EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program 2026

EPFL offers Excellence Research Internships in cutting-edge laboratories to highly qualified students from the program’s partner institutions who are looking for a stimulating and supervised practical experience at a leading university.

EPFL ranks as one of the most successful institutions in Europe. Its pioneering and interdisciplinary spirit, coupled with state-of-the-art infrastructures, attracts leading scientists from around the world. Today, EPFL is developing into one of the most innovative and scientifically productive institutions. The vitality of home-grown entrepreneurs and the international networks established with other centers of excellence reinforce this innovative spirit. EPFL’s Excellence Research Internship Program (ERIP) offers the opportunity to outstanding students to experience research during three months in this stimulating environment.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
2. Value: Fully Funded Research Internship (up to 3 months)
3. Study Level: Undergraduate & Masters Students
4. Sponsor: EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
5. Eligible Country: North America & Singapore

Eligibility Criteria for EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program 2026

The EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program (ERIP) offers laboratory internships of three months to outstanding students. Candidates have to be enrolled in one of the program’s partner universities from North America and Singapore. (see list of partners below)

Excellent students (top 10%) at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level are accepted, and applicants must:

1. have at least completed their 2^nd year of Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate) when they start the internship
2. be enrolled as regular students at their home university during the whole length of the internship
3. come from one of our program’s partner universities (see list of partners below)
4. be nominated by their home institution's international exchange office (see exception in the list below)

Internships are generally three months long and should be part of the student curriculum.

Longer internships are accepted if they are part of the student’s home university-accredited projects. In this case, a proof must be attached to the application form. Please, however, note that the Excellence scholarship provided for the Excellence Research Internship is for a maximum of three months only.

The applications must contain the following documents and information:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Motivation letter – detailed info below
3. Official transcripts – detailed info below
4. Contact details of two references – detailed info below
5. Scan of your passport in PDF format
6. Choice of three EPFL laboratories – detailed info below

Timeline for the internship is flexible between February and August, but placement is linked to lab availability.

Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Benefits of EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program 2026

1. Fully funded internship for up to three months
2. Work experience in cutting-edge research labs
3. Mentorship from top EPFL researchers
4. Professional and academic networking opportunities
5. Opportunity to pursue Master’s or PhD at EPFL later
6. Cultural exposure and experience living in Switzerland

How to Apply

The EPFL Central Admission Committee will review all complete applications in December and shortlist successful candidates. Shortlisting decisions will be communicated by the end of December.

Applications will then be submitted to the laboratories for final selection and recruitment. Laboratories are free to conduct interviews and successful candidates will receive an email of full acceptance to the Excellence Research Internship Program.

Interested and qualified? Go to École Polytechnique on programs-recruiting.epfl.ch to apply

For more information, kindly visit EPFL scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

November 30, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program 2026