EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) — School of Life Sciences

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Students currently enrolled in a life-sciences-related university programme who have completed at least two years of undergraduate work, with a GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher or in the top 5% of the class, and a strong interest in a life-sciences career. Apply through the online form only, with GPA, short personal and scientific essays, transcripts and one recommendation letter; you must finish the form in one sitting. Students must be present for the whole programme.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Over 8 weeks in July and August on the shores of Lake Geneva, the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP) immerses ~25 international students into intensive lab research across four institutes: Brain Mind Institute, Global Health Institute, Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), and Institute of Bioengineering. Fellows attend weekly workshops on scientific writing and career strategy and present their findings at a closing symposium.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Students currently enrolled in a life-sciences-related university programme who have completed at least two years of undergraduate work, with a GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher or in the top 5% of the class, and a strong interest in a life-sciences career. Apply through the online form only, with GPA, short personal and scientific essays, transcripts and one recommendation letter; you must finish the form in one sitting. Students must be present for the whole programme.
2. Note the deadline. Nov 15 (annual; the next deadline is 15 Nov 2026 at 23:59 CET for the programme running 5 Jul - 27 Aug 2027, with 8 weeks of lab experience) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Lab Preference Statements: Short, targeted justifications for your top 3 chosen EPFL Life Sciences host laboratories.; Motivation Essay & CV: Personal essay describing your prior wet-lab or dry-lab research experience and long-term scientific goals.; Official Academic Transcripts: Grade transcripts showing equivalent of GPA 3.75+/4.0.; Two Letters of Recommendation: Uploaded directly by academic research supervisors or professors..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Initial Academic & Lab-Experience Triage → Evaluation by EPFL Life Sciences Selection Committee & Lab Heads → Final Matching & Acceptance (March).

Profile of past winners

Students who already possess at least one prior wet-lab or computational biology research experience and clearly explain why they want to tackle a specific molecular, neural, or bioengineering question at EPFL.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.

Quick answers

Who can apply for EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)?

Students currently enrolled in a life-sciences-related university programme who have completed at least two years of undergraduate work, with a GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher or in the top 5% of the class, and a strong interest in a life-sciences career. Apply through the online form only, with GPA, short personal and scientific essays, transcripts and one recommendation letter; you must finish the form in one sitting. Students must be present for the whole programme.

What does EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP) cover?

Stipend of CHF 3,600 for the two-month programme, which covers housing in Lausanne (paid from the stipend beforehand, leaving about CHF 1,700 for living costs), plus reimbursement of up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights or CHF 500 for shorter distances. Students in Geneva labs receive a larger stipend.

When is the deadline for EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)?

Nov 15 (annual; the next deadline is 15 Nov 2026 at 23:59 CET for the programme running 5 Jul - 27 Aug 2027, with 8 weeks of lab experience) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)?

Lab Preference Statements: Short, targeted justifications for your top 3 chosen EPFL Life Sciences host laboratories.; Motivation Essay & CV: Personal essay describing your prior wet-lab or dry-lab research experience and long-term scientific goals.; Official Academic Transcripts: Grade transcripts showing equivalent of GPA 3.75+/4.0.; Two Letters of Recommendation: Uploaded directly by academic research supervisors or professors..

How are applicants selected for EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)?

Initial Academic & Lab-Experience Triage → Evaluation by EPFL Life Sciences Selection Committee & Lab Heads → Final Matching & Acceptance (March).

How much work is the EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP) application?

Very High: Online SRP Dossier + Lab Preference Essays (3 Labs) + Transcripts + CV + 2 Confidential Reference Letters