Vienna BioCenter Summer School

Vienna BioCenter (IMP, IMBA, GMI, Max Perutz Labs) & Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung

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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

Undergraduate (BA/BSc Hons) and master's students worldwide who have completed at least two years of university study in a life-sciences-related subject.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Vienna BioCenter Summer School is a nine-week research programme for international undergraduate and master's students with at least two years of life-sciences study. Participants receive a stipend and free accommodation, and no application fee is charged.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Undergraduate (BA/BSc Hons) and master's students worldwide who have completed at least two years of university study in a life-sciences-related subject.
2. Note the deadline. Opens 15 Nov (annual call for the summer research programme; the closing date is not stated on the page - check training.vbc.ac.at) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Research Statement & Lab Preferences: Focused statement explaining your experimental background and why you selected up to 3 Vienna BioCenter group leaders.; Academic Transcripts & Enrollment Proof: Official university records proving enrollment in the current and upcoming academic year.; Curriculum Vitae: Summary of molecular biology techniques (CRISPR, PCR, microscopy, flow cytometry, sequencing analysis) and prior lab rotations.; Two Academic Referees: Contact details of 2 professors for potential reference verification..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Initial Screening of Academic Excellence & Previous Lab Experience → Direct Selection by Participating Vienna BioCenter Group Leaders → Notification by March 1.

Profile of past winners

Students who already have at least 3 months of prior wet-lab or bioinformatics research experience and articulate a deep curiosity for molecular mechanisms.

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 Vienna BioCenter Summer School?

Undergraduate (BA/BSc Hons) and master's students worldwide who have completed at least two years of university study in a life-sciences-related subject.

What does Vienna BioCenter Summer School cover?

Stipend of EUR 1,400 after tax for the nine-week programme and free student accommodation. Travel support is not stated on the page. No application fee.

When is the deadline for Vienna BioCenter Summer School?

Opens 15 Nov (annual call for the summer research programme; the closing date is not stated on the page - check training.vbc.ac.at) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Vienna BioCenter Summer School?

Host countries: Austria.

What documents do I need for Vienna BioCenter Summer School?

Research Statement & Lab Preferences: Focused statement explaining your experimental background and why you selected up to 3 Vienna BioCenter group leaders.; Academic Transcripts & Enrollment Proof: Official university records proving enrollment in the current and upcoming academic year.; Curriculum Vitae: Summary of molecular biology techniques (CRISPR, PCR, microscopy, flow cytometry, sequencing analysis) and prior lab rotations.; Two Academic Referees: Contact details of 2 professors for potential reference verification..

How are applicants selected for Vienna BioCenter Summer School?

Initial Screening of Academic Excellence & Previous Lab Experience → Direct Selection by Participating Vienna BioCenter Group Leaders → Notification by March 1.

How much work is the Vienna BioCenter Summer School application?

Very High: Online Portal Application + Statement of Research Interest + Preferred Lab Selection + Transcripts + 2 Reference Details