EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Anyone applying to an EPFL Master's programme can apply for the fellowship; awards go to the most deserving candidates on academic excellence, qualifications and motivation. Only one Master's programme per year; candidates who already hold a Master's degree or are enrolled in an EPFL Master's are not eligible. It cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

EPFL awards merit-based excellence fellowships to outstanding Master's applicants. External candidates simply tick the fellowship box in their online admission application and make sure it is validated by 15 December.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Anyone applying to an EPFL Master's programme can apply for the fellowship; awards go to the most deserving candidates on academic excellence, qualifications and motivation. Only one Master's programme per year; candidates who already hold a Master's degree or are enrolled in an EPFL Master's are not eligible. It cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships.
2. Note the deadline. Dec (annual; external candidates must have their EPFL Master's application paid and validated by 15 Dec; selected candidates are told in late March) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
4. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
5. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students?

Anyone applying to an EPFL Master's programme can apply for the fellowship; awards go to the most deserving candidates on academic excellence, qualifications and motivation. Only one Master's programme per year; candidates who already hold a Master's degree or are enrolled in an EPFL Master's are not eligible. It cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships.

What does EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students cover?

CHF 10,000 per semester for up to 4 semesters (2 to 3 semesters of Master's coursework plus one semester for the Master's project); renewal for a second year needs an average of at least 5.0 and at least 50 credits

When is the deadline for EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students?

Dec (annual; external candidates must have their EPFL Master's application paid and validated by 15 Dec; selected candidates are told in late March) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students application?

Medium: Tick the fellowship box in the EPFL online Master's application (no extra documents for external candidates)