The EPFL Excellence Scholarship offers outstanding international and domestic students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at one of Europe’s leading universities. Designed to recognise academic excellence and exceptional achievements beyond the classroom, the scholarship provides generous financial support, guaranteed student housing for eligible candidates and the chance to study at the renowned École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.
The EPFL Excellence Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to students with excellent academic records, strong motivation and achievements in areas such as research, entrepreneurship, leadership, sports, arts or community service. It allows recipients to focus on their studies while building valuable academic and professional experience in an internationally recognised institution.
EPFL Excellence Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the EPFL Excellence Scholarship will receive several benefits, including:
- CHF 10,000 per semester.
- Funding for up to four semesters, depending on the Master’s programme.
- Guaranteed reservation of a room in a student residence for external candidates.
- A Certificate of Excellence upon successful completion of the Master’s programme.
- The flexibility to focus on studies while pursuing internships, research and professional development opportunities.
Please note that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees, accommodation costs or other living expenses. Students are expected to manage these expenses independently.
Eligibility Criteria for the EPFL Excellence Scholarship
To be considered for the EPFL Excellence Scholarship, applicants must:
- Apply for an eligible full-time Master’s programme at EPFL.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
- Show strong qualifications and motivation.
- Apply to only one Master’s programme during the admission cycle.
- Not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Not currently be enrolled in a Master’s programme at EPFL.
The scholarship is open to both EPFL graduates and students who completed their Bachelor’s degree at other recognised universities.
Selection Process
The EPFL Excellence Scholarship is awarded after a competitive evaluation process.
Applications are first reviewed by the relevant academic sections before being assessed by the Excellence Fellowships Committee. Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence.
- Quality of previous qualifications.
- Motivation.
- Research achievements, publications or awards.
- Entrepreneurial activities.
- Leadership experience.
- Civic engagement and extracurricular achievements.
Successful candidates for the first selection round are normally notified in early April, while second-round results are released between early and mid-June.
If a selected applicant declines the scholarship or fails to confirm admission, the award is offered to another candidate on the waiting list.
Renewal Conditions
The EPFL Excellence Scholarship can be renewed for the second year of the Master’s programme provided students maintain excellent academic performance.
To remain eligible, scholarship holders must:
- Achieve a minimum weighted average of 5.0 out of 6.0.
- Earn at least 50 ECTS credits during the first year, excluding internships, language courses, admission courses and courses outside the approved study plan.
Students who do not meet these requirements will not receive scholarship renewal.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents when applying for admission:
- Completed Master’s application form.
- Academic transcripts.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of completion.
- Motivation letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Any additional documents required by the selected Master’s programme.
Applicants should also include evidence of research achievements, awards, leadership activities, entrepreneurial experience or community involvement where applicable, as these strengthen the scholarship application.
How to Apply for the EPFL Excellence Scholarship
There is no separate scholarship application portal.
Applicants simply need to apply for admission to an eligible EPFL Master’s programme and indicate that they wish to be considered for the EPFL Excellence Scholarship by selecting the appropriate option on the online application form.
Applicants must also upload all required supporting documents before the application deadline. Internal EPFL students continuing within the same study field should submit their application through their academic section.
Since the EPFL Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to present a strong academic profile alongside achievements in research, innovation, leadership or extracurricular activities.
Why Choose EPFL?
EPFL is recognised as one of the world’s leading science and technology universities. Its Master’s programmes combine cutting-edge research, international collaboration and strong industry connections, making graduates highly competitive in both academia and the global job market.
The EPFL Excellence Scholarship enables talented students to study in Switzerland while receiving financial support that rewards excellence and encourages innovation, leadership and academic achievement.
Application Deadline
December 15, 2026