TheEPFL Excellence Fellowships 2026 are prestigious, fully funded scholarships offered by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, designed to attract outstanding international students for master’s degree programs. These fellowships provide financial support of up to CHF 10,000 per semester, along with reserved accommodation, aiming to reward academic excellence and foster innovation.

Basic Information about the Fellowships

The EPFL Excellence Fellowships target students enrolling in master’s programs at EPFL, one of Europe’s leading technical universities. The scholarship offers funding for up to four semesters (typically 1.5 to 2 years depending on the program). The application deadlines for the 2026 academic year are December 15, 2025 (first round) and March 31, 2026 (second round). The scholarships are open worldwide to candidates with exceptional academic records who hold a bachelor’s degree related to the chosen master’s program.

Purpose

• Awarded to outstanding Master’s students.
• Based on:
  • Academic excellence
  • Strong qualifications & motivation
  • Extracurricular achievements (sports, arts, civic work, entrepreneurship)
• Includes guaranteed housing (for external students).

Objective of the Fellowship

• Allow students to focus on Master’s studies.
• Encourage internships & career exploration.
• Promote excellence and diversity.
• Support cross-disciplinary skill development.

University/Institution Details

EPFL is located in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is renowned for its diverse student body representing over 120 nationalities. The university is committed to teaching, research, and technology transfer with strong collaborations across academia, industry, and public sectors. EPFL offers a stimulating and dynamic environment for students, making it a top choice for advanced technical education in Europe.​

Study Areas (Available Programs)

The fellowship supports a wide range of master’s programs at EPFL, which include but are not limited to:

• Architecture
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Engineering disciplines
• Computer and Communication Sciences
• Basic Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Management of Technology
• College of Humanities and EPFL Middle East programs

These programs typically last between 1.5 to 2 years depending on the credit requirements.​

EPFL Excellence Fellowships Benefits

Recipients of the EPFL Excellence Fellowships receive comprehensive support including:

• CHF 10,000 per semester (up to 4 semesters).
  • Maximum: 4 semesters
  • Covers:
    • 2–3 semesters of coursework
    • 1 semester for the Master’s project
• Includes reserved student housing (external candidates only).
• Certificate of excellence after graduation.
• Covers Master’s duration + project semester.
• Fellowship paid into a Swiss bank/postal account.
• Cannot be combined with other major scholarships.

The fellowship is valid for a maximum of four semesters. However, students are responsible for their living expenses, which are not included in the fellowship.​

Benefits Not Included

While the fellowship covers a significant portion of costs, it does not include:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Rent
• Payment sent to a Swiss bank/postal account.

Eligibility Criteria for EPFL Excellence Fellowships

To qualify for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships, applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the chosen master’s program at EPFL
  • Anyone applying to a Master’s program at EPFL.
  • External students (Bachelor’s from abroad).
  • EPFL Bachelor students (same or different field).
• Demonstrate outstanding academic excellence with strong recommendation letters
• Be fluent in English (documents and programs are in English, French, German, or Italian)
• Not already possess a master’s degree in the same or similar field
• Be international students from any country (including Switzerland).
• Not Eligible
  • Students who already have a Master’s degree.
  • Students currently enrolled in a Master’s at EPFL.
  • Cannot combine with other major scholarships.​

Selection Process:

• Initial screening by academic sections.
• Final decision by Excellence Fellowships Committee.
• Results:
  • April (1st round)
  • June (2nd round)
• If selected student declines, offered to waiting list candidate.

Renewal Conditions (2nd year):

• Must:
  • Achieve minimum average 5.0/6
  • Earn at least 50 ECTS credits
  • Only study-plan courses count.
  • No exceptions for failing requirements.

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants need to prepare and submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of academic diplomas (or proof of pending diplomas)
• Official university transcripts
• A motivation letter (up to 1,000 words) detailing academic background and career goals
• Three academic recommendation letters submitted electronically by referees
• Copy of passport or identity card
• For Swiss residents, a copy of the residence permit
  Optional but helpful documents may include TOEFL or GRE scores, research publications, and portfolios for specific fields like architecture.​

EPFL Excellence Fellowships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Register online through the EPFL official application portal.
2. Complete the master’s degree application form and tick the box for Excellence Fellowship consideration.
3. Upload all required documents including CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and diploma copies.
4. Arrange for three academic referees to submit their recommendation letters electronically.
5. Submit your application before the deadline (December 15 or March 31).
6. Await notification from EPFL and confirm acceptance if awarded by the specified deadline.

For External Candidates (Bachelor’s from abroad):

• External Candidates (Bachelor from abroad)
• Apply via EPFL online Master application.
• Tick the box for excellence fellowship.
• No extra documents required.

For Internal Candidates (Bachelor’s from EPFL):

• EPFL Students (Same Field)
  • Apply directly to section + copy to [email protected]
  • No IS-Academia application required.
• EPFL Students (Changing Field)
  • Apply via EPFL online Master application.
  • Tick fellowship box.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Maintain a strong academic record; excellent grades are critical.
• Clearly articulate your motivation, career goals, and unique qualifications in the motivation letter.
• Secure recommendation letters from professors familiar with your academic work and potential.
• Apply early to avoid last-minute issues with document submission.
• Highlight any research, entrepreneurship, or extracurricular achievements.
• Ensure all documents are in English, French, German, or Italian and properly certified.​

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students

Living in Switzerland can be costly. Estimated monthly expenses in USD for international students in Lausanne include:

• Rent (student residence): $800 – $1,200
• Food: $300 – $450
• Transport: $70 – $100
• Health insurance: $100 – $150
• Miscellaneous personal expenses: $150 – $250
  Total average monthly living cost: approximately $1,500 to $2,150.​

Why Choose This Fellowship?

1. Generous Financial Support: CHF 10,000 per semester significantly eases tuition and accommodation costs.
2. Prestigious Institution: EPFL ranks among Europe’s top technical universities with a strong international reputation.
3. Diverse Study Fields: Wide selection of master’s programs in cutting-edge scientific and technical fields.
4. Global Networking: EPFL’s international community includes students and faculty from 120+ countries.
5. Career and Research Opportunities: Access to world-class research facilities and industry collaborations.
6. Certificate of Excellence: Recognized credential enhancing academic and professional profiles.​

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
  No, applicants who already hold a master’s in the same or similar field are not eligible.
• Do I need to submit TOEFL or GRE scores?
  These are optional and do not impact the fellowship decision.
• Is living allowance included?
  No, students must cover their living expenses.
• Are recommendation letters required?
  Yes, three academic references submitted electronically.
• What are the application deadlines?
  December 15, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
• Is this scholarship only for Swiss nationals?
  No, it is open to all international students.
• More FAQs

Application Deadline:

External Candidates (Bachelor from abroad)

• 1st Round: December 15
• 2nd Round: March 31

EPFL Students (Same Field)

• 1st Round: January 31
• 2nd Round: April 15

EPFL Students (Changing Field)

• 1st Round: December 15
  • Recommendation letters deadline: January 31
• 2nd Round: March 31
  • Recommendation letters deadline: April 15

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The EPFL Excellence Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland offer a remarkable chance for high-achieving students to pursue world-class education in a vibrant and diverse academic setting with substantial financial support. Applying with careful preparation and attention to detail can open doors to a transformative educational experience.