EPFL Summer Research Program 2027: Fully Funded 8 Weeks in Life Sciences

What is the Program?

The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP) is an 8-week full-time research program held in Lausanne from July 5 to August 27, 2027. Each summer, 20-25 students are admitted. Participants must be present for the entire program.

The program includes:

• Hands-on lab experience in a research group at the EPFL School of Life Sciences
• Mentoring by faculty and scientific staff
• Access to scientific seminars
• Friday afternoon science and personal development workshops
• A closing symposium where all participants present posters or talks
• Social activities: a day hike to the Swiss Alps (with raclette), BBQs and excursions to places such as CERN

What Does the Funding Cover?

• Stipend: CHF 3,600 for the two-month period (covers housing and living costs)
• Housing: A single room near the EPFL campus, reserved and paid for out of the stipend beforehand (kitchen and bathroom shared with fellow SRP participants). Approximately CHF 1,700 remains for living costs.
• Travel: The majority of travel costs to and from Switzerland is covered — up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights and CHF 500 for shorter distances
• Geneva labs: Students working in Geneva labs receive a larger stipend to cover most of their travel to and from the program plus extra travel costs to Geneva

Who Can Apply?

• Currently enrolled in a university program in biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medicine or other life sciences related fields (bachelor or first-year master)
• GPA ≥ 3.75/4.0 or top 5% of your class
• Must have completed at least two years of undergraduate work (up to the first year of a master's) before the program starts
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in life sciences
• Online application only; no other formats are accepted

Selection Criteria

• Application — GPA and short personal/scientific essay questions (topics in the FAQs)
• University bachelor transcript (and master's if started)
• One letter of recommendation
• Basic life sciences understanding is essential; previous lab experience is a plus

Important: The application must be completed in one sitting — you cannot save and come back. Have your transcript, short essays and referee details ready before you start. The referee receives their upload link only when you submit your application.

Deadline: November 15, 2026, 23:59 CET. All applicants receive an email about six weeks after the deadline with the result of their application.