EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3)

EPFL, Switzerland

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Excellent engineering and science students from universities abroad; you apply online with a CV, transcripts, a motivation letter, a passport copy and up to three lab choices. See the Eligibility and Selection page on eee.epfl.ch for the exact rules.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Hosted by the School of Engineering at EPFL in Lausanne, the E3 (Excellence in Engineering) Program offers intensive 8-to-12-week summer research internships in world-leading laboratories covering robotics, photonics, bioengineering, materials science, smart grids, and nanoelectronics. Fellows are integrated directly into EPFL research groups, receive a generous Swiss living allowance, and participate in Alpine social events and scientific seminars.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Excellent engineering and science students from universities abroad; you apply online with a CV, transcripts, a motivation letter, a passport copy and up to three lab choices. See the Eligibility and Selection page on eee.epfl.ch for the exact rules.
2. Note the deadline. Sep – Nov (annual; the portal for summer 2027 closes on 1 Nov 2026 at 23:55 Swiss time, results by mid-March 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Motivation Letter (Max 1 Page): Concise statement detailing your experimental or computational background and how it aligns with your top 3 selected EPFL engineering laboratories.; Official University Transcripts: Transcripts showing top-decile GPA across core mathematics, physics, and engineering subjects.; Curriculum Vitae: 1–2 page academic CV highlighting lab instrumentation, cleanroom, CAD, or coding skills.; Two Reference Letters: Uploaded by academic professors following the online application submission..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic Ranking & GPA Triage → Lab-Specific Review by EPFL Principal Investigators (Dec–Jan) → Direct Lab Offer Notifications by late February.

Profile of past winners

Hands-on engineering students with top grades and prior undergraduate lab or design-team experience who apply before the early December 1 cutoff.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3)?

Excellent engineering and science students from universities abroad; you apply online with a CV, transcripts, a motivation letter, a passport copy and up to three lab choices. See the Eligibility and Selection page on eee.epfl.ch for the exact rules.

What does EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3) cover?

A summer research internship in an EPFL lab - see the E3 website for the current funding terms

When is the deadline for EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3)?

Sep – Nov (annual; the portal for summer 2027 closes on 1 Nov 2026 at 23:55 Swiss time, results by mid-March 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3)?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3)?

Motivation Letter (Max 1 Page): Concise statement detailing your experimental or computational background and how it aligns with your top 3 selected EPFL engineering laboratories.; Official University Transcripts: Transcripts showing top-decile GPA across core mathematics, physics, and engineering subjects.; Curriculum Vitae: 1–2 page academic CV highlighting lab instrumentation, cleanroom, CAD, or coding skills.; Two Reference Letters: Uploaded by academic professors following the online application submission..

How are applicants selected for EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3)?

Academic Ranking & GPA Triage → Lab-Specific Review by EPFL Principal Investigators (Dec–Jan) → Direct Lab Offer Notifications by late February.

How much work is the EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program (E3) application?

Very High: EPFL E3 Portal Application + Lab Choice Ranking (up to 3 EPFL Labs) + Motivation Letter + Transcripts + 2 Reference Letters