The EPFL Summer Research Program offers eight weeks of supervised life-sciences research in Switzerland. The current programme runs from 5 July to 27 August 2027. Selected students receive CHF 3,600 for the full visit, with housing paid from that amount.
Applications close on 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. This route serves students from life-sciences-related degree programmes who meet the academic threshold. Prepare the essays, transcript and referee details before opening the form, because the application cannot be saved midway.
EPFL Summer Research Program Details
EPFL’s School of Life Sciences brings about 20–25 participants into laboratory projects. Research areas include quantitative biology, neuroscience, genetics, biophysics and bioengineering. Students choose three participating laboratories when applying.
The visit includes scientific seminars, Friday workshops and a closing poster symposium. Participants must attend the entire published programme period. Some laboratories are at Campus Biotech in Geneva, while housing is arranged in Lausanne.
Programme / award | EPFL Summer Research Program |
|---|---|
Location | Lausanne / Geneva, Switzerland |
Level / route | Student research internship |
Duration | 5 July–27 August 2027; eight weeks |
Verified support | CHF 3,600 total stipend; housing deducted |
Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
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EPFL Summer Research Program Benefits
The award is CHF 3,600 for the total two-month programme, rather than a monthly payment. EPFL reserves accommodation and deducts its cost from the stipend. Its FAQ estimates that about CHF 1,700 remains after housing.
Travel reimbursement has published caps and is paid after the programme. The ordinary maximum is CHF 1,000 for overseas travel or CHF 500 for non-overseas travel. Geneva-based placements receive a larger stipend to address their extra travel arrangements.
For a different supervised student research route, compare JINR START Winter Program 2027. Its subject, nationality rules and funding conditions differ from this award.
EPFL Summer Research Program Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in a university programme related to life sciences. Eligible subjects include biology, chemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, genetics and medical fields. A clear interest in a scientific career is part of the assessment.
The published threshold is a GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or a top-5% class position. Candidates must have completed at least two undergraduate years and be no further than the first master’s year before the programme starts. Previous laboratory experience helps, but basic life-sciences understanding remains essential.
For a laboratory research alternative with separate eligibility, see CRG Research Fellowships 2026/27. Compare its current conditions before choosing an application route.
Requirements and Documents
Selection uses academic records, short personal and scientific essays, and one recommendation. Bachelor’s transcripts are required, with master’s records where relevant. The FAQ provides the essay questions and instructions for incomplete transcripts.
Your referee must submit the recommendation through the link sent after your application is submitted. Applicants cannot upload that letter themselves. Ask the referee in advance and leave time before the shared cutoff.
How to Apply
Apply through the form linked from the official How to Apply page. The current form must be completed in one sitting. Prepare all written responses and records before starting. Read the official application instructions.
Submission triggers the referee’s upload invitation. The separate referee-management link lets you monitor the letter and send reminders. EPFL expects to email decisions around six weeks after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 programme close on 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applicants receive their result by email before 20 December. Allow time to write the essays required for each laboratory choice.
The programme itself runs from 5 July to 27 August 2027, and EPFL expects full attendance. These programme dates are separate from the application deadline. Check the official page for any later change.
Students already at doctoral level can instead review CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027. Treat its funding and application conditions as independent.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover the funding, eligibility and application points students ask about most for the EPFL Summer Research Program. They follow EPFL’s official programme and FAQ pages.
Where EPFL gives a fixed figure, such as the CHF 3,600 stipend, the answer states it. Check EPFL’s page before you apply in case the call changes.
Is CHF 3,600 paid each month?
No. It is the total ordinary stipend for the two-month programme, and accommodation is paid from it.
Is the programme flexible about arrival dates?
No. Participants must attend the full period from 5 July to 27 August 2027.
Is an English test certificate required?
The FAQ says proof of English level is not required at application. Research meetings and seminars are in English.
Can I upload my reference letter?
No. Your referee uploads it through the invitation sent after you submit.
Can I save an unfinished application?
No. Prepare the complete package and finish the form in one sitting.
Are travel expenses reimbursed before departure?
The FAQ says reimbursement is made after the programme. The published ordinary caps are CHF 1,000 overseas and CHF 500 non-overseas.
Conclusion
The EPFL Summer Research Program is a short life-sciences research placement with a CHF 3,600 total stipend. Housing costs are deducted from that amount, so budget for the remaining expenses. Confirm that you can attend the full eight weeks from 5 July to 27 August 2027.
Choose three laboratories that match your research interests and arrange your referee before completing the form. The application cannot be saved midway, so have the essays and transcript ready. Submit by 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET using the official programme instructions.
