EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland

Applications are now open for the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland. This prestigious fully funded summer internship offers international students the chance to gain hands-on research experience at one of Europe’s leading universities. Similar to opportunities like CERN Technical and Administrative Internships or the QUEST program, EPFL’s initiative is recognized globally for excellence.

The program runs for 8 weeks, from July 3 to August 27, 2026, and is open to undergraduate and Master’s students from all around the world. No IELTS is required and there is no application fee. Each participant will conduct a life sciences research project under the guidance of world-class mentors. For 2026, EPFL will select 20–25 students.

Program Details

Host Country: Switzerland
Host University: EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
Duration: 8 weeks (July 3 – August 27, 2026)
Eligibility: Open to all international students
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Number of Participants: 20–25
Application Deadline: 15th November 2025

Financial Benefits

The EPFL School of Life Sciences provides full funding, including:

Monthly stipend of CHF 1,700
Free accommodation
International travel expenses to and from Geneva

Key Features of the Program

Intensive Research: 8 weeks of hands-on laboratory work
Lab Selection: Choose up to 3 labs to work in
Expert Mentorship: Guidance from faculty and research staff
Academic Growth: Access to seminars and workshops on science and professional development
Research Showcase: Present your work in a closing symposium through posters or talks
Social Experience: Enjoy social activities, including a scenic hike in the Swiss Alps, BBQs, and cultural events

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Open to students of all nationalities
Fields of study: biology, biophysics, chemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, or related fields
Must be enrolled in a university and have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study or the first year of a Master’s degree by the start of the program
Recent graduates (within 1 year of completing a Bachelor’s degree) are also eligible, especially those pursuing or planning a Master’s degree in life sciences
Applicants should have a solid background in life sciences (e.g., cell biology, biotechnology)
No IELTS required

Required Documents