UNIL Summer Research Program 2027 in Switzerland | Fully Funded

Want to spend your summer doing research fellowship in Switzerland 2027? The Fully Funded UNIL Summer Research Program 2027 is announced for international students in biology, medicine and related fields eight weeks to work on a research project at the University of Lausanne. You’ll join a host laboratory, meet students from other countries and present your work at the end of the summer. UNIL provides funding for selected participants, including accommodation, living support and eligible travel costs. In this article, we’ll discuss what you’ll do in Lausanne, what the funding covers, who can apply and how to submit your application.

Still deciding how to spend your summer? Browse our summer schools for international students and compare their dates and eligibility.

UNIL Summer Research Program 2027 at a Glance

• Host: University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine
• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Program dates: July 5 to August 27, 2027
• Duration: Eight weeks
• Who can apply: Eligible third-year undergraduates from around the world
• Application status: Open for the 2027 intake

What Will You Do During the UNIL Summer Research Program?

Most of your time will be spent on an individual research project in a host lab. You’ll also join weekly academic activities and meet students working in other areas of biology and medicine. At the end of the program, you’ll present your results at a poster symposium and submit a written report.

Start with the official list of 2027 host laboratories. UNIL lists groups working in areas such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, plant biology, genetics and microbial communities. Choose two lab heads in the application. Read each group’s research description so you can explain what drew you to its work.

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Benefits of the UNIL Summer Research Program 2027

All selected participants will receive fully funding support during the fellowship program. The official UNIL application page explains how the university handles housing, living expenses and travel.

• Accommodation: The program coordinator arranges and pays for furnished housing in Lausanne.
• Living allowance: Approximately CHF 1,500 for other living expenses during the program.
• Travel reimbursement: Generally up to CHF 500 for travel from within Europe or CHF 1,200 for overseas travel. UNIL bases the reimbursement on eligible costs from the location of your current university.
• Visa assistance: UNIL helps participants who need a visa. Participants pay their own Switzerland visa fees.

Keep your receipts and boarding passes. UNIL processes eligible travel reimbursement after the program, so plan for the upfront cost of your trip. Selected Participants also need health and accident insurance coverage.

For other study and funding routes in the same country, explore our scholarships in Switzerland guide.

Who Can Apply for the UNIL Summer Research Program?

• Applicant must Study biology, medicine or a related field with a strong focus on biological sciences.
• You must have completed two undergraduate years and be enrolled in your third year when the program takes place.
• You need to have strong written and spoken English skills.
• Need to check that your field is eligible before apply. Please note UNIL also excludes physical therapy, nursing, kinesiology, dentistry and veterinary science.

Previous research experience is optional. The team of UNIL assesses your all academic record, personal statements and recommendations. The university gives a GPA above 3.75 or an equivalent result and/or a top 5% class rank as typical for competitive applicants.

Is IELTS Required?

You don't need to provide IELTS certificate for apply, but UNIL expects strong English communication skills. Its published 2027 application checklist gives no IELTS requirement or minimum test score. Check the official form for any instructions that apply to you.

Documents Required for the UNIL SUR Application

• 2027 application questionnaire: Use UNIL’s template and save your completed answers as a PDF. If your university uses a grading scale other than a four-point scale, explain it in the questionnaire.
• Official academic transcript: Use an unlocked PDF. If your transcript is in a language other than English or French, include an authenticated translation in the same file.
• Two recommendation letters: Enter contact details for two people who know your academic work. UNIL emails them instructions so they can submit their letters using the official template.

Keep uploaded documents in portrait orientation. Ask your referees early. Both letters must arrive by the same deadline as your application.

Before you enter your referees’ details, read our scholarship recommendation letter guide and send each referee the UNIL deadline.

How to Apply for the UNIL Summer Research Program 2027

1. Review the application instructions, templates and host laboratory list on the official UNIL page.
2. Sign in to the official 2027 application portal with your SWITCH edu-ID. Create an account first if you need one.
3. Complete the online application form, choose two lab heads and upload your questionnaire and transcript.
4. Enter your referees’ contact details. Let them know to look for UNIL’s email and submit their letters before the cutoff.
5. Review your form and documents before submitting. UNIL locks the form after submission. Expect an email about the outcome around six weeks after the deadline.

Application Deadline for UNIL SUR 2027

Submit your application by November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Both recommendation letters are due at the same time. The program itself runs from July 5 to August 27, 2027.