École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - Research Internship

Arts, Applied Science, Science

About the program

Program dates: Flexible start dates lasting 3-4 months

EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) in Switzerland is a practical, innovative and formative program providing hands-on research in a lab, on pioneer projects for intensive academic and professional experience gain.

EPFL offers research experiences of three to four months in cutting-edge laboratories. Selected candidates will benefit from EPFL’s outstanding facilities for research while enjoying the School’s vibrant campus situated in a breathtaking setting on the shores of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. Lausanne is a small town with plenty to offer to night owls, culture buffs, gourmets or daydreamers. It is also a perfect base camp for weekend excursions to attractions in Switzerland or to European capitals.

Research areas

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Life Sciences

See program details

Eligibility requirements

General Research Abroad eligibility

  • You must have at least a 70% average in your most recent academic term of full-time studies prior to application. We are looking at your Term 1 (Fall term) grades for summer research abroad experiences
  • You should have full-time student status as defined by your faculty in the year prior to your research abroad experience
  • You need to be a UBC student in good standing (e.g., not be under academic or non-academic discipline)
  • You must maintain a 70% average prior to your exchange departure

Program-specific requirements

  • Be a 3rd or 4th year student in any of the above disciplines by the time you begin the program. Graduate students may also apply.
  • Students must return to UBC for one term following the program
  • Program is very competitive, Go Global encourages students with a cumulative average of 75% or higher apply
  • Be willing to commit to a research experience that is at least 3 months long in average
  • Meet any additional lab project requirements 

Accessibility 

If you are considering applying for a Go Global program and you identify as having a disability or pre-existing health condition, you are encouraged to discuss any disability-related barriers with The Centre for Accessibility to enhance your full participation in the program.

The Centre for Accessibility (Vancouver) 

Disability Resource Centre (Okanagan) 

Transfer credit 

UBC does not recognize credit for research abroad programs and does not grant transfer credit for these experiences. If a partner university offers credit for your Research Abroad program, save the transcript or certificate of completion for your future records. 

How to apply

As soon as you submit your application to Go Global, you will be contacted by the advisor with instructions for next steps. You can apply to Go Global well in advance of the deadline to get a headstart on the rest of your application.

1. Apply to Go Global once you’ve identified programs you're interested in
  • Submit your Go Global application online. You can apply for up to 3 programs on one application.
  • Go Global will contact you within 2 weeks of submission with instructions on how to apply to the partner and an electronic copy of your UBC transcript.
2. Apply directly to the partner university
  • Each research program will have detailed instructions on how to apply and strict submission deadlines.
  • All research programs will need supporting documents that typically include:
    • Academic references (1 – 3)
    • Letter of intent
    • Curriculum vitae
    • UBC transcript

Application deadline

 November 14, 2023

Program costs and fees

In addition to paying the Go Global fee following the Go Global deadline, students are responsible for the cost of travel and living associated with participating in this program. See more information on program and living costs while at EPFL.

Housing is not guaranteed for participants. Students are encouraged to contact the EPFL Housing Office once they have received confirmation of acceptance for assistance. Find more information about housing for the program.

Awards and funding for Research Abroad

Go Global Research Abroad Award: $1,000 per research experience

Eligibility requirements

All students accepted into a research abroad program, through Go Global, will be considered for this award. A separate application is not required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, then you will be notified of your award near the start of the summer term.

To be eligible for the award, you must have an average of at least 70% on your best 24 credits in the Winter Session of the previous year (with no failed or incomplete courses).

If you were on a co-op work term, you must have at least 70% on your best 12 credits in the other term. 

You will be automatically considered for the award, so you will not need to apply separately.

Partner university funding

Excellence scholarship: a scholarship of CHF1,600 per month (pro rata to the actual duration) will be awarded to all candidates selected for an internship. The Excellence scholarship is considered as a living allowance to cover the intern’s housing and minimum living expenses. Therefore, it is only granted to those who spend their internship in-person in Switzerland.

Go Global fee and withdrawal policy

The Go Global Fee ($415.00 CDN) is an administrative fee required for all applicants to Go Global programs. The fee is non-refundable. However, it may be adjusted under the following circumstances.

If you are not matched to a partner university

You are eligible to have your Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $93.25 (reduced by $321.75) if:

  • You have applied to Go Global but do not meet our minimum eligibility requirements

  • Go Global cannot match you to a partner university

  • The partner university does not accept your application and Go Global cannot find another option

If you withdraw from Go Global

To withdraw from your Go Global, research abroad program, you must contact Go Global to request a withdrawal. You will then be asked to complete a short withdrawal form. 

Students who withdraw from a Go Global Research Abroad Program by March 30th will have their Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $321.75 (reduced by $93.25). 

If you have questions or would like to request a withdrawal, please connect with your Go Global advisor or contact Go Global here.

Pre-Departure policy

UBC is committed to preparing students for safe and successful international experiences. In order to achieve this, any student participating in a Go Global Program must complete the following:

Failure to successfully complete these and any other requirements may result in withdrawal from the Go Global Program.

Contact

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS HERE 

In-person and Virtual Drop-in advising hours

  • Tuesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Go Global offers both in-person and virtual drop-in advising through Zoom during the times listed above.