9-week fully funded Research Program for Life Science students at VBC Austria

Call for application to the yearly Vienna BioCenter Summer School 2023 research program is now open. The Vienna Biocenter Summer School (VBC) in Austria provides a unique opportunity for approximatively 20 undergraduate or masters students to work side by side with leading researchers in a dynamic scientific environment at one of Europe's leading Research Centers.

What activities are involved during the program?

This 9 week program, starts on the last Friday in June and finishes on the last Friday of August (or 31 August) each year. The program aims to attract talented students from around the world, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere. It is the perfect preparation for students who are interested in graduate study in the life sciences arena.

Several activities will be performed by the selected students. Each fellow will be allocated a faculty member, with whom they will work closely. The research project will focus on a current topic in the allocated lab. Supported by a member of the laboratory the scholar will be expected to perform experiments, analyse data, generate ideas, and discuss their results.

In addition to practical laboratory work, the scholar will also take part in lab meetings, journal clubs, and lecture Series that will be concluded by a Scientific Symposium in which each scholar will present her/his findings to students and faculty in a short talk session and Prizes are awarded to the students that give the best presentations.

What does the scholarship cover?

Successful candidate will receive several benefits including:

  • Free student accommodation at a complex that features fully furnished modern rooms.
  • Each student will be awarded a stipend of 1400 euros after tax for the nine-week programme
  • Medical insurance is included in the contract for the nine weeks
  • A free travel pass providing unlimited use of public transport within Vienna for the duration of the scholarship
  • Reimbursement of travel costs to and from Vienna
  • Numerous social events

Eligibility Criteria and documents:

  • To apply to this program, students need to be studying a degree in a Life Science related subject and have completed at least 2 years of a university study. As an example, 2-3 years of a Bachelor study or 1 year of a Master study by 30 June. A fully detailed information on the study criteria can be founded on the official website (Link below).
  • Good academic record
  • High level of English language, that is proven by an English Proficiency certificate, TOEFL or IELTS not mandatory but recommended.
  • Evidence of enrolment in a University programme for the current academic year and the next year (if possible)
  • Personal statement

Important Dates:

  • Application Opens on 1 December 2022 and closes on 31 January 2023
  • Results are published 15 March 2023
  • Summer School starts: 1 July (or last Friday in June) 2023
  • Summer School ends: 31 August (or last Friday in August) 2023

Application Process:

  • Interested students should complete the online application form in which they will be asked to specify the names of three lab heads of their choices in their order of preference.
  • Due to the number of enquiries received by the institutions, applicants are recommended to check the Frequently Asked Questions by the link below before contacting the administrator.

Important links: