Applications are invited from outstanding domestic and international students for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships 2027 in Switzerland. The fellowships are available to exceptional students beginning a Master’s degree at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
EPFL offers a limited number of Excellence Fellowships to candidates with outstanding academic records who also distinguish themselves through extracurricular activities, including sporting, artistic, civic or entrepreneurial activities. Successful external candidates receive CHF 10,000 per semester as well as a reserved student room.
SUMMARY
- Fellowship Sponsor(s): EPFL, Switzerland
- Host Institution(s): École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Fellowship Worth: CHF 10,000 per Semester
- Maximum Funding: Up to CHF 40,000
- Number of Awards: Limited
- Study Level: Master’s
- Nationality: Domestic & International Students
Also Apply: Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland 2027
EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships | Overview
The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships recognize outstanding students beginning Master’s studies at EPFL.
The fellowships are available both to students who obtained their Bachelor’s degree at EPFL and candidates who completed or are completing their undergraduate studies at another university.
The programme is highly selective. Candidates are assessed based on their academic excellence, qualifications and motivation, with EPFL also recognizing students who distinguish themselves through extracurricular achievements.
The fellowship aims to give recipients greater financial freedom to concentrate on their Master’s studies while pursuing activities and professional experiences that can broaden their skills and career prospects.
Eligibility Criteria
Anyone applying for an eligible Master’s programme at EPFL may be considered for an Excellence Fellowship. Additionally, applicants should note the following conditions:
- Both international and domestic candidates may apply.
- Applicants must apply for admission to an EPFL Master’s programme.
- Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, qualifications and motivation.
- Students may apply to only one Master’s programme per academic year.
- Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible.
- Students who are currently enrolled in an EPFL Master’s programme are not eligible.
- The fellowship cannot be combined with another substantial scholarship.
- Candidates must declare other scholarships received during their Master’s studies.
The Excellence Fellowship is extremely competitive, and meeting the Master’s admission requirements does not guarantee selection.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful candidates for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships receive:
- CHF 10,000 per semester.
- Funding for up to four semesters, depending on the duration and structure of the Master’s programme.
- Reservation of a student room in a student residence for external candidates.
- A certificate of excellence upon successful completion of the Master’s programme.
The maximum nominal fellowship value can therefore reach CHF 40,000 for a programme receiving four semester payments.
Applicants should note that this is not a full-cost scholarship. Fellowship recipients remain responsible for paying their own tuition fees, rent and other living expenses from the funding available to them.
Continuation of the fellowship into the second year is subject to excellent academic performance. Recipients are generally required to achieve an average grade of at least 5.0 out of 6 and earn at least 50 eligible credits during the first Master’s year.
Also Check: EPFL Summer Fellowship/Internships in Switzerland 2027
How to Apply
External candidates do not need to submit a separate initial application for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship. The fellowship request is incorporated into the regular Master’s application.
Interested applicants should:
- Choose an eligible Master’s programme offered by EPFL and review its admission requirements.
- Complete the EPFL online Master’s application during one of the two application rounds.
- Tick the appropriate box on the application form indicating that you wish your profile to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship.
- Upload all documents required for admission to the selected Master’s programme.
- Provide the contact details of the required academic referees so that recommendation letters can be submitted through the EPFL system.
- Complete, validate and pay for the Master’s application before the applicable deadline.
External candidates do not need to provide additional documents specifically for the Excellence Fellowship beyond those required for their Master’s admission application.
International applicants who require a visa are advised to use the first application round so that they can receive an earlier decision and have sufficient time for the visa process.
Application Documents
External candidates should prepare the documents required for the EPFL Master’s application, including:
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Copy of university degree certificate, if already available.
- Complete academic transcripts from each university attended.
- Statement of purpose of no more than 1,000 words.
- Contact details of three academic referees for recommendation letters.
- Other programme-specific documents where applicable.
EPFL requires at least two recommendation letters to be received for applications where academic references are required.
Application Deadline
External candidates have two application rounds:
- First Round: December 15
- Second Round: March 31
Successful fellowship candidates are generally notified around the beginning of April for the first round and early to mid-June for the second round.
