UNIL Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded SUR Internship
Discover the UNIL Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland: benefits, eligibility, tips, and common pitfalls to avoid for first-time applicants.
The UNIL Summer Research Program (SUR) is a competitive research opportunity offered by the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. The program is designed for motivated undergraduate students who want to gain hands-on research experience in a real academic laboratory environment.
Unlike many short internships, the UNIL Summer Research Program focuses on academic research training, making it especially suitable for students considering future Master’s or PhD studies.
If you’re exploring ways to choose the right scholarship or research programme fit for your profile, check our guide on how to choose the right fully funded scholarship as an international student.
Program Overview
The UNIL Summer Research Program allows selected students to spend several weeks working on a supervised research project at the University of Lausanne.
Key details:
Host country: Switzerland
Host institution: University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Program type: Summer research internship
Target group: Undergraduate students
Program duration: Approximately 8 weeks
Language: English (most research groups)
Benefits and Financial Support
The UNIL Summer Research Program is considered fully funded for the program duration.
Participants typically receive:
Financial support to help cover living expenses
Support with accommodation arrangements
Access to university research facilities and laboratories
Academic supervision from experienced researchers
The exact funding details may vary slightly by department, so applicants should always confirm details through the official UNIL website.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are generally expected to meet the following requirements:
Be an undergraduate student enrolled in a relevant academic field
Have completed at least two years of university studies by the program start
Demonstrate strong academic performance
Show clear interest in research and scientific work
Be comfortable working in an English-speaking research environment
Eligibility details can change, so applicants should always verify requirements on the official program page.
Who Should Apply for This Program
This program is a good fit if you:
Are studying life sciences, medicine, biology, chemistry, or related fields
Want practical research experience before applying for a Master’s or PhD
Are interested in working closely with academic supervisors
Can commit fully to the program for the entire duration
If your long-term goal is academic research, this program can significantly strengthen your profile.
Who Should NOT Apply
This program may not be suitable if you:
Are looking for a long-term or paid employment position
Do not have a science-related academic background
Are unable to commit to full-time research for the program duration
Are seeking a program focused on coursework rather than research
Being honest about fit helps you avoid wasted applications and disappointment.
What Makes the UNIL Program Competitive
The UNIL Summer Research Program is competitive because:
It offers limited positions
It targets motivated students with clear research interests
Selection is based on academic performance and motivation, not luck
Many applicants apply each year, but only those with well-prepared applications are selected.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Some frequent reasons applicants are rejected include:
Submitting generic motivation letters
Applying without a clear research interest
Ignoring eligibility requirements
Failing to explain how the program fits future goals
Before applying, it’s helpful to review common rejection reasons explained in our guide on common reasons scholarship applications get rejected and how to avoid them.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
To strengthen your application:
Clearly explain why you want research experience
Mention specific research areas that interest you
Show how the program fits your academic plans
Prepare documents carefully and submit them early
You may also find it useful to read our guide on how to choose the right fully funded scholarship as an international student to ensure this program aligns with your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS required?
Most research groups work in English, but formal IELTS may not always be required. Always check official requirements.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students are often eligible if they meet academic requirements.
Is the program open to international students?
Yes, the UNIL Summer Research Program is open to students from different countries.
Does the program guarantee admission to a Master’s program?
No. The program provides research experience but does not guarantee future admission.
Official Program Link
For full details, eligibility updates, and application instructions, visit the official UNIL page:
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. TravelDoc is not affiliated with the University of Lausanne or the UNIL Summer Research Program. We do not guarantee selection or funding. Applicants should always verify details directly from the official university website before applying.
Interns in a UNIL laboratory during a past research program.