basic life sciences
• Previous laboratory experience, where available
Applicants’ preferred laboratories also contribute to the selection and placement process.
EPFL evaluates applications with input from participating research groups before finalising laboratory assignments.
The programme is competitive and offers approximately 20–25 places each summer.
Important Dates
The official schedule for the 2027 Summer Research Program includes:
• Application Status: Open
• Application Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
• Application Results: Before 20 December 2026
• Programme Start: 5 July 2027
• Programme End: 27 August 2027
• Programme Duration: Eight weeks
All selected participants must be present throughout the entire programme period.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027 is:
15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applicants should prepare their essays, transcripts, and referee information before starting the online application.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program
