Travel Opportunity to Switzerland with (SUR) Program for Undergraduate Students 2026 | Fully Funded

Opportunities

The Summer Undergraduate Research (SUR) Program is a unique academic and scientific opportunity for third-year undergraduate students studying biology, medicine, or life-science–related disciplines at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland.
The eight-week program, held during July and August, provides students with their first real research experience at the frontiers of scientific unknowns—an experience capable of profoundly and permanently shaping a student’s academic and professional path.

About the Program

The program offers an opportunity for students who have not previously engaged in advanced research, as most university courses in the first years present only the basic concepts “found in textbooks.” This program, however, grants students an individual research experience in the laboratories of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne.

Each year, the program hosts around 15 students from academic backgrounds in medicine and biology from around the world, and each participant conducts an independent research project in a different laboratory.

In addition to laboratory work, students participate weekly in shared academic activities, often in collaboration with a similar program at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). These activities include:

Introductory research presentations by the students
Lectures by faculty members on research topics and their career paths
Career-guidance workshops in academia and beyond

At the end of the program, students present their research results through a poster presentation during a joint UNIL/EPFL symposium, in addition to writing a final report.

The academic activities are also accompanied by many social activities, such as:

Hiking trips in the Alps
Barbecues
Swimming in Lake Geneva
Visits to different Swiss cities

Funding Provided

Accommodation

The program coordinator arranges and pays for the accommodation.
Students are housed in furnished apartments belonging to one of the UNIL associations in Lausanne, mixed (male/female).
Students receive single or double rooms, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Students are later provided with accommodation details and contact information for the housing association.

Stipend

Students receive a stipend of approximately 1,500 Swiss francs to cover other living expenses.
It is recommended to bring extra money for additional personal expenses such as weekend travel.
The scholarship does not cover visa fees.

Travel

A limited budget is available to cover travel costs to Lausanne:

Up to 500 CHF for European travel
Up to 1,200 CHF for travel from outside Europe

Reimbursements are made at the end of the program and after vacating the accommodation, with deductions made for any cleaning costs or damages.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is directed toward students:

In the fields of biology, medicine, or closely related disciplines with a biological focus.
Who have completed two years of their bachelor’s degree and will be in their third year during the program.

*Previous research experience is not required.

Acceptance criteria include:

An excellent academic record (typically a GPA above 3.75 or ranking within the top 5% of the class).
A personal motivation statement.
Letters of recommendation.

Notes regarding eligibility:

Biology and medicine are considered broadly.
Not eligible: students of physical therapy, nursing, dentistry, and veterinary science.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required.
Students must attend the entire program with no date modifications.

SUR Program 2026 Dates

Program starts: 3 July 2026
Program ends: 27 August 2026
Application deadline: 31 December 2025 (midnight – CET)
Results announcement: Early February 2026

Application Procedure

Before applying online, applicants must follow the instructions on the website carefully. Application requirements include:

Required Documents

A PDF file using the official template (SUR Programme 2026 application questionnaire), containing information used in the selection process.
Official academic transcript in PDF format.
If the transcript is not in English or French, a certified translation must be included in the same file.
If the university does not use a 4-point scale, the grading system must be explained in the application questionnaire.
Two recommendation letters from professors or academic figures familiar with the applicant’s performance.
During the application, applicants enter the referees’ contact details, and an automatic email is sent to them with a link to upload the recommendation using a dedicated template.
Selection of two potential host laboratories from the list available on the official website of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at UNIL.