EPFL Excellence Fellowship

The EPFL Excellence Fellowship is a prestigious merit award from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, one of Europe’s top science and technology universities. It is designed to attract outstanding students to begin a master’s degree at EPFL, rewarding those with remarkable academic results who also stand out through extracurricular achievements in areas such as sport, the arts, civic life, or entrepreneurship.

EPFL, based in Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva, is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions for engineering and technology. Its community spans more than 120 nationalities, and the university is known for cutting-edge research, strong industry links, and a campus culture built around innovation and technology transfer. A master’s from EPFL is highly regarded by employers and research institutions worldwide.

The fellowship is worth CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters, which can total around CHF 40,000 across a standard master’s. The funding usually covers the taught semesters of the master’s cycle plus one semester for the master’s project. External candidates also receive a guaranteed room in a student residence, and all holders receive a certificate of excellence on graduation. It is important to understand that the fellowship is financial support towards your studies and living costs, but it does not pay tuition fees or rent, which remain your responsibility.

Applying is simple and open to candidates of any nationality. There is no separate form: you apply to one EPFL master’s programme through the online application and tick the box asking to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship. Most applicants provide two recommendation letters submitted directly by their referees. Selection is handled by the Excellence Fellowships Committee after an initial screening by the academic sections. There are two application rounds each year, aligned with the master’s deadlines, and the fellowship can be renewed for the second year provided you earn at least 50 ECTS credits and maintain an average of 5.0 out of 6. For talented students aiming for a world-class technical master’s in Switzerland, this is a flagship opportunity.

• Applying to, or about to begin, a master's programme at EPFL; open to candidates of any nationality.
• Outstanding academic record; selection is based on academic excellence, qualifications, and motivation.
• Distinction through extracurricular activities (for example sporting, artistic, civic, or entrepreneurial achievements) is valued.
• You may apply for only one master's programme per year.
• Not eligible if you already hold, or are already enrolled in, a master's degree in the same or a similar field.
• TOEFL or GRE scores are welcome but optional and do not affect the fellowship decision.

• CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters (up to about CHF 40,000 across a standard master's).
• Funding covers the taught master's semesters plus one semester for the master's project (three to four semesters depending on programme).
• Guaranteed room in a student residence for external candidates.
• Certificate of excellence on completion of the master's degree.
• Renewable for the second year on strong results (at least 50 ECTS credits and an overall average of 5.0 out of 6).
• May be combined with limited additional funding, which must be declared. Note: the fellowship does not cover tuition fees or rent.

• EPFL online master's application with the excellence-fellowship box ticked (no separate form required).
• Academic transcripts and diploma(s), or proof you will obtain your degree before enrolment.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivation or cover letter (typically up to 1,000 words) describing your background and career plans.
• Two recommendation letters submitted directly by your referees (some EPFL, ETH Zurich, or Swiss bachelor holders are exempt).
• Passport or official identity document.

• Choose one EPFL master's programme and prepare your admission application online.
• Tick the box asking to also be considered for an Excellence Fellowship; no separate application is needed.
• Ensure your referees submit their recommendation letters directly through the system.
• Submit by the relevant round deadline, which aligns with the master's application (around 15 December for round 1 or 31 March for round 2).
• Results are notified in early April (round 1) or early to mid June (round 2).
• If selected, confirm your place; note that deferring admission means losing the fellowship.