Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer in the Lab Internship Program

The Summer in the Lab internship program is a unique opportunity for EPFL students to join a research internship program and spend their summer in one of the School’s labs. Between June and September, students can enhance their practical experience and undertake real research with distinguished professors.

Program Objectives

The program aims at creating a bridge between education and research by offering 2nd or 3rd year EPFL Bachelor’s students a summer internship that will sharpen their focus, strengthen their CV, and allow them to immerse themselves in real research.

Program Details

• The application period for internships taking place in summer 2026 is open from October 1 to November 30, 2025.
• The program is a selective internship program with about 25 EPFL students each summer.
• The internship lasts eight weeks between June and September, with exact dates to be determined with the lab.
• A total scholarship of CHF 4,000 is provided to candidates selected.
• The program includes a transversal skills development training program tailored to scientists.
• The program concludes with a public presentation of the interns’ work during a research symposium.
• An official certificate of completion of the Summer in the Lab Excellence Program is conferred with the Bachelor’s degree.

Program Benefits

The Summer in the Lab internship program is a unique chance to:

• Discover or confirm interest in research
• Obtain a real taste of the challenges and accomplishments linked to scientific research
• Understand what a research career entails and prepare for it
• Expand knowledge, learn new techniques, and develop new skills
• Gain experience in a cutting-edge lab and boost career prospects
• Work and interact with first-rate researchers

Why Choose This Program?

As a participant of the Summer in the Lab internship program, students will spend two months in an EPFL lab of their choice. The School has around 500 cutting-edge labs and research groups across science, technology, and engineering, giving students the opportunity to explore their interests with dedicated mentors.

Calendar and Timeline

• The full-time internship lasts eight weeks between June and September.
• The exact start and finish dates are to be agreed with the lab.
• The internship takes place on-site in the agreed EPFL lab, which is located either in Lausanne (main campus) or in one of the associated campuses in Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Geneva, or Sion.
• The Summer in the Lab program includes two compulsory interpersonal training workshops.
• The program concludes with a research symposium in September, attended by all interns and their supervisors.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the specified requirements and prepare their application accordingly. The program is open to 2nd or 3rd year EPFL Bachelor’s students.

Research Internship

The research internship is an eight-week internship in an EPFL laboratory, where students can dive into the world of research and gain hands-on experience.

Workshops

The program includes transversal skills trainings, where students can develop key competences in leadership and scientific communication.

Student Support Program

The Summer in the Lab program is an initiative of the Student Support Program, an EPFL philanthropic opportunity supporting students in their personal and professional development. It is part of the axis Equip talent, allowing the next generation to stretch and enhance their transferable skills while consolidating their academic knowledge.