EPFL is offering international students eight weeks of funded lab research in Lausanne. The Life Sciences Summer Research Program pays a 3,600 CHF stipend, and applications for 2027 are open now.
The programme runs 5 July to 27 August 2027. The deadline is 15 November 2026.
The key details at a glance
| Detail | What EPFL says |
| Organisation | EPFL School of Life Sciences |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Duration | 8 weeks (5 July – 27 August 2027) |
| Stipend | 3,600 CHF + travel support |
| Deadline | 15 November |
What the funding covers
Participants receive a 3,600 CHF stipend. On-campus housing is arranged and paid from the stipend (about 1,700 CHF), leaving you roughly 1,700 CHF for the summer. Travel costs are reimbursed up to 1,000 CHF for overseas flights, or 500 CHF otherwise.
The programme team also helps international students with visa requirements — an important detail for a Swiss placement.
Who can apply
International bachelor’s students or first-year master’s students in life sciences or closely related fields — biology, bioengineering, bioinformatics, neuroscience, and similar. English proficiency is required (TOEFL, IELTS, or C1 Advanced); no German or French needed.
Each student is matched with an EPFL host lab for one of 10 dedicated research projects — eight weeks of full-time lab immersion on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Who should not apply
This is not for:
- Students beyond the first year of a master’s.
- Students outside life sciences and closely related fields.
- Anyone who cannot commit to the full 5 July – 27 August period.
- Applicants without the required English proficiency.
How to apply
Read the programme site and FAQs first — the FAQs contain information about the updated application form. Then apply through EPFL’s official recruiting portal before 15 November.
More funded internships in Switzerland: the WTO Internship Programme in Geneva and the WIPO Internship Programme.
Questions applicants ask
Is the EPFL summer research program paid?
Yes — a 3,600 CHF stipend, plus travel reimbursement up to 1,000 CHF for overseas flights (500 CHF otherwise). Housing is arranged on campus and paid from the stipend.
When does the programme run?
5 July to 27 August 2027 — eight weeks, full-time.
Who is eligible?
International bachelor’s or first-year master’s students in life sciences or closely related fields, with required English proficiency.
Do I need French or German?
No — English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced) is what is required.
When is the deadline?
15 November 2026.
Does EPFL help with visas?
Yes — the programme team helps international students with visa requirements.
One Comment