The UNIL Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland offers undergraduate students an eight-week opportunity to conduct research in biology and medicine at the University of Lausanne. Participants work on individual laboratory projects with mentors while joining academic, professional development, and social activities.
Key Facts
- Host country: Switzerland
- Level: Undergraduate research program
- Funding: Partially funded, with accommodation, a living-expense scholarship, and limited travel reimbursement
- Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
- Who can apply: Eligible bachelor’s students in biology, medicine, or related fields with a strong biological sciences focus
Research Experience Through the UNIL SUR Program
The Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Program runs from 5 July to 27 August 2027. Its central component is an individual research project undertaken in a laboratory under a mentor’s guidance. The program gives students practical exposure to scientific investigation and opportunities to develop technical and analytical skills.
Weekly group activities complement the laboratory experience. Participants join students from the sister program at EPFL, the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, for seminars, faculty lectures, and career development workshops. At the closing joint UNIL/EPFL symposium, students present their findings through posters and submit a final written report.
Spend Eight Weeks in Lausanne, Switzerland
The program takes place in Switzerland, with participants based in Lausanne. Alongside their academic work, students take part in social and cultural activities. The program also includes visits to other Swiss cities, adding a cultural dimension to the research experience.
University of Lausanne as the Host Institution
The University of Lausanne hosts this summer research opportunity. Its School of Biology, within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, organizes the SUR Program. Laboratory mentoring and shared activities with the EPFL sister program form distinct parts of the academic experience.
Undergraduate Level and Participation Conditions
This opportunity is designed for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree rather than postgraduate applicants. Candidates must have completed at least two undergraduate years and be enrolled in their third year when the program takes place. Participation does not award academic credit or certification and does not establish a formal agreement with the student’s home university.
Eligible Academic Fields for UNIL SUR 2027
Applicants should study biology, medicine, or a related discipline with a strong emphasis on biological sciences. The program focuses on biological research through laboratory-based projects. Students studying physical therapy, nursing, dentistry, or veterinary science are not eligible, so applicants should check their degree field carefully before preparing an application.
Financial Support and Accommodation
The UNIL SUR Program is partially funded. Participants receive a scholarship of approximately CHF 1,500 to help meet daily living expenses during the program. Accommodation is arranged and paid for by the program coordinator, with students staying in furnished apartments at UNIL associations in Lausanne and sharing kitchens and bathrooms.
Travel assistance is provided as partial reimbursement, subject to stated limits. Students travelling from Europe may receive up to CHF 500, while international participants may receive up to CHF 1,200. These are reimbursement ceilings rather than a commitment to cover all travel expenses.
Visa assistance is available for participants who need permission to enter Switzerland. However, the scholarship does not cover visa fees. Participants must also have health and accident insurance from their home country and provide an insurance certificate for visa approval.
Who Can Apply to the UNIL Summer Research Program?
Selection is highly competitive and considers academic excellence, personal statements, and strong recommendation letters. The stated academic benchmark is generally a GPA above 3.75 or equivalent, or placement in the top 5% of the class. Previous research experience is not mandatory, allowing students without earlier laboratory research experience to be considered.
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English communication skills. Successful candidates must attend the entire program from 5 July through 27 August 2027. The dates cannot be adjusted to accommodate individual participants, making full availability an important eligibility consideration.
Documents and Information Needed to Apply
The application requires official academic transcripts in PDF format and the SUR Programme 2027 application questionnaire. Applicants must also provide two recommendation letters from people familiar with their academic work. The application process requests the contact details of two academic referees, who receive an automatic email asking for their letters.
Applicants must select two host laboratories where they would like to conduct research. Reviewing the available laboratories is therefore part of preparing the application, alongside gathering academic documents. All submitted materials must follow the required format, as applications that fail to meet formatting requirements will not be considered.
How to Apply Through the Organizer’s Website
Apply online through the organizer’s official website and application portal. Complete the application form carefully and upload the required documents, including the questionnaire and official transcripts in PDF format. Provide accurate contact details for both academic referees so the program can send its recommendation requests.
Select two preferred host laboratories after reviewing the available research options. Before submitting, check that the form is complete and every document meets the stated format requirements. Incomplete applications, late submissions, and applications with incorrect formats will not be considered.
Application Deadline and Program Schedule
The application deadline is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Selected participants will be contacted by email approximately six weeks after the deadline. The eight-week research program then takes place from 5 July to 27 August 2027, with attendance required throughout.
Practical Tips Before Submitting Your Application
As general preparation advice, confirm your study year, degree field, and summer availability before investing time in the application. Check the deadline against your local time zone rather than assuming it falls at midnight where you live. Allow time to obtain official transcripts and resolve any document-format issues before submission.
It is also sensible to prepare a personal budget that distinguishes financial support from expenses you may need to cover yourself. Consider the travel reimbursement limits, the exclusion of visa fees, and the insurance requirement. Discuss recommendation requests with your referees early so they know to expect an automated message from the program.
Preparing a Clear and Well-Supported Application
As general application guidance, use your written responses to explain your academic interests clearly and connect them to biological research. Where relevant, draw on coursework or other academic experiences to support your statements. Since previous research is not mandatory, describe your actual preparation accurately rather than overstating laboratory experience.
Review the available host laboratories carefully before choosing your two preferences. Consider how their research relates to your interests and what you hope to learn through a mentored project. Choose referees who can discuss your academic work meaningfully, and give them enough context to write specific recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About UNIL SUR 2027
Do applicants need previous research experience?
No, previous research experience is not mandatory. Selection considers academic excellence, personal statements, and recommendation letters. Applicants must still satisfy the program’s degree, study-year, academic, English-language, and attendance conditions.
Does the scholarship cover every expense?
No, the program is partially funded. Support includes accommodation, an approximately CHF 1,500 living-expense scholarship, and limited travel reimbursement. Visa fees are excluded, and participants must have the required health and accident insurance.
Can students attend for only part of the summer?
No, participants must attend the full eight-week program. The scheduled dates are 5 July to 27 August 2027. UNIL cannot change these dates to fit individual participants’ availability.
Will participants receive academic credit or a certificate?
The program does not award academic credit or certification. It also does not create a formal agreement with a participant’s home university. Its academic activities include laboratory research, a poster presentation at the joint symposium, and a final written report.
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