École Polytechnique Research Program for International Talents 2026
École polytechnique’s Research Program for International Talents
The Research Program for International Talents at École Polytechnique (France) offers a prestigious opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from partner universities to complete a 3- to 6-month research internship in one of the institution's 23 cutting-edge laboratories. This program is designed to immerse students in a high-level research environment under the supervision of a dedicated scientist.
1. Program Details
- Duration: 3 to 6 months.
- Dates: Flexible start dates between June 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
- Research Subjects: 45 topics available across 16 fields (including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Mechanics, Physics, etc.). [View Subjects List]
- Labs: 23 laboratories at l'X.
2. Eligibility Criteria
- Level of Study:
- Undergraduate students (3rd or 4th year Bachelor’s).
- Graduate students (Master’s).
- PhD students.
- Enrollment: Must be a registered student at IIT Madras during the entire duration of the internship.
- Language: Proficiency in English or French is required (no official certificate necessary).
3. Financial Support & Accommodation
- Monthly Stipend: A gratuity ranging from €550 to €750 per month (amount depends on cost of living factors). This covers accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
- Health Coverage: Included in the stipend.
- Travel Support: Round-trip airfare may be covered for students from specific countries (as a flat amount).
- Accommodation: Assistance provided by the International Affairs Office (DRI) to reserve on-campus housing (dorm rooms), subject to availability.
- Visa Assistance: Support provided for obtaining a visa and residency permit (carte de séjour).
4. Selection Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Internal Nomination (Deadline: 30 December 2025)
Students must first be nominated by the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) at IIT Madras. To apply for nomination, email the following details to arvindhan@ge.iitm.ac.in:
- Email Body Details:
- Full Name (as per Passport)
- Roll No.
- Date of Birth
- Department
- Year & Semester (e.g., 3rd Year, 6th Sem)
- Current CGPA
- Required Attachments:
- CV / Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) indicating research interests
- Official Transcript
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Department
- Faculty Advisor Approval
Step 2: OGE Evaluation & Nomination (Deadline: 12 January 2026)
OGE will evaluate applications and send the official list of nominated students to École Polytechnique by January 12th.
Step 3: Online Application (Deadline: 19 January 2026)
Once nominated, students must immediately apply directly on the host's online platform: [Apply Here].
- Required Actions on Portal:
- Fill the application form.
- Upload CV, Transcript, and SOP.
- Select up to 3 research subjects.
- Provide 2 Reference Letters:
- You must provide contact details for two referees.
- At least one referee must be a teacher/professor/lecturer/academic supervisor in science/mathematics at your current institution.
- A recommendation form will be sent directly and immediately to the referees once you enter their details.
- Important: Letters sent by applicants themselves, or written by family/friends, will not be accepted.
- Validity: Double-check email addresses. École Polytechnique is not responsible for undelivered forms. If a referee is unavailable, you may modify details and choose a new referee.
5. Timeline
- Internal Nomination Deadline (Student to OGE): 30 December 2025
- Official Nomination Deadline (OGE to Host): 12 January 2026
- Online Application Deadline (Student to Host): 19 January 2026