The EPFL Excellence in Engineering (E3) programme is a summer research internship run by the School of Engineering at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. Selected students join an EPFL research laboratory for 8 to 12 weeks during the summer, working alongside researchers on an ongoing project matched to their interests and background. It is aimed at strong Bachelor’s and Master’s students in engineering, science, and technology from around the world who are considering research careers. The 2025 cohort welcomed 44 students from 13 countries across 24 laboratories.
Benefits & funding
- A monthly living allowance to cover housing and living expenses in Switzerland for the duration of the internship.
- Travel costs refunded on request.
- Hands-on research training in an EPFL laboratory, mentored by its researchers.
- Exposure to one of Europe’s leading science-and-technology institutions and its international research community.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled Bachelor’s or Master’s students in engineering, science, or technology fields.
- Must have successfully completed at least the second year of Bachelor’s studies by the time of application.
- Open to students from around the world — no nationality restriction.
- A strong academic record is expected; top of the class is preferred (a preference, not a fixed cut-off).
Application process
- 1Prepare a CV, a motivation statement, academic transcripts, and your laboratory / research-area preferences.
- 2Submit the application through the E3 online portal at eee.epfl.ch/apply before the annual deadline.
- 3The selection committee reviews complete applications and matches successful candidates with a host laboratory.
Program timeline
Application deadline
November 1 (annual, Anywhere on Earth)
Winter
Selection and matching of candidates to laboratories
8–12 week research internship
Summer (June–September)