Explore EPFL Excellence Fellowships in Switzerland for international students. Get CHF 10,000 per semester, housing support, eligibility criteria, deadlines, benefits, and application process.
Overview of EPFL Excellence Fellowships
What if you could study at one of Europe’s top-ranked engineering and technology universities while receiving a prestigious scholarship worth thousands of Swiss Francs each semester? The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are among the most competitive master’s scholarships in Switzerland, designed to attract exceptional students from around the world.
Offered by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), these fellowships reward academic excellence, leadership potential, innovation, entrepreneurship, research achievements, and societal contributions. Besides generous financial support, successful applicants also receive guaranteed housing, making the transition to life in Switzerland significantly easier. EPFL evaluates not only grades but also extracurricular achievements, giving talented students a chance to stand out beyond academics.
EPFL Excellence Fellowships Program Details
- Host Organization: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Study Destination: Switzerland
- Funded By: EPFL Student Support Program and Private Donors
- Application Portal Link: Official Link
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based Fellowship
- Number of Scholarships: Limited Number
- Maximum Funding: CHF 10,000 per Semester
- Study Level: Master’s
- Duration: Up to 4 Semesters
- Application Deadline: December 15 and March 31 (International Applicants)
- Program Start: September Intake
- Eligible Nationalities: All Nationalities
- Funding Nature: Partially Funded Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria for EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Applicants must:
- Apply for an eligible EPFL Master’s program.
- Possess an outstanding academic record.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and extracurricular achievements.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected Master’s program.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Be applying for a first Master’s degree.
- Show strong motivation and academic excellence.
- International students are eligible to apply.
Applicants are not eligible if:
- They already hold a Master’s degree.
- They are already enrolled in an EPFL Master’s program and seek funding only for the second year.
Eligible Study Fields and Master’s Programs at EPFL
Engineering and Technology Programs
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Cyber Security
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
- Microengineering
- Energy Science and Technology
- Communication Systems
Natural Sciences Programs
- Physics
- Applied Physics
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Life Sciences Programs
- Life Sciences Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Bioengineering
- Computational Biology
Environmental and Sustainability Programs
- Environmental Engineering
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Environmental Sciences
Architecture and Built Environment Programs
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Urban Systems
Management and Interdisciplinary Programs
- Financial Engineering
- Management, Technology and Entrepreneurship
- Digital Humanities
EPFL offers approximately 29 Master’s programs across its faculties and colleges.
Application Requirements for EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Applicants must submit:
- Passport copy
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (if required by the Master’s program)
- Language certificates (optional depending on program)
- Additional supporting documents
External candidates do not need a separate scholarship application. They only need to select the Excellence Fellowship option during the Master’s application process.
Language Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the language requirements of their chosen Master’s program.
EPFL may consider:
- English proficiency
- Academic background
- Previous education language
IELTS Requirements
Whether EPFL Excellence Fellowships require IELTS.
The answer is:
- IELTS is not mandatory for the scholarship itself.
- TOEFL and GRE scores are welcome but not compulsory.
- Language requirements depend on the selected Master’s program.
Many international students successfully study abroad without IELTS in countries such as:
when alternative English proficiency evidence is accepted.
Is Supervisor Required?
- No.
Applicants do not need to secure a supervisor before applying for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship.
The fellowship is awarded alongside admission into an EPFL Master’s program. Students may later work with professors and research groups depending on their academic pathway.
Benefits of EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Financial Benefits
- CHF 10,000 per semester
- Funding for up to four semesters
- Merit-based financial support
- Reduced financial burden during studies
- Support for academic and professional development
Can I defer admission and keep the scholarship?
No. Deferred admission results in losing the fellowship offer.
Additional Benefits
- Guaranteed student housing for external candidates
- Certificate of Excellence upon graduation
- Access to world-class research facilities
- International networking opportunities
- Enhanced employability
- Opportunities for internships and industry collaboration
- Exposure to Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem
- Access to leading multinational companies and startups
EPFL specifically provides housing support for external scholarship recipients.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
There is no officially published minimum GPA for selection, but successful candidates typically have exceptional academic records.
Program Duration, Timeline & Selection Process
The fellowship typically covers:
- 90-credit Master’s programs: Up to 3 semesters
- 120-credit Master’s programs: Up to 4 semesters
Renewal Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 5.0/6.0
- At least 50 ECTS credits completed during the first year
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Select an EPFL Master’s program.
- Complete the online Master’s application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Check the Excellence Fellowship box.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for departmental evaluation.
- Applications are reviewed by the Excellence Fellowships Committee.
- Receive admission and scholarship results.
- Confirm acceptance.
- Begin studies at EPFL.
Application Deadline & Important Dates
External Candidates
- First Round Deadline: December 15
- Second Round Deadline: March 31
Internal EPFL Candidates
- First Round Deadline: January 31
- Second Round Deadline: April 15
Scholarship Result Dates
- First Round Results: Beginning of April
- Second Round Results: Early to Mid-June
Participating Universities
| Institution | Country |
|---|---|
| École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) | Switzerland |
The fellowship is exclusively available for Master’s programs offered by EPFL.
Why Apply for This Program?
- Study in Switzerland
- World-class education
- Prestigious scholarship
- CHF 10,000 per semester
- Guaranteed housing support
- Strong global reputation
- Career development opportunities
- International student community
- Research and innovation exposure
- Access to European job markets
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Missing application deadlines
- Forgetting to tick the fellowship selection box
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Weak motivation letter
- Ignoring extracurricular achievements
- Failing to highlight leadership experience
- Not demonstrating academic excellence
- Waiting until the final day to apply
Salary and Career Opportunities After EPFL
EPFL graduates are among the highest-paid graduates in Europe.
Average annual salaries vary by sector:
- Engineering: CHF 80,000–120,000+
- Data Science: CHF 90,000–140,000+
- Artificial Intelligence: CHF 100,000–150,000+
- Finance and Quantitative Fields: CHF 100,000–180,000+
These figures depend on experience, industry, and location.
EPFL Excellence Fellowships Acceptance Rate
EPFL does not officially publish the fellowship acceptance rate.
- The fellowship is highly competitive.
- Only a limited number of awards are available.
- Community discussions suggest approximately 30–35 scholarships may be awarded annually.
Estimated acceptance rates are generally believed to be below 10%.
Apply Now to Secure Your Future in Switzerland
EPFL Excellence Fellowships represent one of the most prestigious Master’s funding opportunities in Europe for outstanding international students. With financial support of CHF 10,000 per semester, guaranteed housing, access to world-leading laboratories, and study opportunities in Switzerland’s innovation-driven environment, the fellowship provides an exceptional platform for academic and professional success. If you have an outstanding academic profile, leadership experience, research achievements, entrepreneurial activities, or strong community involvement, this scholarship can significantly strengthen your global career prospects. Because the competition is intense and only a limited number of fellowships are awarded each year, early preparation and a compelling application are essential.
