If you’ve ever dreamed of doing a research internship abroad, the EPFL Research Internship in Switzerland is one of the coolest opportunities out there. The program, officially called the Excellence Research Internship Program 2026, lets top students from North America and Singapore, and all over the world, spend a few months working inside real EPFL labs - doing hands-on research, not just watching from the side.
It’s basically a chance to be part of an international research internship 2026 experience where you learn from world-class professors, explore new ideas, and live in one of Europe’s most innovative campuses.
Whether you’re into engineering, physics, life sciences or architecture, this internship can boost your research career big time. If you’re a motivated student, this could be your door to the world of serious science and discovery.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Internship Type | International (Fully-Funded) |
| Organization | EPFL |
| Location | Lausanne (Switzerland) |
| Education | Students / Graduates |
| Duration | 3 Months |
| Last Date to Apply | November 30, 2025 |
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Benefits of EPFL Research Internship 2026
Financial Benefits
One of the best things about the EPFL Research Internship is that it’s totally free. You don’t need to worry about paying for tuition or hidden program fees - everything’s covered.
Selected students under the Excellence Research Internship Program 2026 receive full financial support that usually includes:
- Monthly stipend to cover your basic expenses during your stay in Switzerland.
- Free housing or housing allowance arranged by EPFL so you don’t have to struggle finding a place.
- Travel assistance in some cases, depending on your university or project setup.
- Access to EPFL campus facilities and research equipment at no extra cost.
Basically, you get to live, study, and do research in one of Europe’s top universities without spending a single penny. Not a bad deal, right?
Learning & Career Benefits
Now let’s talk about the real part - the knowledge and experience you’ll gain.
This isn’t your average internship. The EPFL Research Internship puts you inside real research labs where you’ll work with world-class scientists and professors on live projects.
Here’s what makes it stand out —
Hands-on research: you’ll be working directly in EPFL’s labs using professional-level equipment and tools. It’s real practical learning, not just theory.
Global exposure: the program welcomes students from North America and Singapore, giving it a true international feel. You’ll get to interact with people from all around the world and learn how global research collaborations actually work.
Guidance from experts: every intern is guided by experienced mentors and professors who’ll help shape your research direction and skills.
CV highlight: having “EPFL” on your resume instantly adds weight. It shows you’ve worked in a serious, world-ranked university environment.
Cultural learning: apart from academics, you’ll get to live in Switzerland, explore different cities, meet new people and just enjoy life while learning.
At the end of it, you’ll come back with more than just experience — you’ll have new skills, new confidence, and probably new friends from around the world too.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you start dreaming about life in Switzerland, make sure you actually fit the EPFL Research Internship requirements. The Excellence Research Internship Program 2026 is pretty selective, so they only pick the best students - but if you meet the criteria, your chances are solid.
Here’s what they look for 👇
1. Must be from partner universities
Only students from EPFL’s partner universities can apply. If your university is not listed there, sadly you won’t be eligible this time. Check the partner universities.
2. Academic excellence
They usually accept students who are in the top 10% of their class. Basically, they want people who are serious about studies and can handle advanced research work.
3. Study level
You should be at least in your 2nd year of a Bachelor’s degree when the internship starts. Students at the Master’s level can also apply. But if you’re still in your 1st year, you’ll have to wait for next year’s program.
4. Enrollment status
You must be a regular student at your home university during the whole internship period — meaning you can’t be on a break or already graduated.
5. Nomination required
Applicants have to be nominated by their home university’s international office. Without nomination, your application won’t even be accepted (unless your school is listed as an exception).
6. Internship duration
The standard duration is 3 months, but it can be longer if it’s part of your home university’s credited project. However, note that the scholarship covers only up to 3 months of funding.
If you tick all these boxes, then congratulations - you’re exactly the type of student EPFL wants for this international research internship 2026.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Official Academic Transcripts
- Two References / Recommendation Contacts
- Passport Copy (PDF)
- Choice of Three EPFL Laboratories
Application Process for EPFL Research Internship 2026
So yeah, applications for the EPFL Research Internship 2026 are already open from October 1, 2025, and the last date to apply is November 30, 2025 (midnight CET). if you’re planning to apply, honestly now’s the right time to start - don’t wait till the last week coz the portal always gets messy near the deadline.
Here’s how you can apply step by step 👇
Step 1 – Go to the official EPFL page
Head over to the official EPFL website where the Excellence Research Internship Program 2026 is listed. you’ll see the online form there once the page loads. www.epfl.ch
Step 2 – Gather your stuff first
Before you even open the form, keep all your documents ready - CV, motivation letter, transcripts, passport, references, and your top 3 EPFL labs. Trust me, it saves time and stress later.
Step 3 – Fill the form properly
Now start filling it out slowly. don’t rush. add your personal details, university info, and pick the 3 labs that actually match your study area. also, make sure your motivation letter sounds like you — not copy paste from somewhere.
Step 4 – Nomination part
Most students need to be nominated by their university’s international office. So send them an email early and let them know you’re applying. without that, EPFL won’t even consider your file.
Step 5 – Submit before the deadline
Once you’re done checking everything twice, just hit submit. Don’t wait till the last day — even small upload errors can ruin your chance.
Step 6 – Wait for results
EPFL reviews all the applications in December 2025. they’ll shortlist the best students and send out results by the end of December. after that, labs might contact you for a short interview or confirmation email.
That’s all. the whole process is pretty simple and 100% online. Just keep things organized, apply early and make sure your docs are clean. this international research internship 2026 is kinda competitive, but if your profile’s strong, you’ve got a real shot.
FAQs
1. Is the EPFL Research Internship paid or free?
yep it’s totally free. they actually give you a monthly stipend and help with housing too, so you don’t really have to worry about money part. that’s what makes it kinda awesome tbh.
2. Who can apply for the Excellence Research Internship Program 2026?
only students from EPFL’s partner universities can apply. and yeah you need to be a regular enrolled student when the internship starts, not after graduating.
3. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for this?
nah not really. no english test is needed but yeah since all work n communication is in english, you should understand it decently. they don’t check it officially though.
4. How long does the internship last?
usually around 3 months, sometimes a bit more if ur project takes longer. but keep in mind stipend covers max 3 months only.
5. When will they tell if we got selected or not?
they check apps in december 2025 and by end of the month you normally get to know if you’re shortlisted. if u make it, the lab might directly mail you later on.
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