Imagine studying at one of the world’s most innovative universities, surrounded by stunning Alpine views and Lake Geneva, while receiving CHF 10,000 per semester to focus on cutting-edge research and projects. That is exactly what the EPFL Excellence Fellowships make possible for a select group of outstanding Master’s students every year.
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) consistently ranks among the global top institutions for engineering, technology, computer science, and innovation. The Excellence Fellowships reward exceptional academic achievement combined with real-world impact through research, entrepreneurship, leadership, or extracurricular excellence. These awards are limited in number, highly competitive, and designed to help talented students from Switzerland and around the world thrive without financial pressure.
Whether you are an international student dreaming of Switzerland’s world-class education system or an EPFL Bachelor’s graduate looking to continue at the highest level, this guide covers everything you need to know about the EPFL Excellence Fellowships for the upcoming 2027 intake — including benefits, eligibility, the exact application process, deadlines, and proven strategies to stand out.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host University: EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
Why EPFL Stands Out as a Destination for Master’s Students
EPFL is not just another European university. It is a powerhouse of innovation, home to groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, sustainable energy, biotechnology, and data science. Located in Lausanne, it offers an unbeatable combination of academic rigor, strong industry connections (including proximity to CERN and major tech/pharma companies), and an exceptional quality of life.
Students benefit from:
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- Modern campus facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories
- A highly international community (over 100 nationalities)
- Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary projects and entrepreneurship
- Access to Switzerland’s stable economy and high living standards
The Excellence Fellowships further enhance this experience by providing financial breathing room so recipients can fully immerse themselves in studies, research, internships, and personal development.
Overview of The EPFL Excellence Fellowships
The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships are merit-based awards given to the most outstanding candidates beginning a Master’s program at EPFL. They recognize students who have achieved remarkable academic results during their Bachelor’s degree and who have distinguished themselves through extracurricular activities — whether in research, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, sports, arts, or leadership.
The goal is simple yet powerful: allow exceptional students to concentrate fully on their Master’s studies while also pursuing enriching activities that build cross-disciplinary skills and professional networks. Fellowships are available both to students who completed their Bachelor’s at EPFL and to external candidates who studied elsewhere.
Key Benefits of the EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Recipients receive substantial support that makes a real difference:
- CHF 10,000 per semester — This significant stipend helps cover living expenses and allows students to focus on academics rather than part-time jobs.
- Guaranteed student housing reservation — Especially valuable for external (international) candidates, as housing in Lausanne is competitive and expensive. This removes one of the biggest stressors of moving abroad.
- Certificate of Excellence — Awarded upon successful completion of the Master’s program, adding powerful recognition to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
- Maximum duration of 3–4 semesters — Depending on your program (typically covering the main Master’s semesters plus the project/thesis semester for 120 ECTS programs).
- Prestige and networking — Being named an EPFL Excellence Fellow signals top-tier talent to future employers, PhD programs, and research labs worldwide.
Important note on funding: While the fellowship provides excellent support, students remain responsible for tuition fees (EPFL’s are among the most affordable in Europe at approximately CHF 730 per semester) and other living costs. The combination of stipend + housing priority makes it one of the most attractive packages available for high-achieving Master’s students in Switzerland.
See Also:
- DAAD Doctoral Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded PhD in Germany – The Ultimate Application Guide
- Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Scholarship to Study at Oxford University in UK
- University of Bradford Undergraduate Bursary Scheme 2026/27 : Automatic Consideration No Application Needed
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The fellowships are open to all nationalities, including students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. Key requirements include:
- Applying to (or already holding an offer for) a Master’s program at EPFL
- Outstanding academic record in a relevant Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrated excellence beyond academics (research publications, patents, startups, leadership in student organizations, sports achievements, civic projects, etc.)
- For external candidates: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university outside EPFL
- For internal candidates: EPFL Bachelor’s degree (special rules apply if continuing in the same field)
There is no strict minimum GPA, but the process is extremely competitive — only a small percentage of applicants receive the award. The committee evaluates the full profile, with academic excellence as the foundation and extracurricular impact as a major differentiator.
Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a Master’s program at EPFL are not eligible.
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How to Apply for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships: Step-by-Step
The application is integrated into the regular Master’s program application — no separate scholarship form is required for most candidates.
- Choose your Master’s program — Explore all options on the official EPFL Master’s programs page and confirm you meet the specific admission requirements (academic background, language proficiency where needed).
- Submit your Master’s application online — Complete the standard EPFL Master’s application through the official portal.
- Check the Excellence Fellowship box — During the application, indicate that you wish to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship. External candidates do not need to submit extra documents beyond the standard admission requirements.
- Prepare a strong overall profile — Your transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and any recommendation letters should clearly highlight both academic excellence and your broader achievements and impact.
Special note for internal candidates (EPFL Bachelor’s graduates): If continuing in the same field, you may apply directly to your section with a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and two recommendation letters (submitted by referees). If changing fields, use the online application and check the fellowship box.
Important Deadlines (Typical Annual Cycle)
For external candidates (the majority of international applicants):
- 1st round: December 15
- 2nd round: March 31
For internal candidates (same field):
- 1st round: January 31
- 2nd round: April 15
Current status (as of June 2026): Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year have closed. The next cycle (2027-2028 intake) will follow similar deadlines, expected to open in late 2026. Always verify the exact dates on the official EPFL website, as they are confirmed annually.
Notifications typically go out in early April (round 1) and early to mid-June (round 2). Selected students must confirm their intention to enroll by the deadline provided.
Selection Process and What Makes a Winning Application
After initial screening by the relevant academic sections, the Excellence Fellowships Committee makes the final decisions. The committee looks for:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Evidence of intellectual curiosity and research potential
- Leadership, initiative, and tangible impact in extracurricular activities
- Clear motivation and alignment with EPFL’s innovative, interdisciplinary culture
Renewal for the second year requires maintaining strong academic performance: at least 50 ECTS credits and a minimum weighted average of 5.0/6.0.
Proven Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Build a holistic profile early — Strong grades alone are rarely enough. Engage meaningfully in research projects, hackathons, startups, volunteering, or leadership roles that demonstrate initiative and impact.
- Craft a compelling motivation letter — Connect your past achievements and future ambitions directly to EPFL’s strengths and the specific Master’s program.
- Highlight quality over quantity — One or two deeply impactful experiences with measurable results beat a long list of superficial activities.
- Apply in the first round if possible — Earlier consideration can sometimes work in your favor.
- Be authentic — The committee values genuine passion and potential, not just polished applications.
Life as an Excellence Fellow at EPFL and in Lausanne
Lausanne offers an outstanding student experience: safe, clean, beautifully located between lake and mountains, with excellent public transport and a vibrant international community. EPFL’s campus is modern, green, and highly functional, with world-class research infrastructure.
Fellows often report greater freedom to choose high-quality internships, participate in student clubs and entrepreneurship initiatives, and fully engage in their studies and research. The prestige of the fellowship also opens doors for future PhD opportunities, industry roles, and academic careers.
Ready to Pursue Excellence?
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships represent one of the most attractive opportunities for ambitious Master’s students who want to study at a globally elite institution while receiving meaningful financial and practical support.
If you have a strong academic record and a track record of going beyond the classroom, this could be your moment. Start preparing your Master’s application and profile now for the 2027 cycle.
Official Resources:
- EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships main page: https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/
- How to apply & deadlines: https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/how-to-apply/
- Master’s programs and admission: https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/programs/ and https://www.epfl.ch/education/admission/admission-2/master-admission-criteria-application/
Take the first step today. Your future in innovation could begin at EPFL.