The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships 2027 in Switzerland offer an excellent opportunity for outstanding students from around the world to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). These merit-based fellowships are designed for academically excellent students who demonstrate strong motivation, leadership potential, and active participation in extracurricular, research, or other outstanding activities.
The fellowship provides a financial award of CHF 10,000 per semester, along with guaranteed student accommodation, helping successful candidates manage their living expenses while studying in Switzerland. The award supports students throughout their master’s studies, subject to the fellowship renewal requirements.
École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers the esteemed, merit-based EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships to deserving students from all around the world who are just beginning their master’s degrees. These scholarships are intended for candidates who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, a high level of desire, and significant involvement in extracurricular, research, or leadership activities. The program seeks to unite gifted people who can add to the vibrant and cutting-edge academic environment at EPFL.
In addition to secured student accommodation and financial assistance to help with living expenses during their studies, fellows are able to concentrate entirely on their academic and personal growth. Beyond financial support, fellows gain from attending a university renowned for its innovative and entrepreneurial culture, tight ties to business, and cutting-edge research.
Situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, EPFL is a worldwide recognized public research university that is constantly ranked among the best in the world. In the fields of engineering and technology, computer science and data science, natural sciences, architecture and the built environment, and life sciences, it is particularly renowned for its expertise. EPFL provides an intellectually stimulating atmosphere that equips students to become future leaders in academia, industry, and society thanks to its highly international campus, cutting-edge resources, and emphasis on interdisciplinary research.
EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 – Overview
Host Country: Switzerland
Host University: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Opportunity Type: Excellence Fellowship
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Scholarship Type: Eligible Applicants: Swiss and international students
Financial Support: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
Study Level and Duration
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree (MSc).
- Study Duration: 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the selected master’s program.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3 or 4 semesters, depending on the program.
- Study Location: Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Academic Year: 2027–2028.
Available Subjects and Academic Fields
International students can apply for eligible master’s degree programs offered at EPFL. Major academic fields include:
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Data Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Architecture
- Communication Systems
- Microengineering
- Energy Science and Engineering
Applicants should check the official EPFL master’s program catalogue to confirm their preferred degree and admission requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027
To apply for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Application requirement: Applicants must apply to an EPFL master’s degree program.
- Academic excellence: A record of outstanding academic performance is required.
- Extracurricular engagement: Strong involvement in extracurricular, leadership, or related activities must be demonstrated.
- Educational background: Applicants must hold or be completing a bachelor’s degree from EPFL or another recognized university.
- International eligibility: The fellowship is open to both Swiss and international students.
- Previous Master’s Degree: Applicants who already hold a master’s degree or are currently enrolled in an EPFL master’s program are not eligible.
- Program selection: Applicants may apply for only one EPFL master’s program per year.
Fellowship Renewal Requirements
Students wishing to renew their fellowship for the second year must:
- Successfully complete at least 50 ECTS credits.
- Maintain an overall weighted average grade of at least 5.0 out of 6.0.
- Meet EPFL’s academic progress requirements.
EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 Benefits
The selected students will receive the following benefits:
- Financial award: CHF 10,000 per semester.
- Duration of support: Funding provided for up to 3 or 4 semesters, depending on the master’s program and applicable conditions.
- Housing benefit: Reservation of a student room in a student residence for external candidates.
- Recognition: An official certificate of excellence upon completion of the master’s program.
- Career flexibility: Freedom to pursue internships and early career opportunities aligned with academic interests.
- Academic focus: Financial support that enables students to concentrate on their studies while engaging in research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and societal initiatives.
- Research achievements: Recognition of prior research experience, including publications, awards, or fellowships.
- Entrepreneurial activities: Consideration of entrepreneurship, including patent applications, startup creation, and innovation projects.
- Social contribution: Encouragement of societal and civic engagement.
- Leadership and creativity: Recognition of involvement in leadership roles, sports, arts, and cultural initiatives.
- Community participation: Appreciation of active engagement in associations, events, and community projects.
- Inclusive mission: Promotion of diversity, talent, and cross-disciplinary growth.
Important funding clarification: EPFL officially describes this as an excellence fellowship, not a full tuition scholarship. The CHF 10,000 is awarded per semester, but tuition fees, rent, and other living expenses remain the student’s responsibility. Guaranteed housing means a room reservation for external fellows, not free accommodation.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the documents required for admission to their chosen EPFL master’s program.
For external applicants, the fellowship does not require additional documents beyond the master’s admission application. Common admission documents may include:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of expected graduation.
- Academic transcripts and records.
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters from academic referees.
- Valid passport or national identity document.
- English or French translations of academic documents, where required.
- Additional program-specific documents, if requested.
Important: Recommendation letters must be uploaded by the referees within one week after the December 15 application deadline. The exact date is provided in the application confirmation email. Check the official admission instructions for the documents applicable to your selected program.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships 2027:
- Choose a master’s program: Visit the official EPFL website and select an eligible master’s degree program.
- Check admission requirements: Review the academic qualifications and required documents for your selected program.
- Complete the online application: Access the EPFL Master’s application portal (IS-Academia).
- Select the fellowship option: Tick the box indicating that you want your application to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship.
- Upload required documents: Submit all the documents requested for master’s admission.
- Submit and validate your application: Pay the application fee and ensure that your application is validated by December 15, 2026.
- Arrange recommendation letters: Ask your referees to upload their recommendation letters within the specified period.
- Wait for the selection results: EPFL reviews applications based on academic excellence, qualifications, motivation, and extracurricular achievements.
- Confirm admission: If selected, follow the instructions in the official notification to confirm your place at EPFL.
Deadline
December 15, 2026.
Application deadline for external applicants: December 15, 2026. Applications paid and validated after this deadline will not be considered for the Excellence Fellowship, although they may still be reviewed for master’s admission.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
EPFL provides CHF 10,000 per semester and a reserved student room for external fellows. However, tuition fees, rent, and other living expenses are not fully covered.
2. Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes. Students from all countries, including Pakistan, are eligible to apply if they meet EPFL’s master’s admission requirements.
3. What degree level is available?
The fellowship is available for master’s degree programs at EPFL.
4. What is the scholarship amount?
Selected students receive CHF 10,000 per semester for up to 3 or 4 semesters, depending on the program.
5. Is IELTS required for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship?
EPFL states that TOEFL and GRE scores are welcome but not compulsory for the fellowship evaluation. However, applicants should check the language requirements of their chosen master’s program.
6. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for external applicants is December 15, 2026. Applications must be paid and validated by this date.
7. Do I need separate documents for the fellowship?
No. External applicants do not need additional documents beyond those required for master’s admission.
8. Can students who already have a master’s degree apply?
No. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible.
9. How competitive is the fellowship?
The fellowship is highly competitive. EPFL considers academic performance, qualifications, motivation, research experience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
10. Can I apply for more than one master’s program?
No. Applicants may apply for only one EPFL master’s program per year.
11. When will the scholarship results be announced?
First-round selected candidates are expected to receive notifications around late March or early April 2027.
12. What are the renewal requirements?
Students must earn at least 50 ECTS credits and maintain a weighted academic average of 5.0 out of 6.0 to qualify for renewal for the second year.
