The EPFL E3 Internship offers research experience in engineering, science and technology in Switzerland. It is intended for students enrolled at other institutions. The allowance is CHF 1,800 or CHF 2,500 per month, depending on the host laboratory’s location.
The summer 2027 application portal closes on 1 November 2026. The portal opens on 12 October 2026, so check the live application page for the link. Internship dates are arranged with the recruiting laboratory rather than fixed to one shared summer schedule.
EPFL E3 Internship Details
E3 means EPFL Excellence in Engineering. Candidates state their research interests and may identify up to three preferred laboratories. Projects are proposed by recruiting laboratories during selection, rather than chosen from a predefined project catalogue.
Normal visits last two to three months and may start between May and October, never before 1 May. A longer visit can be discussed when it forms part of the home degree and the professor agrees. The applicant must retain student status throughout the entire visit.
Programme / award | EPFL E3 Internship |
|---|---|
Location | EPFL host labs, Switzerland |
Level / route | Student research internship |
Duration | Normally two–three months; dates agreed with lab |
Verified support | CHF 1,800–2,500 monthly, depending on host |
Deadline | 1 November 2026 |
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EPFL E3 Internship Benefits
The monthly allowance is CHF 1,800 for Lausanne, Sion and Fribourg hosts. It rises to CHF 2,500 for Geneva and Neuchâtel hosts. Payments are calculated proportionately to the actual internship length.
This support covers housing and living expenses. Students find their own accommodation, with suggestions generally available from their laboratory. Travel reimbursement requires a request and approval by the host lab; visa collection fees may remain the student’s responsibility.
For a supervised research visit outside Switzerland, compare JINR START Winter Program. Check its disciplines, student requirements and winter timetable separately.
EPFL E3 Internship Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s programme at application and throughout the internship. They must already have completed the second bachelor’s year when applying. Doctoral students and EPFL students are excluded.
Selection favours candidates among the top 10% of their class who plan doctoral study. Laboratory experience is a plus. Students at specified partner universities in North America and Singapore are directed to ERIP instead of E3.
Life-sciences students considering a different laboratory environment can review CRG Research Fellowships. Eligibility and support differ from the E3 engineering route.
Requirements and Documents
The required package includes a CV, complete academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and identity evidence. Uploads must be PDF files. The CV may use any layout, with a 5 MB maximum.
EPFL recommends a statement of purpose of no more than two pages. Non-English transcripts need the originals plus an English translation, which need not be certified. Recommendation letters can be uploaded as extra attachments but are not compulsory.
How to Apply
Use the official E3 application portal once it opens on 12 October 2026. Choose research domains carefully because laboratories use those choices during screening. Preferred laboratory names are optional. Read the official application instructions.
Report GPA in the original university format without rescaling it. A new master’s student without master’s grades can use bachelor’s results and explain the situation. Selected candidates may be invited to online interviews, with final recruitment communications expected around mid-March.
Application Deadline
The summer 2027 application portal opens on 12 October 2026 and closes on 1 November 2026. The window is short, so prepare your CV, transcripts, research statement and ID in advance. The official page states no closing hour or time zone.
Selection results are announced by mid-March 2027. Internships last two to three months and start between May and October, but not before 1 May. Check the E3 page for any later change.
For engineering or technical experience in a space agency, explore the ESA Student Internship. Its nationality, degree-stage and vacancy rules differ from EPFL’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover the monthly allowance, eligibility and timing questions applicants ask about the EPFL E3 Internship. They follow the official E3 pages.
The allowance depends on the host laboratory’s location, so read that answer before you rank laboratories. Confirm any later change on the E3 website.
Are EPFL students eligible?
No. E3 is exclusively for students from other institutions; EPFL has a separate Summer in the Lab route.
Can second-year bachelor’s students apply?
Not if they have not completed the first two bachelor’s years by application time.
Is IELTS required?
English certificates are optional for the E3 application, although research communication usually uses English.
Does EPFL arrange free accommodation?
No. You find accommodation yourself and pay housing costs from the living allowance.
Are recommendation letters mandatory?
No. They are optional additional attachments.
Can a graduate take the internship after losing student status?
No. Bachelor’s or master’s enrolment must remain valid throughout the internship.
Conclusion
The EPFL E3 Internship offers students at other institutions a supervised engineering research visit in Switzerland. The monthly allowance depends on the host location, while the laboratory agrees the project and dates. Confirm that your student status will continue throughout the placement.
Select research interests and laboratories that fit your academic preparation before submitting. Plan for a normal visit of two to three months, and check the live portal for the application link. The published summer 2027 application deadline is 1 November 2026.
