Applications are now open for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships, a prestigious funding opportunity designed to reward the most outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). This fellowship is aimed at candidates who have achieved remarkable academic results and who also distinguish themselves through extracurricular pursuits, whether in sports, the arts, civic engagement, or entrepreneurship.
Along with generous financial support, selected recipients are also guaranteed housing, making this one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages available to incoming Master’s students at EPFL.
About the Fellowship
The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship was created to celebrate both academic excellence and diversity of talent. EPFL recognizes that outstanding students often bring more to a university than strong grades alone. Many applicants have research publications, entrepreneurial ventures, patents, or community leadership experience that shapes who they are as scholars and professionals.
This fellowship, worth CHF 10,000 per semester, is open to two main groups of applicants: those who completed their Bachelor’s degree at EPFL, and those who began their university education at another institution entirely. The underlying goal is simple. EPFL wants students to be able to focus fully on their Master’s studies without being distracted by financial pressure, while also giving them the freedom to choose internships and early career opportunities based on genuine scientific interest rather than financial necessity.
By easing the financial burden of a Master’s degree, EPFL hopes to widen each recipient’s horizons, allowing them to pursue experiences that align with their ambitions and enrich their professional development.
Fellowship Value and Benefits
The financial and practical benefits of this fellowship are substantial. Recipients receive the following support.
- A stipend of CHF 10,000 per semester
- Fellowship coverage for a maximum of four semesters
- Guaranteed reservation of a student room in a student residence, available to external candidates only
- A certificate of excellence awarded upon successful completion of the Master’s program
The fellowship typically covers two to three semesters of the core Master’s cycle, depending on the specific program’s duration, plus one additional semester reserved for the Master’s project. It is important to note that recipients remain responsible for managing their own living costs, including tuition fees and rent.
Funds are disbursed directly into a Swiss bank or postal account at the start of each semester. Because the very first payment may take some time to process after arrival, students are strongly encouraged to bring enough personal funds to comfortably cover at least their first month of expenses in Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship is open to anyone applying to a Master’s program at the university, whether they completed their undergraduate studies at EPFL or elsewhere. However, since only a limited number of fellowships are awarded each year, selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, prior qualifications, and demonstrated motivation.
There are some important restrictions to keep in mind.
- Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible to apply
- Students already enrolled in a Master’s program at EPFL cannot apply to have the fellowship cover a second year of study
- Each student may apply for only one Master’s program per year
International students are fully welcome to apply, provided they meet EPFL’s general Master’s admission criteria. The fellowship application is not a separate process. It is integrated directly into the standard Master’s program application form.
Application Process and Required Documents
The application procedure differs depending on whether a candidate is external, an internal EPFL student continuing in the same field, or an internal EPFL student switching to a new field of study.
External Candidates
Candidates who completed their Bachelor’s degree at a university abroad should apply through EPFL’s online Master application portal. It is essential to check the box on the form indicating that the applicant’s profile should also be considered for an excellence fellowship.
No additional documents beyond those already required for standard Master’s admission are needed for this category.
Internal Candidates Continuing in the Same Field
EPFL students who completed their Bachelor’s degree at the university and wish to pursue a Master’s in the same field of study should submit their application directly to their academic section, with a copy sent to master.fellowship@epfl.ch. There is no need to apply through the IS Academia system for this category.
The following documents are required.
- A current CV
- A motivation letter
- A full transcript of grades earned at EPFL
- Two recommendation letters from professors familiar with the student’s academic work and achievements, submitted directly by the referees to master.fellowship@epfl.ch
Internal Candidates Changing Field of Study
EPFL students who wish to switch to a different field of study for their Master’s degree should apply through EPFL’s online Master application portal and check the excellence fellowship box, just as external candidates do.
Required documents for this category include the following.
- The standard documents required for Master’s admission
- Two recommendation letters from professors familiar with the student’s work, submitted directly to master.fellowship@epfl.ch
Application Deadlines
There are two application rounds each year, and the exact deadlines depend on the applicant category.
For external candidates and internal candidates changing their field of study, deadlines align with the general Master’s program deadlines.
- First round: December 15
- Second round: March 31
For internal candidates continuing in the same field of study, the deadlines are slightly later to account for recommendation letters.
- First round: January 31
- Second round: April 15, with recommendation letters due by this date for the corresponding round
Internal and field changing candidates should also note that recommendation letters for the first round are due by January 31, and for the second round by April 15.
Selection Process
Once applications are submitted, an initial screening takes place at the section level. Following this, the Excellence Fellowships Committee reviews shortlisted candidates and makes the final award decisions.
Selected candidates are typically notified at the beginning of April for the first round, and in early to mid June for the second round. If an awarded candidate withdraws or does not respond in time, the fellowship offer moves to the next candidate on the waiting list, who then receives a new confirmation deadline.
Renewal Requirements
The fellowship is not automatically guaranteed for every semester. Renewal for the second year of study depends entirely on academic performance during the first year.
To qualify for renewal, students must meet both of the following conditions.
- Achieve an overall weighted average of at least 5.0, on a scale where 6 is the maximum and 4 is a passing grade
- Earn at least 50 ECTS credits, not counting language courses, admission courses, or courses outside the official study plan
The average is calculated using all numerical grades from every chosen course and exam completed during the first year of the Master’s program. EPFL applies these standards strictly, and there are no exceptions made for students who fall short of the required average or credit count.
Suspension of the Fellowship
Certain life circumstances may lead to a temporary suspension of the fellowship rather than its cancellation. These situations include the following.
- Sickness or pregnancy that prevents a student from continuing their studies
- Military or civil service obligations for Swiss citizens, with the fellowship resuming upon return, provided renewal requirements are met
- Personal reasons that require a student to take time away from their studies, with payments resuming upon return, assuming renewal conditions are satisfied
- An extension of the Master’s cycle itself, which also triggers suspension
Combining the Fellowship With Other Funding
Students who have already received another scholarship may still be eligible to combine it with the Excellence Fellowship. However, all applicants must formally declare any scholarships they have already received or expect to receive throughout their Master’s studies. Each situation is evaluated individually by the committee, and the fellowship generally cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships without this declaration process.
Working part time in Switzerland is permitted and does not affect the value or continuation of the Excellence Fellowship.
Donors and Support
The Master Excellence Fellowships form part of the Attract Talent pillar within EPFL’s broader Student Support Program, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting students throughout their educational journey.
EPFL extends its gratitude to the generous donors who make these fellowships possible, including the Basil Panzer Trust, Dr Liu Shaoming, the Fondation du Domaine de Villette, the Fondation Léonard Gianadda Mécénat, FAMSA Foundation, Alan Howard, Anne Sylvie Visseur Vauclair, Novartis, Squarepoint Foundation, Incyte, Holdinova SA, Nexthink, and all other donors who choose to remain anonymous.
Contact Information
For any questions regarding the MSc Excellence Fellowship Program, applicants can reach out through the following channels.
- General and academic inquiries: student.services@epfl.ch
- Course related questions: program deputies or section secretaries
- Inability to study or related issues: master.fellowship@epfl.ch
- Excellence Fellowship specific questions: master.fellowship@epfl.ch
Postal address: EPFL AVP E SPE Centre Midi, CM2 348, Station 10, CH 1015 Lausanne
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply?
Yes, international students can apply, provided they meet EPFL’s eligibility criteria for Master’s admission. The scholarship application is built directly into the same form used for the Master’s program application.
I already hold a Master’s degree. Am I still eligible?
No, candidates who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for this fellowship.
I am already enrolled in a Master’s program. Can I apply for the scholarship to cover my second year of studies?
No, the scholarship application must be submitted at the same time as the Master’s program application. It is not possible to apply for funding covering only the second year.
How and when will I receive the scholarship funds if selected?
Scholarships are paid at the start of each semester into a Swiss bank or postal account. Recipients should bring enough personal funds to cover their first month of expenses, since the initial payment can take some time to process.
Can I work during my studies while receiving the scholarship?
Yes, working in Switzerland does not affect the amount or continuation of the Excellence Fellowship.
I have already received one scholarship. Can I combine it with the Master Excellence Fellowship?
Yes, additional funding may be allowed in some cases. Applicants must declare any scholarships already received or expected during their Master’s studies, and each case is reviewed individually.
Can I transfer to a different study program after being awarded the scholarship?
Yes, transferring to another program is possible, but continued fellowship funding is not guaranteed after a transfer. Each student may apply for only one Master’s program per year.
What if I am enrolled in a double degree program?
For students in a double degree program, the fellowship is only paid during the semesters spent at EPFL, provided renewal requirements are met.
Can I suspend my scholarship?
Yes, suspension is possible in specific situations, including sickness, pregnancy, military or civil service for Swiss citizens, personal reasons, or an extension of the Master’s cycle.
How many semesters does the fellowship cover?
The fellowship covers a maximum of four semesters, including one semester reserved for the Master’s project.
What should I do if I have questions or need assistance?
For general and academic inquiries, contact student.services@epfl.ch. For course related questions, reach out to your program deputies or secretaries. For questions about inability to study or about the Excellence Fellowship itself, contact master.fellowship@epfl.ch.
