EPFL Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland

Edutu Inc.; Lausanne; Hybrid; CHF 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend CHF 3,600

Housing arranged

Travel reimbursement

8 weeks of research

Job summary

EPFL invites international Bachelor’s and early Master’s students to an eight-week funded Summer Research Internship in life sciences at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. Selected participants receive a CHF 3,600 stipend, housing arranged, and travel reimbursement support.

Participants work in EPFL laboratories under faculty supervision, attend seminars, and present their research at a closing symposium. Eligibility includes GPA 3.75/4.0 or top 5% and full-time student status.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in university degree programme.
• GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or top 5% of class.
• Strong interest in life sciences and potential for research.

Responsibilities

• Eight weeks of hands-on laboratory research under EPFL faculty supervision.
• Engage in seminars, professional-development workshops and networking activities.
• Present research at a final symposium and participate in career development activities.

Education

Bachelor’s or early Master’s student

Biology

Biophysics

Chemistry

Bioengineering

Bioinformatics

Quantitative Biology

Genetics

Medical Sciences

Tools

Laboratory work

Job description

About this opportunity

EPFL Summer Research Program 2027 offers international Bachelor’s and early Master’s students eight weeks of laboratory research experience in life sciences at EPFL in Switzerland. Selected participants receive a CHF 3,600 stipend, arranged housing and travel reimbursement support.

EPFL Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland – Funded Research Internship Quick Overview Host Organisation EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Host School EPFL School of Life Sciences Host Country Switzerland Location Lausanne, with some participating laboratories in Geneva Opportunity Type Funded Summer Research Internship Academic Level Bachelor’s and First-Year Master’s Fields Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Biology, Genetics, Medical Sciences and related Life Sciences Funding Status Funded Duration 8 weeks Programme Dates 5 July–27 August 2027 Number of Participants Approximately 20–25 Eligible Applicants Students worldwide meeting the academic and field requirements GPA Requirement Equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher, or top 5% of class Application Fee No application fee stated IELTS Requirement No IELTS or formal English certificate required Working Language English Applications Open Yes Applications Opened 5 October 2026 Deadline 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET Results Before 20 December 2026 Detailed Description The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program is an international research internship designed for talented students who want to explore a future career in life sciences.

Participants spend eight weeks working in one of EPFL’s participating research laboratories under the supervision of faculty members and scientific staff. Research areas span a wide range of modern life sciences, including bioengineering, neuroscience, microbiology, quantitative biology, biomaterials, computational biology, structural biology, immunology, molecular biology and related interdisciplinary fields. The programme combines laboratory research with scientific seminars, professional-development workshops, networking activities and social events.

Participants are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week on research-related activities and must remain on site for the full programme period from 5 July to 27 August 2027. The programme concludes with a symposium where participants present their research through a poster or presentation to members of the EPFL Life Sciences community. Some participating laboratories are based at EPFL’s extended campus in Geneva.

Students placed there remain housed in Lausanne and receive additional support for the extra travel involved.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may come from anywhere in the world. Applicants must currently be enrolled in a university degree programme.

Applicants must remain enrolled as students throughout the SRP programme. Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study before the programme begins. Eligible applicants may be studying up to the first year of a Master’s degree.

PhD students are not eligible. Applicants should be studying Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Biology, Genetics, Medical Sciences or another related life sciences field. Applicants must have a GPA equivalent to at least 3.75/4.0 or rank within approximately the top 5% of their class.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in life sciences. Basic life sciences knowledge is essential. Previous laboratory experience is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Applicants must be available for the complete programme period from 5 July to 27 August 2027. Applicants with primarily veterinary/animal-science or plant-science backgrounds are not selected under the current programme scope. Am I eligible?

Benefits

CHF 3,600 stipend for the two-month programme. Housing arranged by EPFL.

Housing costs deducted from the stipend before arrival. Approximately CHF 1,700 normally remains after housing for living expenses. Travel reimbursement of up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights.

Travel reimbursement of up to CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel. Additional support for students placed in Geneva laboratories. Eight weeks of hands‑on laboratory research.

Mentoring by EPFL faculty and scientific staff. Access to scientific seminars. Career and professional‑development workshops.

Scientific‑integrity and research‑related training. Social and networking activities. Closing research symposium.

Opportunity to experience research at a leading Swiss university. Visa guidance and an invitation letter for selected students who require a Swiss visa.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare: University Bachelor’s transcript.

Master’s transcript if already enrolled in a Master’s programme.

Short personal essay responses.

Short scientific essay responses linked to selected laboratories.

Details of relevant professional or internship experience.

Details of academic achievements and awards.

Choice of up to three participating EPFL laboratories.

Contact details for one referee.

One recommendation letter submitted directly by the referee.

EPFL does not require: A formal CV. A traditional motivation letter. Formal proof of English proficiency.

Selection Criteria

Selection considers: Academic performance. GPA or class ranking. Quality of personal essay responses. Quality of scientific essay responses. Academic transcript. Recommendation letter. Basic understanding of life sciences. Alignment with selected research laboratories. Potential for scientific research. Motivation for a career in life sciences. Ability to participate effectively in an international programme. Previous laboratory experience is an advantage but not a formal requirement.

Timeline

Applications open: 5 October 2026.

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

Selection results: Before 20 December 2026.

Programme begins: 5 July 2027.

Programme ends: 27 August 2027.

Programme duration: 8 weeks.

Why This Opportunity?

Conduct research at one of Europe’s leading science and technology universities.

Gain eight weeks of intensive laboratory experience. Work with EPFL researchers and scientific staff. Learn modern research techniques.

Strengthen experimental design and critical‑thinking skills. Explore potential graduate-study and research careers. Build an international scientific network.

Participate in seminars and professional‑development workshops. Present your work at a final research symposium. Experience academic and cultural life in Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions

EPFL provides substantial financial support, including a CHF 3,600 stipend, arranged housing and travel reimbursement. However, because travel reimbursement has limits and personal expenses may remain, “funded research programme” is more accurate than claiming every possible cost is fully covered. Yes.

EPFL states that students from around the world may apply if they meet the programme requirements. Applicants should have a GPA equivalent to at least 3.75/4.0 or be approximately within the top 5% of their class. No.

EPFL does not require formal proof of English proficiency for the application. Laboratory work, meetings, seminars and most programme activities are conducted in English. No.

Previous laboratory experience is considered an advantage but is not a formal requirement. No. PhD students are not eligible for the Summer Research Program.

Yes. First-year Master’s students can apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements. Selected participants receive CHF 3,600 for the two-month programme.

Housing is paid from this amount before arrival, leaving approximately CHF 1,700 for living expenses. EPFL reimburses up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights and up to CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel. No.

EPFL specifically states that a formal CV is not required for the current application. Applicants are expected to receive their result before 20 December 2026.