The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland offers world-class short-term research opportunities that can change the careers of bright undergraduate and master’s students. This blog provides all the necessary information for Pakistani students regarding the EPFL Excellence Research Internship Switzerland for Pakistani Students 2026. It discusses various types of programmes, who is eligible to apply, how to apply, when to apply, how to secure funding, how to obtain a visa and how to travel. It also explains how a study-abroad adviser can help.

What is the EPFL Excellence Research Internship?

EPFL’s International Office runs the EPFL Excellence Research Internship Programme (ERIP), which is a short-term research internship in a lab. It puts top students in cutting-edge EPFL research groups for about three months, where they can get supervised research experience, learn about European research culture and often get help with living costs through a scholarship. 

The goal of the programme is to give students a taste of graduate-level research, help them improve their CVs, and get to know professors who could eventually become their supervisors for MSc or PhD studies. EPFL also provides summer research programmes for different universities and fields that are very similar to each other. 

Key Details (Duration, Stipend, Timing, and Deadlines)

Duration: ERIP internships normally last three months, but they may be shorter if they are part of a home-accredited project. Most summer programmes, including E3 and Summer@EPFL, last between 8 and 12 weeks.

Stipend or Paid Internship: EPFL offers a scholarship of excellence (for ERIP) or a living allowance for numerous summer fellowships. For instance, Summer@EPFL says that they will pay you CHF 1,800 a month (pro rata) for living expenses and sometimes even for travel costs. E3 interns also get a monthly allowance to help pay for their housing and living expenses. This is usually a paid internship or one that comes with money to help with living costs. Always check the programme website for details.

Application window and deadline (2026 intake): The applications for the Excellence Research Internship for Summer 2026 open on October 1, 2025, and the EPFL Excellence Research Internship Switzerland 2026 deadline is on November 30, 2025, at 24:00 CET. When you apply, always check that date against the programme page for that programme.

Eligibility — Detailed Checklist

To be eligible for ERIP or other EPFL summer research tracks, you usually need to:

  • You must be in a recognised BSc, BTech or MSc programme and stay a registered student while you are doing your internship. (Undergraduates: normally at least two years of school before starting.)
  • Show that you do well in university (ERIP students usually do well in the top 10%).
  • If your university is a partner, they can nominate you for ERIP. To apply for additional EPFL programmes, go to the programme application portal.
  • Show that you can speak English (this is usually essential, but certain laboratories may also require French or another language).
  • You need to send in a convincing motivation letter and your lab choices (ERIP wants you to pick and explain why you chose three EPFL labs).

Application documents & process

Most applicants for research internships at EPFL need:

  • A CV (curriculum vitae)
  • A letter of motivation that explains your research interests, experience and lab preferences.
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Two academic references’ contact information
  • Scan of your passport
  • A list of the top EPFL labs in order of preference (ERIP asks for three picks and reasons)

Process overview:

  • Nomination (if your home university is a partner in ERIP).
  • You can apply online using EPFL’s hiring portal.
  • Central selection (a shortlist in December for a summer intake) and then interviews and selection at the lab level.

Visa, Arrival, Accommodation and Living in Lausanne

  • Visa: Pakistani citizens need a Schengen (short-stay) visa if the internship lasts less than 90 days. If it lasts longer, they need a Swiss national visa (D) and a residence permit. As soon as you have an admission letter and any scholarship paperwork, start the visa process. EPFL can help you with this and occasionally pays for travel for approved interns.
  • Housing: EPFL Excellence Research Internship Switzerland for Pakistani Students doesn’t always offer summer interns a place to live on campus; the monthly stipend is meant to cover living costs. Look for shared apartments, student housing websites in Lausanne, or ads that are connected to EPFL well in advance.
  • Cost of living: Switzerland is costly; people often say that CHF 1,800–2,000 per month is a reasonable amount to live on. However, this depends on your lifestyle and where you live. Plan for health insurance (which is required), food, transportation and travel every now and then.

Tips specifically for Pakistani applicants

  • Check the status of your home university: If you go to a Pakistani university, make sure that EPFL allows applications from your school for ERIP. If not, you can apply to E3, Summer@EPFL or the life sciences programme, which do accept international students.
  • Make your motivation letter better: EPFL cares a lot about your motivation and how well you fit in with the labs you choose. For each lab you choose, explain why you chose it and how your coursework or projects relate to EPFL research.
  • Secure strong academic referees: Get solid academic references who can talk about your research potential.
  • Get ready for interviews: Labs may do video interviews, so be ready to talk about your technical skills, projects and what you would bring to the table in 8 to 12 weeks.
  • Plan your money and visa early: Get an official acceptance letter straight away and start filling out the visa process.

Importance of a Study Abroad Consultant

A study abroad consultant in Pakistan can be very helpful for internships that are hard to get, like EPFL’s. Consultants can help you choose a programme, examine your application (motivation letter and CV), keep track of deadlines (for nominations and visas), and get ready for the interview. If you’re a Pakistani student who doesn’t know how to apply for a Swiss visa, a consultant can help you avoid blunders that could get you turned down and spare you weeks of waiting. But make sure to use competent advisers and follow the official EPFL recommendations. 

FAQs

Q1: Is the EPFL Excellence Research Internship fully paid?

A1: EPFL usually gives students a scholarship or living allowance (for example, Summer@EPFL lists CHF 1,800/month) and may pay for their travel. For exact amounts, look to the programme page.

Q2: Can I apply directly from a Pakistani university?

A2: Most of the time, applicants for ERIP must come from partner colleges in North America or Singapore. Pakistani students should apply to other EPFL summer programmes that are open to students from different countries.

Q3: What is the application deadline for 2026?

A3: The international portal for EPFL says that applications for Summer 2026 will be open on October 1, 2025 and the ERIP deadline is November 30, 2025. Before you apply always check the official programme page.

Conclusion: 

The EPFL Excellence Research Internship Switzerland for Pakistani Students 2026 is a great chance for talented Pakistani undergraduates and master’s students to get real research experience at one of Europe’s best research universities. Even if ERIP’s tight partner-university requirement turns away some applicants, EPFL’s other programmes are open to overseas students and typically offer financial help. Apply early write a specific motivation letter, gather solid references and swiftly make plans for your visa and housing.