Applications are currently being accepted for the VBC Summer School 2026, which is regarded as one of Austria’s most distinguished and difficult summer research programs. The program, which is run by the Vienna BioCenter, a globally recognized research center and one of Europe’s leading life sciences destinations, provides a rigorous nine-week research internship tailored to highly motivated bachelor’s and master’s students worldwide.
The summer school, which takes place from July 1st to August 31st, 2026, gives participants the chance to work with cutting-edge scientific equipment, join top-notch labs, and participate in research projects under the supervision of eminent scientists and researchers. By attending lectures, seminars, and social gatherings that promote academic development, teamwork, and networking with peers from numerous nations, students become a part of a thriving scientific community.
The VBC seeks to identify talent based only on academic curiosity, motivation, and potential. With its strong reputation and research excellence, the VBC Summer School is regarded as one of the top summer research opportunities in Europe, providing an inspiring environment for young scientists to develop their skills and explore future career paths.
More information can be found below. This program is particularly appealing because it is accessible; there is no application fee, and applicants are not required to submit IELTS scores, demonstrate prior work experience, or meet any age-specific requirements.
Host Country: Vienna, Austria
University: The Vienna BioCenter
Opportunity Type: Summer research programs
Summer School Timeline: July 1st to August 31st
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- All nationalities are welcome to apply.
- Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.
- Candidates must be enrolled in an MSc, master’s, or BA (Hons) program.
- At the time of application, candidates must have finished at least two years of a bachelor’s degree or one year of a master’s degree.
- must be majoring in one of the life sciences, such as chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or a similar discipline.
- It is necessary to have a solid academic background and to perform well academically overall.
Benefits:
- Fully furnished and free on-campus accommodation is provided to all participants.
- A €1400 stipend is offered to help cover daily living expenses throughout the program.
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage is included for the duration of the summer school.
- Students receive an unlimited public transport pass, allowing them to explore Vienna conveniently and at no cost.
- Round-trip airfare expenses are covered, ensuring participants can travel to and from Vienna without financial burden.
- Additional benefits include an official opening dinner, guided visits to famous landmarks in Vienna, a traditional trip to a heurigen (Austrian wine tavern), a final summer school celebration, and various engaging campus events and social activities.
Required Documents:
- Certificate of current enrollment
- Academic transcript or exam results
- Proof of enrollment for the upcoming academic year
- Personal statement
Deadline: 11th January 2026
