EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships

CHF 10,000 per semester, along with guaranteed housing, for up to three or four semesters depending on the programme. The fellowship does not cover tuition fees or rent, which students pay themselves.

Fields: Engineering, computer science, natural sciences, mathematics, architecture, life sciences

Open to most nationalities

• Applying for a Master's programme at EPFL; international students can apply if they meet EPFL's Master's admission criteria
• Outstanding academic record, which is the most important selection factor
• Research, entrepreneurship or community achievements strengthen an application
• Applicants who already hold a Master's degree are not eligible

For 2027 entry, the Master's application must be submitted, paid and validated by 15 December 2026 to be considered. Selected candidates are notified from late March to early April, with a second round in June.

Deadlines move a little every year and some close early. Confirm the date on the official page before you plan around it.

• Standard EPFL Master's application documents (no extra documents for external applicants)
• Tick the excellence fellowship box on the Master's application form
• Paid and validated application by 15 December
• Reference letters handled through EPFL's application system

1. 1

   Step 1: Pick your Master's programme

   Check the EPFL Master's admission criteria for your field before starting the online form.
2. 2

   Step 2: Apply online and tick the box

   Complete the online Master's application and tick the box asking to be considered for an excellence fellowship.
3. 3

   Step 3: Pay and validate by 15 December

   Only applications that are paid and validated by 15 December are considered for the fellowship.
4. 4

   Step 4: Follow up on references

   Make sure your referees know the letters are uploaded to the system shortly after the deadline, on the date in your confirmation email.
5. 5

   Step 5: Confirm quickly if selected

   Selected candidates must confirm they will enrol by the Registrar's deadline, or the award passes to the waiting list.

• Renewal for the second year requires at least 50 ECTS credits and an average of at least 5.0 out of 6 in the first year, with no exceptions
• Deferring admission forfeits the fellowship (you may reapply the next year)
• Other scholarships must be declared; combining funding is assessed case by case

• Only a small share of applicants receive the fellowship, so apply early in the cycle and treat it as a bonus, not your only funding
• Budget for EPFL tuition and rent yourself: the fellowship is a stipend, not a fee waiver
• Highlight research projects, publications, competitions or start-up work in your application, as these count in selection

Winning the award does not include the visa. Plan your application with our guide for the host country.

• Switzerland student visa

Checked against these official pages on 16 Oct 2026.

• EPFL: Master excellence fellowships (opens in a new tab)
• EPFL: Application and deadlines (opens in a new tab)
• EPFL: Excellence fellowships FAQ (opens in a new tab)