The EPFL Excellence Research Internship 2027 is a research opportunity for outstanding undergraduate and master’s students who want to gain practical experience at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.
The programme offers selected students the opportunity to spend approximately three months working in an EPFL research laboratory under the guidance of experienced researchers. Participants receive an Excellence scholarship of CHF 1,800 per month, which helps cover accommodation and basic living expenses during the internship.
However, the programme has a specific eligibility restriction: applicants must be enrolled at one of EPFL’s partner universities in Canada, the United States or Singapore. Students from other institutions should contact EPFL to confirm whether their university can be considered.
Applications for the 2027 programme are open until November 30, 2026.
EPFL Excellence Research Internship 2027: Overview
| Programme details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host institution | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) |
| Programme | Excellence Research Internship Program (ERIP) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Internship period | Summer 2027 |
| Duration | Approximately 3 months |
| Eligible study levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Eligible institutions | Selected partner universities in Canada, USA and Singapore |
| Monthly scholarship | CHF 1,800 |
| Tuition fees | Exempt for ERIP interns |
| Location | Lausanne and other EPFL campuses |
| Application deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Reference letter deadline | December 6, 2026 |
About the EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program
The EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program provides outstanding students from selected partner universities with an opportunity to participate in research projects at EPFL.
The programme is designed for students who want to explore scientific research, develop technical skills and work with researchers in an international academic environment.
Interns are placed in research laboratories where they can contribute to ongoing projects, learn new research methods and develop knowledge in their chosen fields.
EPFL has approximately 500 laboratories and research groups covering different disciplines, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, engineering, architecture and technology.
The internship normally lasts three months. However, a longer placement may be possible when it forms part of an approved academic project at the student’s home university.
What the EPFL Excellence Research Internship Covers
Selected participants receive financial and academic support during their internship.
1. Monthly scholarship of CHF 1,800
Every selected participant receives an Excellence scholarship of CHF 1,800 per month, calculated according to the actual internship duration.
The scholarship is intended to help cover accommodation and basic living expenses in Switzerland.
The funding is available only to participants completing their internship in person in Switzerland. It is not a remote internship allowance.
2. Accommodation assistance
EPFL’s Housing Information Office assists successful candidates in finding accommodation in Lausanne.
However, applicants should understand that the programme does not promise free accommodation. The CHF 1,800 monthly scholarship is intended to help pay for housing and living expenses.
3. Tuition fee exemption
Students accepted into the Excellence Research Internship Program are exempt from EPFL tuition fees and other EPFL financial charges associated with the internship.
4. Research and laboratory experience
Participants work in an EPFL research laboratory and gain practical experience in their chosen academic area.
They have the opportunity to learn from experienced researchers, contribute to research projects and explore scientific subjects beyond their regular university courses.
5. EPFL student status and benefits
Accepted interns receive a special student status during their internship. This includes:
- Simplified visa and residence permit procedures.
- Discounts on meals and selected campus activities.
- Discounts on travel passes and cultural activities in Switzerland.
- Free access to the EPFL sports centre.
- Opportunities to meet local and international students.
- Support and activities organised by EPFL student associations.
Important funding information
The CHF 1,800 monthly scholarship is available for a maximum of three months (90 days). If an internship lasts longer, the additional period is not covered by this scholarship.
Students who receive a ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship cannot receive the EPFL Excellence Research Internship scholarship at the same time.
Research Fields and Available Laboratories
EPFL offers research opportunities across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Depending on laboratory availability and the applicant’s academic background, students may select research groups in areas such as:
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Life sciences
- Environmental research
- Architecture
- Information technology
- Health and biomedical research
Applicants must identify three preferred EPFL laboratories in their application. They should select laboratories that match their academic qualifications, research interests and future career plans.
EPFL does not guarantee placement in one of the three selected laboratories. Final placement depends on the assessment of the application and laboratory availability.
Eligibility Requirements for the EPFL Excellence Research Internship 2027
The programme is competitive and is not open to students from every university. Applicants must meet the following requirements.
1. Be enrolled at an eligible partner university
Applicants must be registered students at one of EPFL’s partner universities in North America or Singapore.
The participating institutions listed by EPFL include:
Canada
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
United States
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore)
Students attending another university in North America or Singapore should contact EPFL to confirm whether their institution can be considered.
2. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study
Applicants must have completed at least their second year of a Bachelor’s degree by the time they begin the internship.
First-year undergraduate students are not eligible.
3. Be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student
The programme accepts outstanding undergraduate and master’s students.
Applicants must remain enrolled as regular students at their home university throughout the internship.
4. Demonstrate excellent academic performance
EPFL expects applicants to rank among the top 10% of their class.
A strong academic record is important because the programme is highly competitive.
5. Obtain nomination from the home university
Most applicants must first be nominated by their university’s international exchange or study abroad office before applying to EPFL.
Students from McGill University and the University of Toronto are exceptions: they do not need to have official nomination status at the initial application stage. Their nomination is confirmed after preselection by the ERIP.
6. Be available for an in-person internship
The internship must take place physically in an EPFL laboratory in Switzerland. Remote participation is not covered by the Excellence scholarship.
Required Documents for the EPFL Excellence Research Internship
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information:
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter of no more than 800 words.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Contact details of two academic or professional referees.
- A scanned copy of the passport in PDF format.
- Names of three preferred EPFL laboratories and their heads.
What should the motivation letter contain?
The motivation letter is an important part of the application. It should explain:
- Your academic qualifications and research experience.
- Why you want to undertake a research internship at EPFL.
- Your research interests and expectations.
- Why you selected your three preferred laboratories.
- How your academic background makes you suitable for those laboratories.
- Your future academic, research or professional goals.
- Whether you are interested in future master’s or PhD studies at EPFL.
Applicants should pay particular attention to their laboratory choices because the selected research groups will assess whether their academic backgrounds and interests match the available research opportunities.
Academic transcripts
Bachelor’s students in their third year or above should provide official transcripts showing the final grades from their previous two academic years.
Second-year students should provide the final grades from their first year.
Master’s students should submit transcripts showing the grades obtained so far.
Applicants who do not yet have official transcripts may initially submit unofficial transcripts. EPFL may request official copies later in the selection process.
Recommendation letters
Applicants must provide the contact details of two referees.
Suitable referees may include:
- University professors.
- Academic tutors.
- Research supervisors.
- Previous employers.
- Internship supervisors.
After the application is submitted, EPFL sends an automatic reference request to the two referees. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that both letters are submitted before the deadline.
The reference letter deadline is December 6, 2026.
How to Apply for the EPFL Excellence Research Internship 2027
The application process involves both the student’s home university and EPFL.
Step 1: Confirm your university’s eligibility
Check whether your university appears on EPFL’s official list of partner institutions.
Step 2: Contact your university’s international office
If your institution requires nomination, contact its international exchange or study abroad office. Ask about the internal selection process and nomination deadline.
Step 3: Select three research laboratories
Explore EPFL’s research groups and choose three laboratories that match your academic background and research interests.
Step 4: Prepare your application documents
Prepare your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, passport scan and two referees’ contact details.
Step 5: Complete the online application
Access the official EPFL application portal and complete the application form. You should have all your documents and information ready because the application must be completed in one sitting.
Step 6: Ensure your referees submit their letters
After submitting your application, contact your referees and remind them to complete their recommendations. The reference letter deadline is December 6, 2026.
Step 7: Wait for the selection result
EPFL’s Central Admission Committee reviews complete applications in December. Shortlisted applicants are expected to receive notification by the end of December.
The applications are then sent to the selected laboratories for final assessment. Laboratories may also invite applicants for interviews.
Direct Application Link
Interested students can access the official programme information and application portal below:
- Official EPFL Excellence Research Internship website: https://www.epfl.ch/education/international/en/coming-to-epfl/research-internships/
- Eligibility requirements and application instructions: https://www.epfl.ch/education/international/en/coming-to-epfl/research-internships/eligibility-and-application/
- Direct application portal: https://programs-recruiting.epfl.ch/position/49446922
- Funding and practical information: https://www.epfl.ch/education/international/en/coming-to-epfl/research-internships/practical-information/
- Frequently asked questions: https://www.epfl.ch/education/international/en/coming-to-epfl/research-internships/faq/
FAQs
1. Is the EPFL Excellence Research Internship 2027 fully funded?
The programme provides a CHF 1,800 monthly scholarship for up to three months to help cover accommodation and basic living expenses. Participants are also exempt from EPFL tuition fees. It should not be described as a programme that pays all possible expenses, because the scholarship is a living allowance.
2. Can international students apply?
Yes, but only students enrolled at the programme’s eligible partner universities in Canada, the United States and Singapore can apply through the standard ERIP route. Students from other institutions in those regions should contact EPFL to confirm possible eligibility.
3. Can Nigerian students apply for the EPFL Excellence Research Internship?
Nigerian nationality alone does not make someone eligible or ineligible. The main requirement is enrolment at an eligible partner university and meeting the academic and nomination conditions. A Nigerian student studying at one of the listed partner universities may apply if all other requirements are met. A student enrolled only at a Nigerian university is not eligible through the standard partner-university route.
4. How much does EPFL pay research interns?
Selected participants receive CHF 1,800 per month. The scholarship is calculated according to the actual internship duration and is available for a maximum of 90 days.
5. Can first-year university students apply?
No. Applicants must have completed at least their second year of undergraduate study by the time the internship begins.
6. Can master’s students apply?
Yes. Master’s students can apply if they meet the academic, university enrolment and partner-institution requirements.
7. Do I need IELTS to apply?
The programme’s published application document list does not specify IELTS or TOEFL as a required application document. Applicants should check the official instructions and any requirements communicated by EPFL or their home university.
8. When will applicants receive the results?
EPFL states that the Central Admission Committee will communicate shortlisting decisions by the end of December. Selected applications are then reviewed by the relevant laboratories, which may conduct interviews.
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