Study in Switzerland: EPFL Summer Research Programme for International Students 2027

The 2027 EPFL Summer Research Programme in Switzerland is an excellent opportunity for foreign undergraduate and beginning postgraduate students interested in getting hands-on research experience at one of Europe’s leading science and technology universities. It is organised by the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Through the School of Life Sciences, it provides a fully funded, eight-week research opportunity.

The programme is open to talented students from all over the world studying biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medical sciences, as well as allied life sciences subjects.

Selected individuals will have the chance to interact with experienced researchers in EPFL laboratories, gain practical laboratory skills, attend scientific conferences, and participate in professional development activities. The programme also offers CHF 3,600 in financial support for two months, accommodation, and reimbursement of eligible international travel expenses.

About the EPFL School of Life Sciences

EPFL is a public research university in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is one of two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology and is widely known for its contributions to education, scientific research, and innovation.

The academic programme introduces students to cutting-edge research in molecular biology, biotechnology, neurology, bioengineering, computational biology, as well as other life sciences areas.

Eligible Programmes for the EPFL Summer Research Programme for International Students

Biology
Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Chemistry
Bioengineering
Bioinformatics
Quantitative Biology
Genetics
Medical Sciences
Biotechnology
Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Biomedical Sciences
Computational Biology
Neuroscience
Related life sciences disciplines

Research Opportunities

Molecular and Synthetic Biology
Virology and Structural Immunology
Protein and Cell Engineering
Molecular Microbiology
Cancer Research
Cell and Developmental Biology
Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence
Neurobiology and Brain Research
Bioinformatics and Biological Data Science
Biomolecular Modelling
Bioengineering and Biomaterials
Microbial Mechanics
Neuroengineering
Medical Image Processing
Immunology and Ageing Research
Systems and Synthetic Evolutionary Biology

Requirements for EPFL Summer Research Programme for International Students

Firstly, applicants should be enrolled in a university degree programme in biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, Medical Sciences or other related life sciences areas.
Secondly, candidates must have a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.75 on a 4.0 scale or be in the top 5% of their class.
Thirdly, applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and must not have progressed beyond the first year of a master’s programme at the start of the internship.
Moreover, applicants must be enrolled in a recognised university degree course for the entire duration of the summer research programme.
Additionally, applicants must show a clear commitment to a future career in life sciences and scientific research.
Finally, applicants should be well-versed in basic life sciences principles.

Benefits of EPFL Summer Research Program for International Students

Firstly, selected participants receive CHF 3,600 for the two-month programme to cover accommodation and living costs.
Secondly, successful applicants will receive shared kitchen and bathroom facilities with other programme participants and have individual rooms.
Thirdly, successful applicants will be reimbursed for overseas travel, including:

Flights abroad (up to CHF 1,000).
CHF 500 for shorter distances.

Additionally, successful candidates will be introduced to the functioning of professional research laboratories and will acquire technical skills useful for future employment in academia and industry.
Finally, students will benefit from the mentoring and advice of the EPFL faculty and scientific personnel.