Applications are now open for the BioLAB Program for 2025-26 academic year intake.
The BioLAB Program is a joint initiative between the Fulbright Commission and Polish Universities. The program offers one-year long research traineeships to students enrolled in a Master or PhD degree programs in Poland in life sciences, biophysics or medical fields of study. Traineeships will be completed at one of the four host institutions in the U.S.:
(University of Virginia, University of Chicago, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center.)
Program Overview
• Duration: One-year research internship.
• Country: USA
• Host Institutions: Participants will conduct research at one of four U.S. institutions:
University of Virginia, University of Chicago, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2025.
• Scholarship: A scholarship ranging from $28,000 to $35,000 per year is provided.
• Eligibility: students enrolled in a Master or PhD degree programs in Poland in life sciences, biophysics or medical fields of study.
Traineeship Details
A one-year research traineeship in a laboratory setting. The BioLAB Program offers the opportunity to contribute to significant research projects while being mentored by experienced professionals. In some cases, the research outcomes may be suitable for inclusion in, or publication as part of, the candidate’s Master’s or PhD thesis.
The BioLAB Program Benefits
The BioLAB Program is a fully funded opportunity for young researchers which offers the following benefits:
1. Compensation:
Financial support ranging from $28,000 to $35,000 per year
Salaries are disbursed every 2 to 3 weeks.
Participants will hold the status of either a visiting graduate student, research trainee, or non-degree graduate student.
2. Funding:
Coverage for research-related expenses
3. Medical Insurance:
Full medical insurance provided during the program
4. Visa:
Assistance with obtaining an F-1/J-1 visa
5. Additional Benefits:
Pre-departure orientation
Support during the program
Opportunities for cultural experiences and networking
Participation in seminars and guest lectures
Possibility of having research results published in peer-reviewed journals
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the BioLAB Program, students must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications and requirements
Be enrolled in a graduate program, in Poland, where their major field of study is life sciences, biophysics or medical fields of study (biology, biotechnology, medicine, physics, pharmacy, biochemistry etc.),
Hold, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree and, at the time of the interview (March) be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program (in the case of long-cycle studies – from the 4th year onwards) at a Polish university or research institution and maintain an active student status throughout the BioLAB Program.
International students must have completed the undergraduate degree (Licencjat or Inżynier) in a Polish university.
2. English Proficiency
Minimum B2 level of English proficiency.
3. GPA
Maintain a high grade point average throughout their studies (4.0 or above in Polish academic grading system is recommended)
4. Visa
Meet formal requirements of a F-1 or J-1 visa
Application Process
Applications for the BioLAB Program 2025 are submitted online through the Fulbright Poland Website. Step-by-step guide below:
I. Documents
Before you start your application, prepare the following documents:
CV: with a list of academic as well as non-academic accomplishments. The document must be submitted according to this template.
Transcripts: Bachelor’s diploma with a diploma supplement or transcript (if applicable), Master’s diploma with diploma supplement or transcript (if applicable) and PhD’s transcript (if applicable).
Personal statement: letter indicating candidate’s research interests, with justification, and future career plans. The document must be submitted according to the template.
Consent Form: Consent for participation in the program signed by the Dean of the Faculty or associate Dean for Student Affairs from the candidate’s home university as well as thesis supervisor. The document must be submitted according to the templates: [Master's Students], [PhD Students]
Preferred Projects: Alist of available projects in which you can participate during your internship at various host institutions will be provided in the application form. You will be required to prepare a document (in any format) in which you will select your preferred projects and provide justification for your choices (See details here)
ℹ️ NOTE: All attachments must be formatted as a single PDF file, in the following order: CV, transcripts, personal statement, consent for participation. The file must be named with your last name and first name, e.g., “Smith John.pdf”.
II). Letters of recommendation
Ask two referees to prepare confidential recommendation letters for you in a PDF. See and download letter of recommendation form.
IV). Submit application form
Submit your application form through this link. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the referees. You will not be allowed to submit any missing documents after the deadline.
🗓️ Key Dates
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Interviews invitations: March 2025
Interviews conducted: Mid-March, 2025
Preliminary results: Mid-April 2025
Final Results: End of April 2025
Orientation in Warsaw: May 2025
Departure to the U.S: Beginning of July 2025 – July 15, 2025
ℹ️ For further details, refer to the Fulbright Poland Website and read the FAQ section.
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