EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded

Are you a student passionate about life sciences and looking for an opportunity to enhance your research skills at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world? The EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland is an excellent chance to immerse yourself in advanced scientific research while experiencing Switzerland’s academic and cultural environment.

This fully funded program is hosted by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), which was initiated to bring together talented students from across the globe for eight weeks of intensive laboratory research, professional mentorship, academic enrichment, and cultural exchange.

Unlike many international opportunities, the program does not require IELTS and there are no application fees required while applying, making it highly accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Each year, EPFL selects around 20–25 outstanding undergraduate and master’s students to take part in this summer research program. Participants will gain hands-on laboratory experience in fields such as biology, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, and related disciplines, working under the guidance of leading scientists and faculty members.

Not only research but Students will benefit from seminars, workshops, and cultural activities, making this program a blend of academic development and international exposure.

The EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026 offers students a valuable chance to gain research experience, build knowledge in life sciences, and connect with international peers. Applications are open now, and the deadline is 15 November 2025. So, interested candidates are requested to apply before this deadline.

In this article, we have explored every key detail about this EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026

Program Overview

Financial Coverage

The EPFL School of Life Sciences provides full financial support to selected participants:

• Stipend: 1,700 CHF per month
• Free Accommodation during the program
• International travel costs to and from Geneva

This financial support ensures that selected students can fully focus on their research experience without financial concerns.

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Important Dates

• Program Duration: July 3 – August 27, 2026
• Application Deadline: 15 November 2025

Key Features of the Program

• Hands-on Research: 8 weeks of practical, laboratory-based training
• Lab Selection: Students can choose up to three preferred labs
• Expert Mentorship: Supervision and guidance from experienced faculty and researchers
• Academic Development: Access to seminars, workshops, and professional development activities
• Research Showcase: Closing symposium with poster presentations or research talks
• Social and Cultural Activities: Includes group events, a scenic hike in the Swiss Alps, and cultural gatherings such as raclette and BBQs

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be students of all nationalities.
• Candidates must be enrolled in a university program in biology, chemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, or related disciplines.
• Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study or the first year of a master’s degree by July 2026.
• Recent graduates (within one year of completing a bachelor’s degree) are also eligible, particularly if they are pursuing or planning to pursue a master’s degree in life sciences.
• Candidates must have a strong foundation in core life sciences subjects such as cell biology and biotechnology.
• Applicants with prior laboratory experience will have an advantage, although it is not mandatory.
• Candidates are not required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for submission:

• Two recommendation letters
• University transcript or official class/grades list
• Explanation of three preferred lab choices (2–3 sentences per lab)
• Updated CV (1–2 pages)
• Motivation Letter (maximum 750 words)

Application Process

Step 1: Registration
Start by creating an account on the official EPFL application portal. Applicants will need to provide their personal details and set up a secure login to access the application form.

Step 2: Uploading Documents
Prepare all required documents in PDF format and upload them to the portal. Make sure that each file is complete, legible, and correctly formatted.

Step 3: Lab Preferences
Select up to three laboratories from the available options. For each lab, provide a short explanation (2–3 sentences) describing why you are interested in conducting research there.

Step 4: Final Submission
Carefully review all the information and uploaded documents before submitting the application. Only complete submissions received before the deadline will be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program fully funded?
Yes, it covers a stipend of 1,700 CHF per month, free accommodation, and international travel costs.

2. Who can apply for this program?
The program is open to undergraduate and master’s students from all nationalities, as well as recent graduates in life sciences fields.

3. Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?
No, there is no requirement for IELTS or TOEFL.

4. How long does the program last?
It runs for eight weeks, from July 3 to August 27, 2026.

5. How many students will be selected?
EPFL will select 20–25 students worldwide.

6. What kind of research will I conduct?
Students will work on laboratory-based projects in life sciences, with the opportunity to choose up to three preferred labs.

7. What is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 15 November 2025.