Scholarship Overview
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What Is Summer@EPFL?
Summer@EPFL is a competitive summer research internship programme hosted by the School of Computer and Communication Sciences at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of Europe’s leading technical universities. The programme invites talented international students to spend 8-12 weeks conducting research under the supervision of EPFL faculty members.
For students from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity to gain research experience at a world-class institution without tuition costs, build international academic networks, and strengthen applications for future graduate study or research careers.
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Eligibility Requirements
The programme has strict eligibility criteria. You must meet all of the following:
- Enrolment status: You must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor or Master programme at the time of the fellowship. Students who will have completed their Master’s degree before the summer break are not eligible.
- Academic discipline: The programme is exclusively for students in computer and communication sciences. EPFL runs separate summer programmes for other fields.
- Institution: You must be from an institution other than EPFL. EPFL students should apply to the separate “Summer in the Lab” programme.
- PhD students: Not eligible. PhD candidates must contact faculty directly to arrange independent research visits.
Students from other disciplines with strong demonstrated background in computer or communication sciences (through coursework or projects) may apply, but must clearly explain this in their motivation letter.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The research fellowship provides:
- Full funding for the internship period (specific stipend amount not published)
- Research supervision and mentorship from EPFL faculty
- Administrative support for accommodation guidance
Accommodation: Fellows are responsible for finding their own housing. However, administrative staff typically provide lists of resources (billboards, student residences) and may occasionally offer specific placements. Note that finding accommodation in Lausanne can be challenging, and gender-segregated housing options are extremely limited. If you decline offered accommodation, you will generally need to find your own.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through an online portal. Follow these steps:
- Complete the online form with your current institution and programme details
- Select up to three research domains you wish to contribute to
- Select up to three preferred professors (optional—leave blank if unsure)
- Upload three required documents: CV, transcripts, and motivation letter
Document Specifications
- CV: Standard academic format
- Transcripts: Complete academic record (Bachelor and Master if applicable). Scan paper copies if necessary. Unofficial transcripts from university websites are accepted but may weaken your application. Non-English transcripts require translation (self-translation acceptable).
- Motivation letter: Explain your research interests and why they align with EPFL
- Format: PDF only
Important Application Notes
- GPA format: Enter exactly as shown on your transcript. Do not rescale to 0-100 or 0-4. Use cumulative GPA, not semester or major-only. If no official GPA exists, calculate a credit-weighted average.
- German system: 1.0 is understood as the best grade.
- Current students: Enter current programme details in primary fields; use “Previous” fields for Bachelor data if currently in Master’s.
- Missing programme name: Select the closest match or “other” if none apply.
- Recommendation letters: Not required and not accepted. Do not upload them.
Selection Timeline and Process
There are no predefined projects. Faculty members propose projects directly to admitted candidates after selection, allowing for direct discussion to match research interests.
- First-round selection results: Offers from faculty typically arrive within 4–6 weeks after the deadline
- Final notification: Email sent when selection process closes (if not selected by faculty)
- Do not email to check application status. The volume of applications prevents individual correspondence.
Visa and Immigration
If accepted, EPFL will provide detailed visa procedure instructions. Act promptly on all communications to avoid delays.
Why Apply? Benefits for SADC Students
For Zimbabwean and regional students, Summer@EPFL offers:
- Research experience at a top-20 global institution for computer science
- Exposure to cutting-edge projects in AI, networks, security, and communications
- Letters of recommendation from internationally recognised researchers
- Pathway to EPFL graduate programmes or European research networks
- No tuition or programme fees
Key Deadlines and Dates
- Application deadline: Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 23:39 AOE (Anywhere on Earth)
- Internship period: Summer 2027
The application website typically remains open for document uploads for 24–48 hours after the deadline, but this is not guaranteed. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
Related Opportunities
If ineligible for Summer@EPFL, consider:
- EPFL School of Life Sciences summer programme
- EPFL School of Engineering summer programme
- Partner institution programmes (restricted to specific universities)
- Direct faculty contact for PhD students or independent arrangements
Official scholarship page: https://summer.epfl.ch/apply.html
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
