ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE · SWITZERLAND
EPFL PhD Excellence Program
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Mandatory leadership training and coaching (8 days + 2 coaching sessions)Leadership Development
- Training in effective communication (2 days)Communication Skills
- Selected transversal skills courses (5 ECTS)Broad Skillset
- Networking events with business and non-profit leadersIndustry Connections
- Program certificate upon completionCertification
- Focus on non-academic career preparationCareer Focus
The EPFL PhD Excellence Program is designed for doctoral candidates who aspire to careers outside of academia. It aims to complement rigorous scientific training at EPFL by developing participants into engaged societal members and future leaders. The program offers specialized training in leadership and transversal skills, introduces candidates to non-academic career paths, and provides unique networking opportunities with industry leaders and alumni. This initiative is part of EPFL's philanthropic Student Support Program.
Curriculum
The program structure includes intensive leadership training, communication workshops, selected transversal skills courses, and networking events. These components are designed to be completed throughout the participants' doctoral studies.
- Year 1
- Leadership training and coaching
- Training in effective communication
- Throughout the Program
- Transversal skills courses
- Networking events
Careers
The program is specifically designed to prepare PhD candidates for successful careers in the non-academic sector. It equips them with essential leadership and transversal skills to become influential figures in industry, institutions, and society.
- Leaders in industry
- Members of institutions
- Societal contributors
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the EPFL PhD Excellence Program for?
- This program is for EPFL PhD candidates who aspire to careers outside of academia. It aims to develop leadership and transversal skills for future leaders in industry, institutions, and society.
- What are the entry requirements for this program?
- You must be an EPFL PhD candidate who has passed, or will pass by the program start, your candidacy exam. Your thesis director's approval is mandatory, and you must not be enrolled in other customized curricula.
- How do I apply for the EPFL PhD Excellence Program?
- Applications are submitted online and require a CV, a letter of support from your thesis director, and a short introductory video. The application deadline is February 6th, 2026.
- What is the cost of this program?
- This program does not have separate tuition fees, as it is an add-on for existing EPFL PhD candidates. Standard EPFL PhD program tuition and fees apply separately.
- What kind of career support does the program offer?
- The program focuses on preparing candidates for non-academic careers through leadership training, communication workshops, and networking events with industry leaders and alumni.
- When does the program start and end?
- Obligatory program events start on May 21st, 2026. The program components are designed to be completed throughout your doctoral studies.
Entry requirements
EPFL PhD candidateMust have successfully passed the candidacy exam within the last 12 months or will pass by the program start (i.e., matriculated at EPFL between May 31st 2024 – May 31st 2025, currently in the second year of PhD studies). Conditional acceptance possible based on candidacy exam results.
Applicants must not be enrolled in other customized curricula (e.g., EPFLinnovators, EPFLglobaLeaders) or under inter-institutional agreements. Written approval from the thesis director is mandatory. Eligibility is guaranteed for one application cycle only.
Fees
Tuition (international)This program does not have separate tuition fees, as it is an add-on program for existing EPFL PhD candidates. Standard EPFL PhD program tuition and fees apply separately.
Tuition (home)This program does not have separate tuition fees, as it is an add-on program for existing EPFL PhD candidates. Standard EPFL PhD program tuition and fees apply separately.
LivingNot specified for this program. Standard living costs at EPFL, Lausanne apply.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you have passed your PhD candidacy exam within the last 12 months (or will pass by program start) and have your thesis director's approval.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather your CV (max 2 pages), a letter of support from your thesis director(s), a short video (max 2 minutes) introducing yourself and your motivations, and optionally a list of publications/patents and a reference letter from outside academia.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form before the deadline (February 6th, 2026, 17:00 Swiss local time).
4. Reference LettersEnsure reference letters are submitted by the deadline of February 13th, 2026.
5. Await DecisionDecisions will be communicated in writing by March 27th, 2026.
Scholarships
EPFL PhD Excellence ProgramNot specified
Accreditation
This program is part of EPFL's doctoral studies and leads to a certificate upon completion.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the EPFL PhD Excellence Program for?
+
This program is for EPFL PhD candidates who aspire to careers outside of academia. It aims to develop leadership and transversal skills for future leaders in industry, institutions, and society.
What are the entry requirements for this program?
+
You must be an EPFL PhD candidate who has passed, or will pass by the program start, your candidacy exam. Your thesis director's approval is mandatory, and you must not be enrolled in other customized curricula.
How do I apply for the EPFL PhD Excellence Program?
+
Applications are submitted online and require a CV, a letter of support from your thesis director, and a short introductory video. The application deadline is February 6th, 2026.
What is the cost of this program?
+
This program does not have separate tuition fees, as it is an add-on for existing EPFL PhD candidates. Standard EPFL PhD program tuition and fees apply separately.
What kind of career support does the program offer?
+
The program focuses on preparing candidates for non-academic careers through leadership training, communication workshops, and networking events with industry leaders and alumni.
When does the program start and end?
+
Obligatory program events start on May 21st, 2026. The program components are designed to be completed throughout your doctoral studies.