Summer Research Exchange: EPFL Excellence Research Internship Program

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan technical university with students, professors and collaborators of over 130 nationalities.

Located in full view of the Alps, on the north side of Lake Geneva, it is ranked among the top European Engineering Institutions. EPFL’s campus brings together close to 18,000 people and has more than 500 laboratories and research groups, in disciplines ranging from mathematics and life sciences to architecture, engineering and computer science.

In the framework of the Excellence Research Internship Program (ERIP), selected students spend in average three months (possible extension under certain conditions) in an EPFL laboratory on campus in Lausanne (or in one of our associated campuses in Geneva, Fribourg, Sion or Neuchâtel) undertaking research with renowned professors and researchers.

Find the list of laboratories and research groups here. View program flyer here. 

ERIP Highlights:

  •      ∗ Three months of research internships (dates can be flexible, usually between May and September) with a guaranteed Scholarship of Excellence provided by EPFL to contribute towards the main costs of living
  •      ∗ A practical, innovative and formative program – hands-on research in a lab, pioneer projects, intensive academic and professional experience gain
  •      ∗ Immersion in an international, innovative and groundbreaking environment with cutting-edge projects, interdisciplinary research and tech transfer
  •      ∗ Excellent supervision by top international professors – passion, rigor, mentorship and guidance
  •      ∗ A unique summer in a vibrant campus with excellent infrastructures in a beautiful spot by Lake Geneva – community spirit, cultural, sports and social activities
  •      ∗ A network of top-rated researchers and international like-minded people who join EPFL for a life experience
  •      ∗ Organized Excursion amongst the ERIP cohort

Areas of study

  • ⇒ Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
  • ⇒ Mathematics
  • ⇒ Physics
  • ⇒ Computer Science
  • ⇒ Communication Systems
  • ⇒ Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • ⇒ Microengineering
  • ⇒ Mechanical Engineering
  • ⇒ Materials Science and Engineering
  • ⇒ Life Sciences Engineering
  • ⇒ Architecture
  • ⇒ Civil Engineering
  • ⇒ Environmental Sciences and Engineering

There are 2 pathways for this SREP opportunity (please indicate which option you are pursuing in the Program Pathway section of the Learning Abroad application): 

a) Not-for-credit (you do not pay U of T tuition).

b) Pre-approved research course: APS299Y0 (engineering) (1.0 U of T credit)  

Funding: EPFL offers an Excellence Scholarship to all selected candidates for the program. A scholarship of CHF1,800 per month pro rata (approx. CAD 3,100 / USD 2,250 / SGD 2,880) will be awarded to cover main costs of living in Switzerland. The Scholarship is granted for a maximum of 3 months (90 days).

Housing: The EPFL Housing Information Office will assist successful candidates in finding accommodation in Lausanne. For labs in the associated campus, the lab might be able to help candidate find housing. 

Location: Most of EPFL’s labs are on its main campus in Lausanne, where also all the student activities are. The associated campuses in Geneva, Fribourg, Sion and Neuchâtel (approx. 1 hour from Lausanne) are purely research focused with fewer opportunities to interact with other students. It may also be harder to find housing or connect with the ERIP cohort when based in those locations.

Links: Student Testimonials and Intro to EPFL

Application Process for APS299Y0:  

  1. Submit CIE application by November 23, 2025. 
  2. Applications will be reviewed by the relevant U of T department 
  3. Successful candidates will receive CIE nomination (SREP is a competitive program and nomination is not guaranteed) 
  4. Nominated students submit partner application following the guideline 
  5. Applicants receive final results (admission or rejection) from EPFL

Application Process for Non-Credit: 

  1. Submit CIE application by November 30, 2025 
  2. Submit partner application following the guideline 
  3. EPFL pre-selects students
  4. CIE issues nomination letters to selected students
  5. Applicants receive final results (admission or rejection) from EPFL   

**Partner application guideline:

  1. View general information and instructions on ERIP website (application form opens on October 1, 2025)
  2. Complete EPFL online application here by November 30th, 2025, 24h00 CET (Lausanne time)

     Required Documents:

    •      ∗ Curriculum vitae
    •      ∗ Motivation letter 
    •      ∗ Official transcripts 
    •      ∗ Contact details of two references
    •      ∗ Scan of your passport in PDF format
    •      ∗ Choice of three EPFL laboratories 

*Please find detailed requirements about motivation letter, official transcripts, references, and how to find laboratories on EPFL website.*

Learn more about the Summer Research Exchange Program.

Location

Country(ies): Switzerland
City: Lausanne
Institution: University

Status

Accepting Applications: No
Timeline: 12 weeks in average
Run By: CIE
For Credit: APS299Y0 or non-credit

Deadlines: APS299Y0: November 23, 2025
Non-credit: November 30, 2025

Details

Language of Study: English
Level of Study: Undergrad
Subjects Available at Host: Arts and Science, Applied Science and Engineering
Program Type: Research
Tuition & Incidentals: Paid to UofT
Program Fees: No fees
Funding: SREP Award $3000, EPFL scholarship, and possibility of IE Award OR Globalink Research Award

Eligibility

Schools/Faculties: Applied Science and Engineering (Undergrad), Arts and Science (St. George, Undergrad), John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, UTM (Undergrad), UTSC (Undergrad)
Requirements: Top 10% in academic ranking and at least 2 years of study completed by the time of participation