SWITZERLAND · LAUSANNE
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
public · Founded 1853 · Languages: fr, en
In short
EPFL is a top-ranked Swiss science and technology university offering affordable tuition for all students. Master's and PhD programs are available in English, with many scholarships for eligible candidates.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1853
- Students
- 10,000
- International students
- 6,600
- Acceptance rate
- 22%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–1k/yr
- Languages
- FR, EN
- Location
- Lausanne, Switzerland
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) is a Swiss federal research university in Lausanne consistently ranked among the world's top 25 universities in science and technology. Founded as a private school in 1853 and federalised in 1969, it has grown into one of Europe's most dynamic research institutions, hosting over 350 laboratories and having spun off more than 450 start-ups. With five schools spanning engineering, computer science, life sciences, architecture, and management, EPFL attracts students from over 120 countries. Master's and PhD programmes are taught in English, while the bachelor's curriculum is primarily in French. The flat, affordable tuition (CHF 1,366/year for all nationalities) combined with world-top rankings makes EPFL one of the best-value elite universities in the world.
Why study here
- QS World University Ranking #22—among Europe's top science and technology institutions.
- Exceptionally affordable flat annual fee of CHF 1,366 regardless of nationality.
- PhD candidates are salaried employees, earning CHF 50,000+ per year with no tuition.
- Vibrant start-up ecosystem with 450+ spin-offs and strong industry collaboration.
- Truly international campus: 120+ nationalities; English-taught master's and PhD programmes.
Student life
EPFL's campus is a lively science city on Lake Geneva. Over 220 student associations span sports, culture, entrepreneurship, and community service. The ArtLab cultural centre, numerous on-campus restaurants, and proximity to ski resorts and Lake Geneva beaches make for an outstanding quality of life. Lausanne is compact and safe, with excellent public transport and a rich French-speaking cultural scene.
Fees
InternationalEPFL charges a single annual tuition of CHF 1,366 (~EUR 1,400) for ALL students regardless of nationality—one of the most affordable elite research universities globally.
HomeSwiss and EU students pay the same flat annual fee of CHF 1,366 (~EUR 1,400).
LivingLiving costs in Lausanne average CHF 20,000–25,000 per year including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Doctoral students are salaried employees—PhD candidates typically earn CHF 50,000–55,000 per year and pay no tuition.
Admissions
Bachelor's degreeRelevant degree in science or engineering with excellent academic results for Master's admission.
TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all previous higher education institutions.
Letters of recommendationTwo to three academic reference letters required for most programmes.
Statement of purposeRequired for Master's and PhD applications.
CVRequired detailing academic and professional background.
TOEFL100 iBT
IELTS7.0
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024#22
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024#39
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 202351–75
University scholarships
Excellence FellowshipsCHF 15,000–20,000 per year for Master's students
CYD Doctoral FellowshipFull salary + research funds for 4 years
EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral FellowshipCompetitive salary for postdoctoral researchers
Accreditation
EPFL is a federal institution of the Swiss Confederation, recognised and regulated under Swiss federal law. It is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council.
Programs
a selectionÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Switzerland
Applied Data Science: Communication & Visualization
This program equips you with essential data science skills in communication and visualization, enabling you to transform raw data into clear, impactful insights. You will learn the tools and techniques needed to create compelling visuals that enhance data analysis and effectively convey findings to diverse audiences. The program is ideal for professionals working with data who aim to develop industry-level expertise, whether for career advancement or to open new opportunities in their current roles.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Switzerland
Civil Engineering - EPFL
The Civil Engineering Section at EPFL focuses on sustainability in relation to natural resources, urbanization, and risk management. Our programs train civil engineers to develop innovative solutions for more sustainable structures, new energy sources, and optimized transportation systems. We emphasize a 'design together' approach, integrating principles from Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and Architecture to foster collaborative project development. Our curriculum equips students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed to understand complex concepts, master construction techniques, and integrate them into both the natural and built environment.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Switzerland
Civil Engineering Master of Science (MSc)
The Civil Engineering Master of Science (MSc) program at EPFL equips you with the knowledge to design, build, manage, and maintain complex infrastructures essential for societal well-being and economic prosperity. Addressing global challenges such as sustainability and environmental protection, this program takes a holistic approach, considering socio-economic and environmental factors. You will gain expertise in diverse fields including structures, hydraulics, geotechnics, transportation, and urban energy, preparing you for a dynamic career in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Switzerland
Data Science
The Master's program in Data Science at EPFL is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how to extract insights from vast, complex, and often diverse datasets. As mobile devices, sensors, web logs, and transactions generate an ever-increasing volume of data, this program places students at the forefront of this data revolution. You will explore foundational concepts and practical implementations, covering everything from algorithms and database architecture to information theory and machine learning. This interdisciplinary program is a collaborative effort between EPFL's School of Computer and Communication Sciences, the School of Basic Sciences (Mathematics), and the School of Engineering (Electrical Engineering). It aims to develop experts capable of navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by Big Data, preparing them for innovative applications across all sectors of the economy.
Master's
Level
€8k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Switzerland
Doctoral Program in Computer and Communication Sciences (EDIC)
The Doctoral Program in Computer and Communication Sciences (EDIC) at EPFL is a highly competitive program designed for ambitious individuals aiming to be at the forefront of technological innovation. It covers all facets of computer science and information and communication theory, from theoretical foundations to interdisciplinary applications in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, computer systems, cybersecurity, and visual computing. With approximately eighty affiliated faculty members, EDIC is one of EPFL's largest and most prestigious doctoral programs. Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment, ample resources, and strong connections with academic and industrial partners. The program fosters a collaborative research culture where students work closely with internationally recognized, award-winning faculty to tackle complex challenges in computer science. Alumni of the EDIC program have achieved successful international careers in academia, industry leadership, and entrepreneurial ventures. The program provides opportunities for students to explore various research fields during their first year, allowing them to discover their preferred area of specialization before committing to a specific research focus. This unique fellowship program structure, combined with the program's competitive admission process, ensures a high caliber of doctoral candidates dedicated to advancing the field of computer and communication sciences.
PhD
Level
Free
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Switzerland
Doctoral Program in Mechanics (EDME)
The Doctoral Program in Mechanics (EDME) at EPFL focuses on the nonlinear mechanics of transformations in solids, geo- and bio-materials, as well as fluid flows. It covers theoretical formulation, numerical simulation, and experimental identification of mechanics problems. The program emphasizes contemporary multiscale models and bridging methods between micro and macro scales. Its objective is to train highly skilled and innovative research scientists in modern continuum mechanics.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Switzerlandfull fundingCYD Campus, EPFL and armasuisse Science and Technology
Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships
Open to Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates of all nationalities pursuing or planning to pursue research in cyber-defence in Switzerland. Master Thesis Fellowship applicants must be enrolled Master's students at a Swiss institution; Doctoral Fellowship applicants need a Master's degree and admission to a Swiss PhD programme; Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applicants must hold a completed PhD with a strong publication record. All candidates need strong academic performance and a research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
20d left
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel – eikones Center for the Theory and History of the Image
University of Basel NOMIS Fellowships
Open to junior and senior scholars of any nationality who hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, have published either one scholarly monograph or three peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, can propose a research project on the theme 'Images as Models', and are fluent in German or English.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Sep 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCyber-Defence Campus (armasuisse Science and Technology)
CYD Doctoral Fellowships
Open to applicants of all nationalities who are enrolled, or plan to enrol, in a PhD programme at a Swiss university and have a confirmed endorsement from a Swiss professor who will supervise the doctorate. All PhD stages are eligible, though early-stage applicants are preferred, and there is no age restriction. Research must fall within cyber defence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, cryptography, computational and data science and engineering, systems security, or security technologies.
full
Funding
€85k
Max
20d left
Deadline
full fundingCERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics
Researchers who hold (or are about to defend) a PhD in theoretical physics with no more than six years of research experience after the PhD. Open to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States, with a limited number of places under the Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme. Current CERN staff members are not eligible.
full
Funding
€78k
Max
Nov 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel
University of Basel PhD Positions in Advanced Data Management
Open to candidates worldwide who hold an MSc in Computer Science or a related field with software-development experience, show a clear interest in research toward a PhD in advanced data management, have practical or theoretical expertise in databases, multimedia data management or information retrieval, are proficient in English, and can work effectively in a team.
full
Funding
€49k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingETH Zurich
Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
For students with an excellent academic record applying for a master's programme at ETH Zurich, of any nationality. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it as part of your ETH master's admission application, by the December deadline, and selection is by ETH.
full
Funding
€35k
Max
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at EPFL?
+
EPFL charges a flat annual tuition fee of CHF 1,366 (~EUR 1,400) for all students, regardless of nationality. This makes it one of the most affordable elite research universities globally.
Are Master's and PhD programs taught in English?
+
Yes, EPFL offers Master's and PhD programs taught entirely in English. Bachelor's programs are primarily in French.
What are the living costs in Lausanne?
+
Average living costs in Lausanne range from CHF 20,000 to CHF 25,000 per year. This includes expenses like rent, food, transportation, and personal spending.
Are there scholarships available for Master's students?
+
Yes, EPFL offers 'Excellence Fellowships' for Master's students, providing CHF 15,000–20,000 per year.
What are the admission requirements for Master's programs?
+
Master's admission is competitive and requires a relevant Bachelor's degree in science or engineering with excellent academic results. You will also need official transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV.
Do PhD students pay tuition fees?
+
No, doctoral students at EPFL are considered salaried employees. They typically earn CHF 50,000–55,000 per year and do not pay tuition fees.
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