The EPFL Excellence Internship 2026, a premier research internship Switzerland, invites research visionaries to explore a scientific frontier at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland. This 3-month program engages 30–40 international students from partner institutions in a global innovation nexus. Founded in 1853, EPFL, ranked 33rd globally (QS World Rankings 2025), pioneers' transformative discoveries in fields like engineering, computer science, life sciences, physics, chemistry, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental science, and materials science, under mentors like Dr. Dario Floreano.

The scientific innovation hub immerses interns in state-of-the-art laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as nanofabrication tools, high-performance computing clusters, and advanced imaging systems. Interns contribute to pioneering projects, including neuro engineering advancements, quantum computing simulations, sustainable energy solutions, genomic sequencing, and AI-driven data modeling, tailored to their academic interests. The program features research seminars, interdisciplinary workshops, and lab group discussions, with 80% of interns reporting enhanced research competencies (EPFL Impact Report, 2024). Participants select up to three preferred labs via the EPFL application portal, ensuring alignment with their expertise.

Interns engage in EPFL Research Colloquia, scientific networking events, and virtual tours of facilities like Center for Neuro prosthetics and Swiss Plasma Center, connecting with peers from North America, Asia, and Europe. Cultural immersions include Lake Geneva cruises, Lausanne Old Town walks, Swiss Alps Day hikes, chocolate-making workshops, and Montreux Jazz Festival visits, with 85% reporting enriched cultural perspectives. Industry engagements with Nestlé Research, CERN, and Rolex Learning Center provide insights into Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem. Interns conclude with a research presentation at a closing symposium, contributing to global scientific advancements.

The program operates in Lausanne, a vibrant research capital on Lake Geneva, with EPFL’s 500+ laboratories and 12,000+ researchers fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Since 2015, 1,500+ ERIP interns have advanced scientific innovation, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Plans to expand ties with MIT, ETH Zurich, and NUS Singapore aim to strengthen 6,000+ global partnerships. EPFL’s English-medium research environment ensures accessibility, with French language introductions offered for daily interactions.

Applicants select lab preferences, submit online forms, and may participate in virtual interviews. A hybrid track offers remote research modules for flexibility. Join EPFL’s scientific vanguard to ignite research innovation, forge global networks, and shape a transformative future with EPFL Excellence Internship 2026!

EPFL Excellence Internship Program in Switzerland:

Host Country:

•Switzerland

Host Organization:

•École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausann (EPFL)

Internship Location:

•Lausanne

Internship Duration:

•3 months

Internship Dates:

•Internship timeline is flexible between February and August according to lab availability.

Benefits of Excellence Research Internship Program Switzerland:

•An amount of CHF 1,600 per month will be given to all candidates selected for internship.
•The Excellence scholarship will cover living allowance including intern’s housing and minimum living
expenses. (It will be given to those who will do their internship in-person in Switzerland).
•The visa and residence permit procedures will be simplified.
•Interns will get a discount at EPFL for meals, activities, etc.
•Interns will also get a discount in Switzerland for travel passes, cinema tickets, cultural activities, etc.
•Interns will have free access to the EPFL sport center.

Eligibility Criteria for Excellence Research Internship Program in Switzerland:

Applicant’s applying:

1. Can be Bachelor’s or master’s level students.

2. Must have at least completed their 2nd year of bachelor’s degree (undergraduate) before starting the internship.

3. Must be enrolled at their home university during the internship period.

4. Must be nominated by the international exchange office of their home university.

5. Be enrolled at one of our partner universities.

6. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.

Documents Required for EPFL Research Internship:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.

3. Academic transcript (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

9. Selection of 3 EPFL laboratories.

Program Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in November 2025!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.