The EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027 is an international summer research opportunity for undergraduate and early-stage master’s students who want to gain practical experience in life sciences. Hosted by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, the programme gives selected students eight weeks of laboratory research experience under the guidance of experienced researchers and faculty members.
Students from eligible life sciences backgrounds around the world can apply. The programme provides a CHF 3,600 stipend for the two months, arranged accommodation in Lausanne and reimbursement of eligible travel costs.
Applications for the 2027 programme are currently open. Interested students should submit their applications before November 15, 2026.
EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027: Overview
| Programme details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host institution | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Programme | Life Sciences Summer Research Program |
| Study level | Undergraduate and first-year master’s |
| Eligible applicants | Students from all countries |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Programme dates | July 5 – August 27, 2027 |
| Financial support | CHF 3,600 stipend |
| Accommodation | Arranged in Lausanne and paid from the stipend |
| Travel support | Up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights or CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel |
| Application deadline | November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET |
About the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program
The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program gives talented university students an opportunity to participate in ongoing scientific research at one of Switzerland’s leading research institutions.
During the eight-week programme, participants join an EPFL research laboratory and work on projects connected to life sciences and related scientific fields. They receive guidance from faculty members and scientific staff while learning research methods and laboratory techniques.
The programme is designed for students who are considering a future career in scientific research or postgraduate studies.
Approximately 20–25 students are selected each summer. Participants also attend scientific seminars, development workshops and social activities. At the end of the programme, students present their research findings at a closing symposium.
What the EPFL Summer Research Program Covers
Selected participants receive financial and practical support throughout the programme.
The benefits include:
1. CHF 3,600 stipend
Each selected student receives CHF 3,600 for the two-month programme. This amount is intended to cover accommodation and living expenses.
2. Accommodation in Switzerland
EPFL arranges accommodation for participants in Lausanne, near the university campus. Students pay housing costs from the CHF 3,600 stipend before they arrive.
According to EPFL, participants usually have about CHF 1,700 remaining after accommodation costs are deducted.
3. Travel reimbursement
The programme reimburses eligible travel expenses after completion of the programme. The stated limits are:
- Up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights.
- Up to CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel.
Students assigned to laboratories in Geneva receive an increased stipend to help cover additional travel expenses.
4. Practical laboratory experience
Participants work with an EPFL research group and gain experience in scientific research, laboratory methods and experimental design.
5. Mentorship and academic development
Students receive guidance from faculty members and scientific staff. They can also attend scientific seminars and workshops covering research and personal development.
6. International research experience
Participants meet students and researchers from different countries, build professional connections and learn what it takes to pursue a career in scientific research.
Important: The CHF 3,600 is intended to cover both housing and living expenses; it is not an additional amount paid on top of free accommodation. Travel support is provided through reimbursement, subject to the programme’s stated limits.
Research Areas and Participating Laboratories
Applicants can select their preferred laboratories when completing the application. The 2027 programme includes research groups working in areas such as:
- Biology and cell development
- Molecular microbiology
- Virology and structural immunology
- Bioengineering
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology and brain development
- Cancer research
- Biomolecular modelling
- Synthetic biology
- Bioinformatics and computational biology
- Chemical nanotechnology
- Medical image processing
- Experimental biophysics
Applicants are asked to indicate their top three laboratory choices. Their application is assessed with input from the selected laboratories, and final laboratory assignments are made during the selection process.
Eligibility Requirements for the EPFL Summer Research Program 2027
To apply for the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Be enrolled at a university
Applicants must currently be enrolled in a university degree programme in a relevant field, including biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medicine or another life sciences-related subject.
2. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study
Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate education, up to the first year of a master’s degree, before the summer programme begins.
3. Meet the academic performance requirement
Applicants are expected to have a GPA equivalent to at least 3.75 out of 4.0 or rank among the top 5% of their university class.
Students whose grading systems differ from the 4.0 scale can explain their university’s grading system in their application.
4. Demonstrate an interest in life sciences
Applicants should have a strong interest in pursuing a future career in life sciences or scientific research.
5. Remain enrolled during the programme
Students must be enrolled in a degree programme throughout the entire summer research period.
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree but have not yet started a master’s programme may apply if they have been accepted into a relevant master’s programme and will be enrolled by the programme’s start date.
6. Be available for the full programme
Successful applicants must be present in Switzerland for the entire programme, from July 5 to August 27, 2027.
Who is not eligible?
- PhD students.
- Students who have not completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the programme start date.
- Students who will not be enrolled in a degree programme throughout the programme.
- Applicants whose academic background does not meet the programme’s life sciences requirements.
EPFL also explains that the programme focuses on human-related life sciences. Students whose backgrounds are exclusively in veterinary or plant sciences are not selected.
Required Documents and Application Materials
Applicants should prepare the following materials before starting the online application:
- University academic transcript or grade records.
- Master’s transcript, if already enrolled in a master’s programme.
- Contact details of one academic referee.
- Short personal essay responses.
- Scientific essay responses explaining the applicant’s preferred research laboratories.
The application includes questions about academic achievements, previous internships, relevant experience, personal strengths, motivation for science and personal interests.
Applicants must also explain why they are interested in their selected laboratories, what research skills they hope to acquire and whether they have a particular project in mind.
A formal CV and traditional motivation letter are not required under the current application instructions.
Reference letter: Applicants must provide the contact details of a referee, preferably a professor or laboratory head who knows their academic ability and research potential. After the application is submitted, the referee receives a separate link to upload the recommendation.
English-language requirement: EPFL does not require applicants to submit formal proof of English proficiency at the application stage. However, applicants may be invited to an online interview to assess their English.
How to Apply for the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027
Interested students should follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official programme website
Read the programme description, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before applying.
Step 2: Review the participating laboratories
Check the research areas of the available laboratories and select up to three preferred choices that match your academic background and interests.
Step 3: Prepare your application materials
Get your academic transcripts, referee’s contact details and required short essay responses ready before opening the application form.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Use the official EPFL application portal to complete and submit your application.
Please note that the application form cannot be saved and completed later. You must finish it in one sitting, so prepare all your information in advance.
Step 5: Ask your referee to submit the recommendation
Once you submit your application, EPFL sends an invitation to your referee with instructions for uploading the recommendation letter. Contact your referee beforehand to make sure they can provide it before the deadline.
Step 6: Wait for the selection result
Applicants will receive an email with the outcome approximately six weeks after the application deadline. EPFL’s FAQ states that applicants will receive their results before December 20.
Direct Application Link
Interested applicants can access the official programme information and application portal through the links below:
- Official programme website: https://www.epfl.ch/schools/sv/education/summer-research-program/
- Eligibility and application instructions: https://www.epfl.ch/schools/sv/education/summer-research-program/how-to-apply/
- Frequently asked questions: https://www.epfl.ch/schools/sv/education/summer-research-program/faqs/
- Direct online application: https://programs-recruiting.epfl.ch/
EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027 Deadline
The application deadline for the 2027 EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program is November 15, 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
The programme will run from July 5 to August 27, 2027.
Applicants should not wait until the final day because the online application must be completed in one sitting. They should also contact their referees early to ensure that recommendation letters are submitted on time.
FAQs
1. Is the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2027 open to international students?
Yes. Students from all countries can apply if they meet the academic, study-level and other eligibility requirements.
2. Can Nigerian students apply for the EPFL Summer Research Program?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply. However, they must meet the same academic and enrolment requirements as applicants from other countries.
3. Is the EPFL Summer Research Program fully funded?
The programme provides a CHF 3,600 stipend for the two months, arranges accommodation and reimburses eligible travel expenses up to specified limits. Students should budget carefully because the stipend also covers living expenses.
4. Do I need IELTS to apply?
No. EPFL does not require formal English-language test results at the application stage. However, the programme may invite applicants for an online interview to assess their English.
5. Can master’s students apply?
Yes. Students in their first year of a master’s programme in a relevant life sciences field can apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
6. Can PhD students apply?
No. The programme is intended for undergraduate students and students up to the first year of a master’s degree. PhD students are not eligible.
7. Do I need previous laboratory experience?
No. Previous laboratory experience is an advantage, but it is not compulsory. Applicants must, however, demonstrate a basic understanding of life sciences.
8. When will successful applicants be notified?
Applicants will receive an email with the selection result approximately six weeks after the November 15 deadline. The official FAQ says results will be communicated before December 20.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in November 2026 (Apply for 2027)
Liberty Career Academy Scholarship 2026/2027 for Nigerian Students (Apply Now!)
University of Birmingham Postgraduate Chancellor’s Scholarship for China 2027
Female Scholars Foundation University Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Female Students
Ruth Titilayo Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 for Nigerian Students – Apply Now!