École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland is Europe’s most international technical university. It currently hosts international students from over 120 countries which comprise 85% of its student population. The university opened in November 1853, offering lessons in Architecture, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Drawing, Mathematics, and Physics. It has since evolved into the outstanding university it is now, which focuses on teaching, research, and innovation.
Many prospective students and potential faculty members and staff refer to world rankings when selecting a university to enter. EFPL is an ideal destination for international students and professors because the university has ranked high in the past fifteen years. The university also has a good reputation for diversity and inclusion. Respect and equality are integral parts of the university’s values. Here, we will be going over some of the scholarships at EFPL for international students. EFPL offers a safe space for its students and staff to learn and grow regardless of their gender preferences and race.
Related Scholarships
How do I apply to École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Scholarships?
Studying at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne offers an opportunity for international students to immerse in a highly competitive environment for research and innovation in preparation for the competitive industries around the world.
Living in Switzerland may prove challenging for international students from developing countries because of the high cost of living. Because of this, EPFL offers various kinds of scholarships for different situations. Need-based scholarships and excellence scholarships are available for both domestic and international students.
Need-based scholarships require applicants to submit a motivation letter and supporting documents as proof of financial difficulty.
Excellence scholarships are available to students who can provide proof of excellent academic achievement. These scholarships are very competitive, so applicants must prepare an updated CV that clearly shows details relevant to the program they want to enter. Applicants must also write motivation letters and secure recommendation letters that meet the requirements and expectations of the scholarship committee.
Applicants for the Bachelor’s Degree programs at EPFL must obtain C1 in French according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You may find more admission information here.
Master’s Degree program applicants must obtain level C1 in English because English is the medium of instruction for most courses. Accepted applicants will also receive an intensive French language course four weeks before the start of the program. You can check the guidelines here.
Ph.D. program applicants must prepare a research proposal relevant to the field of study and future career plans. You may find admission requirements and criteria on this page.
International students who need a student visa to study in Switzerland must apply for one early because the processing time may take three months.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Scholarships for International Students
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: varies depending on the country of origin
- Degrees Offered: Doctoral
International students who hold a Master’s Degree and want to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Switzerland may apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, one of the scholarships available at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The value of the scholarship varies depending on the applicants’ country of origin.
Applicants must research about the university they want to enter and reach out to a prospective research supervisor. Once the applicants submit a research proposal to a university professor and reach an agreement, they may ask for a recommendation letter for the scholarship application.
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) awards this scholarship based on three criteria: the applicant’s profile, the quality of the research proposal, and the potential for future research cooperation.
2. Excellence Fellowship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: CHF8,000 per semester
- Degrees Offered: Master
Students applying for their first Master’s Degree at EPFL may apply for an Excellence Fellowship award. Recipients of other scholarships may not be eligible for this award.
New students at EPFL may receive an allowance worth CHF8,000 per semester for a maximum of two years. Internal applicants who earned their Bachelor’s Degree at EFPL may receive CHF5,000 per year for two years.
New applicants must apply for this EPFL scholarship through the same page for the Master’s Degree. Internal applicants usually receive an invitation from their department to apply for the fellowship award. They may apply to the department if they don’t receive an invitation.
3. EPFL Social Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: depends on the annual budget
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor, Master
International students in their second year at EFPL who experience an unforeseen financial difficulty may apply for the EFPL social scholarship. However, they still need to pay for the tuition fees by themselves.
EPFL and the Students’ Foundation (FEE) set an amount annually to pay for the social scholarship grants. They prioritize students from developing countries and third countries. The scholarship is valid for ten months. Recipients may apply for renewal in case their economic status does not improve.
To qualify for this École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne scholarship, applicants must display success in their first year of studies and show proof of the change in economic status, which resulted in the difficulty in financing their studies. Applicants may access more information by visiting this link.
4. Cantonal Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: depends on the canton
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor
International students whose parents have lived in Switzerland for at least five years may apply for a cantonal scholarship. Students from EU/EFTA member countries, refugees, and stateless individuals may also apply for this scholarship.
The value of the allowance depends on the competent canton. This scholarship available at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne is applicable for qualified applicants with good records. Interested applicants may find more information here.
5. Orlando Lauti Foundation
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: depends on the foundation
- Degrees Offered: Master’s in Architecture of Civil Engineering
Second-year university students at EPFL may apply for a scholarship from the Orlando Lauti Foundation. Students of any nationality may apply, but the foundation gives priority to Swiss or Italian students. The scholarship is valid for one to two semesters.
Many foundations work with EPFL to provide grants for students who are in need. You may find a list of foundations and scholarships on this page.
