ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
EPFL Excellence Master Fellowships
partial · masters
- ~CHF 16,000/yrGrant (est.)
- Living-cost supportCoverage
- EPFL, SwitzerlandHost institution
- Master'sStudy level
- Up to 2 yearsDuration
- Founded 1969Institute
At a glance
partial
Funding
€32k
Max amount
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Open to applicants of any nationality
Country
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Provider
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships support talented students to undertake a master's degree at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland — a science and technology institute founded in 1969 and ranked among the top in Europe. The fellowships are awarded to a small number of the strongest master's applicants across EPFL's programmes. Each fellowship provides a grant of around CHF 16,000 per year — paid in 2 instalments across the academic year — to help with living and study costs, for up to 2 years (the normal master's length). Renewal into the second year depends on strong academic performance in the first. EPFL's own tuition fees are modest, so the grant mainly supports living costs in Switzerland. You apply for the fellowship together with the EPFL master's application, with a closing date around mid-December for the main round; a representative date is 15 December (est.). Treat the figures and date here as estimates and confirm current details on EPFL's official fellowship pages.
What's covered
- Annual grant — A grant of around CHF 16,000 per year, paid in 2 instalments, toward living and study costs.
- Duration — For up to 2 years (the normal master's length).
- Renewal — The second year depends on strong academic performance in the first.
- Low tuition — EPFL's tuition fees are modest, so the grant mainly supports living costs.
- Merit-based — For a small number of the strongest master's applicants.
How to apply
Apply for the EPFL master's programme and the Excellence Fellowship in the same cycle, by the deadline.
- Choose a master's — Select an EPFL master's programme.
- Apply for admission — Submit your EPFL master's admission application with transcripts and documents.
- Apply for the fellowship — Indicate/apply for the Excellence Fellowship in the same application.
- Meet the deadline — Submit by around 15 December (est.) for the main round.
- Selection — EPFL selects fellows on academic excellence.
- Decision & enrolment — If awarded, accept and enrol at EPFL.
Eligibility
LevelApplying for a master's programme at EPFL.
Academic meritAn excellent bachelor's record, typically near the top of the cohort.
Open internationallyOpen to applicants worldwide, including from other universities.
Joint applicationApplying for the fellowship together with the EPFL master's application.
Performance for renewalMaintaining strong results to renew for the second year.
Note: EPFL's master's excellence funding has been listed under slightly different names; this is the same family of fellowships. The award is highly selective.
Eligible countries
Open to applicants of any nationality
Deadlines
2027 entry2026-12-15
Selection
EPFL selects Excellence Fellows on academic excellence — primarily the strength of the bachelor's record and the overall application — across its programmes. A small number of the strongest master's applicants receive the grant each cycle.
Verified sources
- EPFL — Master Excellence Fellowshipsepfl.chofficial
About the provider
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), founded in 1969, is a Swiss science and technology institute ranked among the top in Europe. Its Excellence Fellowships fund a small number of the strongest master's applicants with an annual grant toward living and study costs.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the EPFL Excellence Fellowships?
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Merit grants for talented students undertaking a master's at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), helping with living and study costs.
What do they cover?
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A grant of around CHF 16,000 per year, paid in 2 instalments, toward living and study costs for up to 2 years. EPFL's tuition is modest.
Who is eligible?
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Talented applicants for an EPFL master's, including students from other universities, with an excellent bachelor's record.
How do I apply?
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Apply for the EPFL master's programme and the Excellence Fellowship in the same cycle by the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Around mid-December for the main round; a representative date is 15 December, and the 2026 date here is an estimate. Confirm on EPFL's pages.
How long does it last?
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For up to 2 years (the normal master's length), with the second year depending on strong first-year results.
Does it cover full tuition?
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EPFL's tuition is modest, so the grant mainly supports living costs rather than paying large tuition fees.
How selective is it?
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Very — only a small number of the strongest master's applicants receive the fellowship each year.
Is it open to international students?
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Yes — the fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality, including those applying from abroad.
How good is EPFL?
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EPFL, founded in 1969, is a science and technology institute ranked among the top in Europe and the world.
Is this the same as EPFL's other master's excellence award?
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EPFL's master's excellence funding has appeared under slightly different names; this is the same family of fellowships. Check EPFL's current page for the exact scheme.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On EPFL's official Excellence Fellowship pages, which list the grant, eligibility, the joint application, and deadline.