EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships

Overview

The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships are merit awards offered by the Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne, one of Switzerland's two federal institutes of technology. They are designed to attract outstanding candidates into EPFL's Master's programmes in engineering, basic sciences, computer and communication sciences, life sciences, and architecture and civil engineering.

What makes these fellowships distinctive is that they reward more than grades. EPFL looks for students who combine remarkable academic results with distinction in other areas of life, such as sport, the arts, civic engagement, research or entrepreneurship. The award gives you CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters, and external candidates also receive a guaranteed student room, which solves one of the hardest practical problems of moving to the Lausanne area.

You can come from EPFL or from any other university. The fellowship is tied to your Master's admission, so there is no separate competition to enter beyond ticking a box and submitting the requested materials with your application. Recipients also receive a certificate of excellence that recognises the distinction.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	EPFL (Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne)
Host Country	Switzerland
Degree Levels	Master's
Value	CHF 10,000 per semester, up to 4 semesters, plus a reserved student room (external candidates) and a certificate of excellence
Deadline	Tied to the EPFL Master's admission cycle; apply when you submit your Master's application
Eligible Nationalities	Open worldwide
Official Website	EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need remarkable academic results in your Bachelor's studies. EPFL also weighs research accomplishments such as publications, prizes and fellowships when assessing your profile.

Distinction Beyond Academics

The fellowship specifically rewards distinction in extracurricular, sporting, artistic, civic or entrepreneurial activity. This can include startups or patents, leadership in associations, organising events, or significant civic and community work.

Nationality and Background

The fellowships are open to candidates holding a Bachelor's degree from EPFL or from another institution, with no nationality restriction. Internal EPFL Bachelor students and external candidates both apply, with a small difference in how the application is routed.

Language Requirements

Most EPFL Master's programmes are taught in English, so you should meet the English proficiency requirement of your chosen programme. Some programmes may involve French, so check the language of instruction before you apply.

What the Scholarship Covers

• CHF 10,000 per semester toward your living and study costs.
• Funding for up to four semesters, covering a standard two-year Master's.
• A reserved student room for external candidates, easing the housing search in the Lausanne area.
• A certificate of excellence recognising the award.

How to Apply

1. Start your Master's application: Apply to your chosen EPFL Master's programme through the official online application form.
2. Tick the excellence-fellowship box: On the application, select the option indicating you want to be considered for a Master Excellence Fellowship.
3. Submit the requested materials: Provide the additional documents EPFL asks for to support your fellowship application, including evidence of your achievements.
4. Internal candidates apply to their section: If you are already an EPFL Bachelor student, submit your fellowship request directly to your section as instructed.
5. Meet the admission deadline: Because the fellowship is tied to admission, submit everything by your programme's Master's application deadline.
6. Maintain performance for renewal: Once awarded, keep up the academic standard required to renew the fellowship into the second year.

Required Documents

• Bachelor's transcript and degree certificate (or proof of expected completion).
• Curriculum vitae highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements.
• Evidence of distinction: publications, prizes, fellowships, patents, startup or association roles, sporting or artistic results.
• Motivation letter as required by the application.
• Reference letters as specified by your programme.
• Proof of language proficiency for the language of instruction.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The fellowship does not run on a separate calendar. It follows the EPFL Master's admission cycle, so the relevant date is your programme's Master's application deadline. EPFL typically opens Master's applications in the autumn for the following autumn intake, with an earlier and a later round. Apply in the round that lets you submit your fellowship materials on time, and confirm the exact dates for your programme on the official site.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Document your achievements with evidence: link to publications, list prize names and dates, and quantify results where you can.
• Show a clear thread connecting your academic strengths and your extracurricular distinction.
• Apply in the earlier admission round when possible, since it gives more time for review.
• Tailor your motivation to the specific EPFL Master's and the research groups you want to work with.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to tick the fellowship box, which means you are never considered.
• Listing extracurriculars without any proof or measurable impact.
• Underestimating the renewal conditions and letting your second-year grades slip.
• Leaving the application to the final admission round and missing supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship?

It is a merit fellowship for outstanding students entering an EPFL Master's programme. It pays CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters and includes guaranteed housing for external candidates and a certificate of excellence.

How much is the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship worth?

CHF 10,000 per semester, for a maximum of four semesters, which adds up to CHF 40,000 over a full two-year Master's.

What is the deadline for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship?

There is no separate deadline. The fellowship is tied to the EPFL Master's admission cycle, so you apply by your programme's Master's application deadline.

Who is eligible for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship?

Anyone applying to an EPFL Master's programme, whether holding a Bachelor's from EPFL or another institution, with remarkable academic results and distinction in extracurricular, sporting, artistic, civic or entrepreneurial activity.

Does the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship include housing?

Yes, external candidates receive a reserved student room, which helps with the difficult Lausanne-area housing search. Internal EPFL students apply through their section.

How do I apply for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship?

Tick the excellence-fellowship box on your online EPFL Master's application and submit the requested supporting materials. Internal Bachelor students apply directly to their section.

Is the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship renewable?

Yes. To keep it into the second year you must complete at least 50 ECTS credits and hold an average of at least 5.0 out of 6.

Does the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship consider extracurricular activities?

Yes. EPFL specifically rewards distinction in sport, the arts, civic engagement, research and entrepreneurship alongside strong academics.

Is the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship open to international students?

Yes. There is no nationality restriction, and candidates from any institution can apply.

Can EPFL Bachelor graduates apply for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship?

Yes. EPFL's own Bachelor graduates can apply, submitting their fellowship request directly to their section.