Applications are invited from international students for the EPFL Summer Research Program in Switzerland. The competitive program is open to Bachelor’s and first-year Master’s students interested in gaining practical research…[full details below]
The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program in Switzerland offers international students an opportunity to gain practical research experience in a world-class academic environment. The competitive programme is designed for Bachelor’s students and first-year Master’s students who are interested in developing their research skills and exploring careers in the life sciences.
The programme provides an intensive eight-week research experience at EPFL, where selected participants work directly in research laboratories and collaborate with experienced scientists. In addition to laboratory research, students can participate in seminars, workshops and professional development activities designed to broaden their academic knowledge and help them build valuable research and professional connections.
International students interested in life sciences research can consider the EPFL Summer Research Program as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while studying in Switzerland. Selected participants also receive financial support during the programme, helping to cover eligible costs associated with their research stay. Applicants should review the programme requirements and application instructions carefully before applying.
SUMMARY
- Program Host: EPFL School of Life Sciences
- Program Type: Summer Research Program
- Program Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Program Duration: 8 Weeks
- Number of Participants: About 20–25
- Benefits: CHF 3,600 Stipend + Up to CHF 1,000 Travel Support
- Study Level: Bachelor’s & First-Year Master’s
- Nationality: International Students
- Application Deadline: November 15 Annually
Program Overview
The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program provides international students with eight weeks of intensive laboratory experience in Switzerland.
Approximately 20–25 students are selected each summer to join ongoing research projects in laboratories within EPFL’s School of Life Sciences.
Participants receive mentoring from faculty members and scientific staff while gaining access to scientific seminars, research workshops and personal development activities. The program also concludes with a symposium during which students present their research to members of the EPFL scientific community.
The research experience is designed to help participants:
- Learn new experimental and research techniques.
- Work on research topics related to current health and life sciences challenges.
- Improve critical thinking and experimental design skills.
- Gain experience working in an international research environment.
- Prepare for future independent research and graduate studies.
- Better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with a scientific research career.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled at a university in biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medicine or another related life sciences field.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies before the program begins.
- Be no further advanced than the first year of a Master’s degree at the start of the program.
- Have a minimum GPA equivalent to approximately 3.75/4.0 or rank within the top 5% of their class.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in life sciences.
- Remain an enrolled student during the Summer Research Program.
Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree but have already been accepted into an eligible Master’s program may also apply, provided they will have student status by the time the summer program begins.
PhD students are not eligible.
The program accepts applications from students worldwide, making it considerably more accessible to international applicants than EPFL’s Excellence Research Internship Program, which is restricted mainly to selected partner institutions.
Program Benefits
Selected participants receive financial and institutional support for the duration of the program, including:
- CHF 3,600 stipend for the two-month program.
- Accommodation arranged by EPFL and paid from the stipend before arrival.
- Approximately CHF 1,700 remaining from the stipend after standard accommodation costs.
- Reimbursement of up to CHF 1,000 for overseas travel to and from Switzerland.
- Reimbursement of up to CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel.
- Eight weeks of laboratory research experience.
- Mentoring by EPFL faculty members and scientific staff.
- Access to scientific seminars.
- Science-related and personal development workshops.
- Social and networking activities.
- Participation in the program’s closing symposium.
Students assigned to laboratories in Geneva receive additional financial support toward the extra commuting expenses associated with working there.
How to Apply
Applications for the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program are completed entirely online.
Interested applicants should:
- Review the eligibility requirements and participating EPFL laboratories before beginning the application.
- Identify the laboratories and research areas that most closely match their academic background and research interests.
- Prepare the required short personal and scientific essays and explanations for their preferred laboratory choices.
- Obtain an up-to-date university transcript or official record of courses and grades.
- Identify an academic referee and obtain their agreement to provide a recommendation.
- Enter the referee’s contact details in the online application. The referee receives the recommendation submission link after the applicant submits the application.
- Complete the EPFL online application and upload the required supporting information before the annual deadline.
Applicants should prepare everything before starting the online form, because EPFL states that an application cannot be saved and resumed later. It must be completed in one sitting.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- University Bachelor’s transcript and Master’s transcript where applicable, or an official list of courses and grades.
- Responses to the required short personal and scientific essay questions.
- Explanations of preferred laboratory choices.
- Contact information for one referee who will submit a recommendation letter.
- Other information requested through the online application form.
Previous laboratory experience can strengthen an application but is not compulsory. Applicants are, however, expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of basic life sciences.
EPFL does not currently require applicants to submit proof of English-language proficiency, although candidates may be invited to an online discussion during the evaluation process.
Application Deadline: November 15 (annually)
Applications normally open during the autumn for participation in the following summer. Applicants should check the official EPFL website for the exact program dates and opening date for each year’s application cycle.