Apply for EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships in Switzerland. Learn about CHF 10,000 per semester funding, deadlines, eligibility, required documents, hidden costs, tuition, visa warnings, and how to apply correctly.
Who can apply
International students applying for an EPFL Master’s program
EPFL Bachelor’s students applying internally
Applicants with strong academic records and outstanding achievements
Applicants applying for only one EPFL Master’s program per academic year
Benefits
CHF 10,000 per semester
Maximum coverage of up to 4 semesters
Reserved student room in a student residence for external candidates only
Certificate of excellence after completing the Master’s program
Eligibility
Applicants are considered based on:
Academic excellence
Qualifications
Motivation
Research achievements
Publications, prizes, or fellowships
Entrepreneurship, patents, or start-up experience
Civic, associative, artistic, sporting, or other outstanding activities
Not eligible
Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree
Candidates already enrolled in an EPFL Master’s program who want funding only for the second year
Applicants trying to apply for the fellowship separately after the Master’s application
Required documents
External candidates need the normal EPFL Master’s application documents:
Complete transcripts from each university attended
Statement of purpose
Contact details of three academic referees, unless exempted
Identity card or passport
Optional documents such as TOEFL, GRE, research publications, or portfolio
Architecture applicants may need a portfolio and professional experience documents
Application steps
Choose one EPFL Master’s program.
Start the EPFL online Master application.
Tick the box for Master Excellence Fellowship consideration.
Upload all required application documents.
Add academic referee details early.
Validate and pay the application fee before the deadline.
Make sure referees upload recommendation letters on time.
Wait for results: early April for round one, early to mid-June for round two.
Application fee
CHF 150 for applicants with a foreign Bachelor’s degree
CHF 50 for applicants with a Swiss HEU/UHS or HES/FHS Bachelor’s degree, excluding EPFL
CHF 0 for EPFL Bachelor’s degree holders and some listed exceptions
Important warnings
1. Not fully funded
This is the most important point. The fellowship gives CHF 10,000 per semester, but students still manage living costs, tuition fees, rent, insurance, food, transport, and other expenses.
2. Switzerland is expensive
EPFL estimates around CHF 25,219 per year for foreign students without tuition fees. General planning can be around CHF 29,000 per year plus tuition.
3. Tuition may be higher for some foreign students
EPFL lists CHF 780 per semester as the normal semester invoice, but CHF 2,240 for some students from Fall 2025.
4. Visa is your responsibility
EPFL does not issue visas and cannot speed up the process. Students who need a visa should start early and apply at least 3 months before studies begin.
5. Tourist visa is not a solution
EPFL warns that a tourist visa cannot be converted into a student permit after arrival.
6. Recommendation letters can destroy your application
Referees must upload letters themselves. Applications may not be processed if EPFL does not receive at least two reference letters.
7. Don’t claim “no IELTS” carelessly
EPFL says TOEFL/GRE are optional extra documents for the fellowship evaluation, but this should not be presented online as a universal “no English proof needed” claim.
Deadline
External candidates:
Round 1: December 15
Round 2: March 31
Internal EPFL candidates continuing in the same field:
