EPFL Summer Internship 2027 in Switzerland | Paid Internship

The EPFL Summer Internship, also known as the E3 program or EPFL Excellence in Engineering, offers undergraduate and graduate students an 8 to 12-week research experience in Switzerland. Hosted by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), this program allows students to engage in cutting-edge research projects under top faculty in fields such as engineering, science, and technology.

Successful applicants will receive a monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and living costs in Switzerland. This stipend is CHF 1,800 for host labs in Lausanne, Sion, and Fribourg, or CHF 2,500 for host labs in Geneva and Neuchâtel, prorated to the actual internship duration. Travel costs, including a 2nd class train ticket and low-cost/economy airfare, will also be reimbursed upon request and approval by the host lab. The program also offers an inspiring educational opportunity, cultural immersion, and networking opportunities within Switzerland.

This internship is open to international students who are not currently enrolled at EPFL. Applicants must be actively pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, science, or technology at the time of application and throughout the internship. Candidates must have successfully completed at least the first two years of their Bachelor’s program. Doctoral (PhD) students are not eligible. The selection process is highly competitive, prioritizing academic performance, research interests, and motivation. Applicants in the top 10% of their class with a high GPA are preferred. Those planning to pursue PhD studies or with previous laboratory experience may also have an advantage. Please note that students from specific partner universities in the USA, Canada, and Singapore are not eligible for the E3 program and should consider the EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program instead.

Applicants must submit the following documents: - Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format. - Complete academic transcripts, including all available Bachelor’s and Master’s records. If transcripts are not in English or French, both the originals and an English translation must be included. - A Letter of Motivation or Statement of Purpose, explaining scientific interests, reasons for applying, and preferred host laboratories. This document should be a maximum of two pages. - A copy of your Passport or national ID. - In the application form, applicants must select up to three research topics of interest and may optionally indicate up to three preferred host laboratories. Recommendation letters are optional and can be uploaded as additional documents.

To apply, applicants must register on the official EPFL portal and complete the online application. Before starting, ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Follow the instructions on the application portal carefully and submit all necessary documents before the deadline. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified. EPFL will review applications after the portal closes. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for online interviews. The outcome of the recruitment process will be communicated via email around mid-March.

The internship period typically spans approximately 8 to 12 weeks, usually between May and October. The exact start and end dates are flexible and arranged directly with the hosting laboratory, but internships cannot begin before May 1. The E3 Program also organizes a workshop and a social event for all interns.