EPFL Excellence in Engineering (E3) Summer Internship 2027: Apply for a Paid Research Internship in Switzerland

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland is accepting applications for the 2027 Excellence in Engineering (E3) Summer Internship Programme.

The programme offers international undergraduate and master's students an opportunity to gain practical research experience in engineering, science and technology by working with research groups at EPFL.

Internships last between eight and twelve weeks, with research placements available across several scientific fields.

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

Monthly living allowance: CHF 1,800 for placements in Lausanne, Sion and Fribourg, or CHF 2,500 for placements in Geneva and Neuchâtel. Payments are adjusted according to the actual internship duration.

Travel support: Travel costs may be reimbursed upon request and approval by the host laboratory.

Research experience: Opportunity to work with an EPFL research group.

Professional development: Exposure to scientific research, laboratory work and potential preparation for a future research career.

International experience: Opportunity to work with researchers in Switzerland.

The living allowance is intended to cover accommodation and living expenses. Accommodation is not automatically provided by the programme.

Eligible Fields

The programme accepts students from a range of engineering, science and technology disciplines, including:

Electrical Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering.

Computer Science.

Microengineering.

Materials Science and Engineering.

Bioengineering.

Neurotechnology.

Biology and Chemistry.

Mathematics and Physics.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree programme at a university other than EPFL.

Have completed at least the first two years of their bachelor's degree by the time they apply.

Remain enrolled at their home institution throughout the internship.

Have a strong academic record and demonstrate a clear interest in research.

The programme is competitive. Academic excellence, research interests, career goals and the quality of the application are considered during selection.

PhD students are not eligible for this programme.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

Curriculum vitae (CV).

Academic transcripts covering their university studies.

Motivation letter or statement of purpose.

Passport or national identity document.

Applicants must identify up to three research topics of interest. They may also indicate up to three preferred host laboratories.

Documents not originally issued in English or French must be accompanied by the original and an English translation. The applicant may prepare the translation themselves.

Internship Duration

The internship lasts between two and three months. The exact dates are arranged with the selected host laboratory.

Internships may begin between May and October 2027, but cannot start before 1 May.

How to Apply

Visit the official E3 application website.

Read the eligibility criteria, application instructions and frequently asked questions.

Identify research areas and laboratories relevant to your academic background.

Prepare your CV, transcripts, motivation letter and identification document.

Complete and submit the online application.

Application portal: https://eee.epfl.ch/apply/

Official programme website: https://eee.epfl.ch/

Application Deadline

1 November 2026 at 11:55 p.m. Swiss local time.

Important Information:

Applicants should consult the official programme website for available research areas and host laboratories. Applications cannot be modified after submission, so applicants should review their information carefully before completing the process.