EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland (CHF 3,600 Stipend and Travel Support)

The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program invites bachelor's and first-year master's students from around the world to spend eight weeks doing research in a life sciences lab at EPFL in Switzerland. Students join ongoing research in one lab, with mentoring from faculty and scientific staff, and attend scientific seminars and Friday workshops on science and personal development. The summer ends with a symposium where each student presents a poster. The 2027 programme runs from 5 July to 27 August 2027, and students must attend the whole period. EPFL takes 20 to 25 participants each summer. In 2026 it received more than 1,300 applications for 25 places. Each student receives CHF 3,600 for the two months, which covers housing and living costs. Housing in Lausanne is arranged and paid from the stipend before arrival, and EPFL says about CHF 1,700 remains for living costs. Flights are reimbursed after the programme, up to CHF 1,000 for overseas travel and up to CHF 500 for shorter distances. Students placed in the three labs at Campus Biotech in Geneva receive a larger stipend to cover the extra travel. To apply, you must be enrolled in biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medicine or another life sciences programme. You need at least two years of undergraduate study, up to the first year of a master's, by the start of the programme, and a grade average equivalent to at least 3.75 out of 4.0, or a place in the top 5% of your class. PhD students cannot apply, and applicants with veterinary or plant science backgrounds are not selected because the programme focuses on human-based life sciences. The application asks for transcripts, short personal essays, scientific essays about your three chosen labs and one reference letter. A CV and motivation letter are not needed. The closing date is 15 November 2026, and all applicants are told the result by email before 20 December. This page was last checked against the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program pages on 17 October 2026.