One of the most inventive and research-focused universities in the world is the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. In order to help exceptional foreign students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, EPFL, which draws thousands of aspirational students from around the world, offers a variety of fully funded and partial scholarships for the class of 2026 and beyond. These fully funded scholarship programmes in Switzerland are designed to foster excellence in academic performance, research, and innovation in addition to offering financial aid.
This comprehensive guide describes all of the major fellowships and scholarships offered by EPFL, the academic subjects they support, the prerequisites for qualifying, the advantages they offer, and the exact steps involved in applying for each programme.
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Why Should You Attend École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland?
- Ranked among the best institutions of technology in the world, EPFL emphasises innovation, interdisciplinarity and diversity at all levels of teaching and research. Through targeted international collaborations, the School cultivates these dimensions and strongly encourages international mobility.
- By promoting international exchanges, EPFL aims at providing you with a unique and enriching experience at both academic and personal levels.
- Coming to EPFL as an exchange student offers you an excellent opportunity to develop projects and build a network in a top-class scientific institution while discovering Switzerland and Europe.
- EPFL also offers you, as a student or a researcher, numerous possibilities for academic exchanges and collaborations with partner institutions in Switzerland and abroad.
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| # | Scholarship/Fellowship Name | Eligible Level/Programs | Who Can Apply | Benefits / Coverage | Application Method / Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master’s Students | All EPFL Master’s programs — Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Architecture, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences | International and Swiss students with an excellent Bachelor’s degree (top 10% of class); apply during Master’s admission | – CHF 10,000 per semester (≈ CHF 20,000/year) – Guaranteed student housing – Certificate of excellence – Mentorship, networking, and academic support | Submit transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters during Master’s admission |
| 2 | EPFL Bachelor Excellence Fellowships | All undergraduate programs — Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Architecture, Chemistry | Outstanding high school graduates (Swiss & international) ranked among top performers in their country or region | – CHF 10,000 total (spread over 3 years) – Priority access to housing – Recognition certificate and mentorship | Complete online EPFL undergraduate application and indicate fellowship interest |
| 3 | EPFL Social Scholarship | All EPFL programs (Bachelor’s & Master’s level) | Swiss and international students enrolled at EPFL who can prove financial hardship | – Monthly aid for up to 10 months/year – Covers living or tuition expenses – Renewable based on need & performance | Apply via EPFL Financial Aid Office with income documents and academic reports |
| 4 | EPFL Mobility and Exchange Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students in approved exchange, internship, or research programs abroad | EPFL students participating in official mobility/exchange programs outside Switzerland | – Financial contribution for travel, housing, or living costs – Duration: 3–12 months – Access to EPFL’s partner network & supervision | Apply through EPFL International Relations Office or departmental mobility coordinator |
| 5 | External and Foundation-Based Scholarships | Various programs at EPFL (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) | Eligible EPFL students nominated for partner or foundation awards | – Amount and duration vary by foundation – May support tuition, research, or conference travel – Examples: Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, Orlando Lauti Foundation, Alumni-sponsored Fellowships | Apply via EPFL’s external scholarships page or directly to listed foundations |
| 6 | Doctoral EPFL Fellowships and Research Grants | EPFL Doctoral Programs — Engineering, Physics, Life Sciences, Architecture | Master’s degree holders with research experience; applicants to EPFL PhD programs | – Monthly salary (CHF 2,000–2,500) – Tuition waiver – Research funding & lab access | Apply directly through the desired EPFL Doctoral Program or supervising faculty |
How Can I Apply for 2026 EPFL Scholarships?
- Choose Your Program: Select a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programme based on your academic objectives.
- Verify Eligibility: Examine the requirements for the scholarship; some are need-based, while others are merit-based.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, motivation, and, if necessary, evidence of fluency in English or French.
- Online Application Submission: EPFL’s online portal is used for all applications. Grants from outside foundations could need different applications.
- Interview (If Needed): Some programmes might ask those who made the short list to participate in a video conference or interview.
- Await Decision: Usually, the outcomes of admissions and scholarships are released simultaneously.