The EPFL Excellence Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship opportunity for outstanding students seeking to pursue a master’s degree at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland.
The fellowship is highly competitive and is awarded to a limited number of master’s applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, strong qualifications, motivation, and impressive achievements beyond the classroom. International students are eligible to apply.
EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 at a Glance
Category| Details
University| EPFL
Country| Switzerland
Study level| Master’s
Eligible applicants| Swiss and international students
Fellowship| CHF 10,000 per semester
Maximum duration| Up to 4 semesters
Additional benefit| Student residence room reservation for external candidates
Other benefit| Certificate of Excellence
Selection| Highly competitive
Application| Integrated with the master’s application
What Is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship?
The EPFL Excellence Fellowship is intended to recognize students with outstanding academic records who are beginning master’s studies at EPFL.
Although academic excellence is a major consideration, EPFL also considers achievements in areas such as research, entrepreneurship, sports, arts, civic engagement, and other extracurricular activities.
This makes the fellowship suitable for students who have built a strong overall profile rather than relying exclusively on high grades.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful recipients receive CHF 10,000 per semester.
Depending on the master’s programme, the fellowship can be awarded for up to four semesters, making the maximum fellowship value CHF 40,000. For a 90-credit master’s programme, the duration may be shorter.
Additional benefits include:
– CHF 10,000 per semester
– Up to four semesters of support
– Reservation of a room in a student residence for eligible external candidates
– Certificate of Excellence after completing the master’s programme
However, students remain responsible for their own expenses, including tuition fees, rent, and living costs.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone applying for an eligible EPFL master’s programme can be considered for the Excellence Fellowship, including international students.
However, the fellowship is not available to candidates who already hold a master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a master’s programme at EPFL.
Applicants should therefore:
– Hold or be completing a relevant bachelor’s degree.
– Apply for an eligible EPFL master’s programme.
– Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
– Show strong motivation for their chosen programme.
– Present relevant extracurricular or professional achievements.
– Meet EPFL’s admission requirements.
There is no officially stated minimum GPA for the fellowship, but the competition is very strong and only a small percentage of applicants receive the award.
What Does EPFL Look For?
Academic Excellence
Your academic record is one of the most important parts of the evaluation.
Applicants should demonstrate consistently strong results and a solid academic foundation relevant to their intended master’s programme.
Research Experience
Research experience can strengthen an application.
Examples include:
– Research projects
– Publications
– Academic competitions
– Research awards
– Laboratory experience
– Conference participation
Entrepreneurship
EPFL also recognizes entrepreneurial achievements.
Applicants can highlight:
– Startups
– Business projects
– Innovation initiatives
– Patent applications
– Technology projects
– Entrepreneurship competitions
Community and Civic Engagement
Activities that demonstrate social responsibility can also contribute to a strong profile.
These may include:
– Volunteer work
– Community projects
– Student organizations
– Civic initiatives
– Events and campaigns
– Educational outreach
Other Achievements
EPFL states that achievements in sporting, artistic, civic, or entrepreneurial activities may also be considered.
How to Apply
The application process is relatively straightforward because applicants do not submit a completely separate scholarship application.
Step 1: Choose an EPFL Master’s Programme
Research the available master’s programmes and select one that matches your academic background and career goals.
Applicants can apply for only one master’s programme per year.
Step 2: Prepare Your Master’s Application
Prepare the documents required for admission.
These can include academic records, a curriculum vitae, motivation materials, and other documents required by the selected programme.
Step 3: Indicate That You Want Fellowship Consideration
When completing the EPFL master’s application, applicants should select the option indicating that they want their profile to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship.
For external candidates, no additional scholarship documents are required beyond those needed for master’s admission.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
For external applicants, the current EPFL application schedule has two master’s application rounds:
– First round: December 15
– Second round: March 31
These deadlines also serve as the fellowship application deadlines for external candidates.
Applicants targeting the 2027 intake should confirm the exact deadline for their intended admission cycle before submitting.
Selection Process
The selection process begins with an initial assessment by the relevant academic sections.
Candidates are then considered by the Excellence Fellowships Committee.
Selection is based on factors including:
– Academic excellence
– Qualifications
– Motivation
– Research achievements
– Entrepreneurship
– Civic involvement
– Extracurricular accomplishments
– Overall strength of the candidate’s profile
Selected candidates are generally notified around early April for the first application round and early to mid-June for the second round.
How to Improve Your Chances
Because the fellowship is highly competitive, applicants should start preparing early.
Maintain strong academic results
Your academic record should demonstrate that you can handle demanding master’s-level study.
Build a strong CV
Highlight achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities.
Demonstrate impact
If you participated in a project, explain what you achieved and the difference your contribution made.
Write a focused motivation statement
Explain why you selected your master’s programme, what you want to accomplish, and how the programme connects with your future plans.
Highlight achievements beyond academics
Research, entrepreneurship, volunteering, sports, arts, leadership, and community activities can help distinguish your application.
Fellowship Renewal
Students receiving the fellowship for a second year must maintain strong academic performance.
For renewal, students generally need:
– An overall weighted average of at least 5.0 out of 6.0
– At least 50 ECTS credits during the first year
The requirements are strict, and EPFL states that exceptions are not made for students who fail to meet the required average or credit threshold.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
International students are eligible to apply for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship provided they meet the admission and fellowship requirements for an EPFL master’s programme.
This makes the fellowship particularly attractive to high-achieving students from Africa, Asia, Europe, and other regions seeking a master’s degree in Switzerland.
Is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship Fully Funded?
It is better described as a substantial master’s fellowship rather than a completely fully funded scholarship.
The fellowship can provide up to CHF 40,000 over four semesters, but recipients are responsible for their tuition fees, rent, and other living expenses.
Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic financial plan before accepting an offer.
Can It Be Combined With Other Scholarships?
The EPFL Excellence Fellowship cannot generally be combined with other substantial scholarships.
Applicants are required to declare other scholarships they receive during their master’s programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship?
It is a competitive fellowship for outstanding students beginning master’s studies at EPFL in Switzerland.
How much is the fellowship worth?
The fellowship provides CHF 10,000 per semester, for a maximum of four semesters where applicable.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students can apply if they meet EPFL’s master’s admission requirements.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. External candidates apply for the fellowship through the EPFL master’s application by selecting the appropriate fellowship consideration option.
What is the application deadline?
The current application rounds for external master’s applicants close on December 15 and March 31. Applicants for the 2027 intake should confirm the applicable dates for their programme and admission cycle.
Is there a minimum GPA?
EPFL does not specify a minimum GPA for fellowship consideration, but the selection is highly competitive.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No. Candidates who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for the Excellence Fellowship.
Can the fellowship pay for my accommodation?
The fellowship provides financial support, and external candidates may receive a reservation of a student residence room. However, recipients remain responsible for their rent and other living expenses.
Final Thoughts
(Apply Now) The EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for academically outstanding students who want to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland.
With support of CHF 10,000 per semester and a potential maximum of CHF 40,000, the fellowship can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying at EPFL.
However, competition is intense. Applicants should focus on developing a well-rounded profile that combines excellent academic results with meaningful research, leadership, entrepreneurship, community involvement, or other outstanding achievements.
For the best chance of success, begin preparing your EPFL master’s application early, select a programme that closely matches your background, prepare strong application materials, and indicate that you wish to be considered for the Excellence Fellowship.
Important: Scholarship values, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and renewal conditions may change. Applicants should confirm the requirements applicable to the 2027 admission cycle before submitting an application.