AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Host Institution: EPFL School of Life Sciences, Switzerland
• Programme: EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP)
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Program Dates: July 5 – August 27, 2027
• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland, with some participating laboratories in Geneva
• Eligible Applicants: International students in relevant life sciences degree programmes
• Academic Level: From at least two years of undergraduate study through the first year of a master’s degree
• Minimum Academic Requirement: GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher, or top 5% of the class
• Financial Support: CHF 3,600 stipend for the two-month period, with housing arranged and paid from the stipend; travel reimbursement of up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights or CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET

About the EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program

The EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program (SRP) offers international students an opportunity to spend eight weeks immersed in laboratory research at EPFL in Switzerland. Participants join one of the programme’s research groups and work under the guidance of researchers while gaining practical exposure to current life sciences research.

The programme is designed for students studying biology, biophysics, chemistry, bio-engineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medical sciences and related life sciences disciplines. The 2027 programme will run from July 5 to August 27, 2027, and selected students must be present for the entire programme period.

In addition to laboratory research, the programme includes scientific seminars, personal and scientific development workshops, networking and social activities, and a closing symposium where participants present their work.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected participants receive financial support designed to cover major costs associated with participating in the programme.

The official programme information states that each student receives CHF 3,600 for the two-month period. Housing in Lausanne is reserved and paid for from the stipend before the participant receives the remaining amount for living expenses.

The programme also provides substantial travel support. EPFL states that it reimburses up to CHF 1,000 for overseas flights and up to CHF 500 for shorter-distance travel. Students working in Geneva laboratories receive additional support related to their travel and the additional costs of working in Geneva.

Participants also receive eight weeks of laboratory experience, faculty and scientific mentoring, access to scientific seminars, workshops, social activities and the opportunity to present their research at the closing symposium.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to students from around the world who meet the official eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a university degree programme in biology, biophysics, chemistry, bio-engineering, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, genetics, medical or another related life sciences field.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and no more than the first year of a master’s degree by the beginning of the programme.
• Remain enrolled in a degree programme for the duration of the Summer Research Program.
• Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.75/4.0 or higher, or rank within the top 5% of their class.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in life sciences.

PhD students are not eligible. Previous laboratory experience is an advantage but is not mandatory. EPFL also states that applicants from related backgrounds may apply, provided they have an appropriate foundation in mainstream life sciences.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.
Review the academic, enrolment and field-of-study requirements before beginning the application.

Step 2: Review the participating laboratories.
Applicants should examine the available 2027 EPFL School of Life Sciences laboratories and identify research areas that match their academic interests.

Step 3: Prepare your application materials.
EPFL requires the relevant university transcript, short personal and scientific essay responses, and the contact details of one referee who will provide a recommendation letter.

Step 4: Prepare before starting the online form.
The application cannot be saved and completed later. EPFL specifically advises applicants to have their essays, transcript and referee information ready before beginning.

Step 5: Submit the online application.
Applications must be submitted through the official online application system. Other application formats are not accepted.

Step 6: Wait for the selection outcome.
EPFL states that applicants will receive an email with the result approximately six weeks after the deadline.

Important Deadline

Applications for the 2027 EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program open on October 5, 2026.

The official application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

The programme itself takes place from July 5 to August 27, 2027. Applicants must be available for the complete programme period.

Related Opportunities

• CRG Research Training Program 2027 in Spain
• Max Planck MTL Research Internship 2027 in Germany
• McGill University Research Opportunities in Canada

These are related research opportunities previously featured by AK Travels LTD for students and early-career researchers.

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program is a highly competitive opportunity. EPFL reports that the programme received more than 1,300 applications for only 25 places in 2026. Applicants should therefore carefully review the official eligibility requirements, prepare their application materials in advance and ensure that their submission is complete before the deadline.

For more scholarship, internship, fellowship and study-abroad opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.