The EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 offers outstanding international students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Switzerland with financial support of CHF 10,000 per semester. The fellowship is awarded by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of Switzerland’s leading science and technology universities.
For the 2027 intake, EPFL has introduced an important deadline change. International applicants must submit and pay for their Master’s application by 15 December 2026 to be considered for the fellowship.
The scholarship can provide up to CHF 40,000 over four semesters, depending on the Master’s programme. However, it is not a fully funded scholarship with a complete tuition waiver. Students remain responsible for managing their tuition, accommodation and other living expenses.
This guide explains the EPFL scholarship 2027 deadline, eligibility requirements, financial benefits, application documents and how to apply using verified information from the university.
EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship detail | Official information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship |
| University | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Academic intake | Autumn 2027 |
| Scholarship amount | CHF 10,000 per semester |
| Maximum duration | Four semesters |
| Maximum possible grant | CHF 40,000 |
| International applicants | Eligible |
| Pakistani students | Eligible if admission requirements are met |
| Minimum GPA | No fixed fellowship GPA threshold published |
| External application opens | Mid-November 2026 |
| External fellowship deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Application fee | CHF 150 for foreign Bachelor’s degree holders |
| Application method | Online Master’s application |
| Separate fellowship application | Not required for external candidates |
| Funding type | Partial financial support |
Official source: EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships
What Is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship?
The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship is a competitive, merit-based scholarship designed to support students with exceptional academic records who are beginning a Master’s programme at EPFL.
The university also considers achievements outside the classroom. Research experience, academic prizes, publications, entrepreneurial projects, civic engagement and other notable activities may strengthen an application.
Both international Bachelor’s graduates and eligible EPFL Bachelor’s graduates can apply.
EPFL offers 29 Master’s programmes across fields including engineering, computer science, life sciences, mathematics and other scientific disciplines. Applicants should check whether their Bachelor’s background satisfies the admission criteria for their intended degree.
Explore the official EPFL Master’s programmes to find the right course.
Students seeking another Swiss Master’s funding opportunity can also explore the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027, which offers a different funding package.
EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 Benefits
Selected fellows receive the following benefits.
CHF 10,000 Per Semester
EPFL awards CHF 10,000 for each funded semester.
The duration depends on the Master’s programme:
| Master’s programme | Maximum fellowship payment |
|---|---|
| 90 ECTS Master’s | CHF 30,000 over three semesters |
| 120 ECTS Master’s | CHF 40,000 over four semesters |
These figures represent the maximum available grant, not an unconditional payment guarantee. Continuation of the fellowship depends on meeting EPFL’s academic requirements.
For double-degree students, the fellowship normally covers eligible semesters spent at EPFL, rather than the entire period at another institution.
Student Accommodation Reservation
External fellowship recipients receive assistance through the reservation of a student room in a student residence.
This is not free housing. Students must pay their own rent.
Certificate of Excellence
Fellows who successfully complete their Master’s programme receive a certificate of excellence.
How Is the Scholarship Paid?
Fellowship instalments are transferred to the student’s Swiss bank or postal account at the beginning of eligible semesters.
EPFL advises incoming students to bring enough money for their initial expenses because the first payment may take time to process.
Official source: EPFL Fellowship Coverage and Conditions
Is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 Fully Funded?
No. EPFL provides substantial financial assistance, but recipients remain responsible for tuition fees, accommodation, food, insurance and other living expenses.
This distinction matters because the cost of studying in Switzerland can be higher than the fellowship amount.
EPFL Tuition Fees for International Students
Under EPFL’s tuition arrangements introduced in autumn 2025, foreign students moving to Switzerland specifically for education are generally subject to higher tuition.
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition per semester for students subject to increased fees | CHF 2,190 |
| Other semester charges | CHF 50 |
| Total semester invoice | CHF 2,240 |
| Two semester invoices | CHF 4,480 |
Certain students, including Swiss nationals and eligible foreign residents already living in Switzerland for qualifying reasons, are exempt from the higher tuition rate.
The standard semester invoice for students not subject to increased tuition is CHF 780.
See the official EPFL tuition and fees policy.
Estimated Living Costs in Switzerland
EPFL’s published foreign-student budget estimates annual living expenses, excluding tuition, at approximately CHF 25,219.
A simplified annual comparison for a student subject to the higher tuition fees is:
| Annual budget | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Fellowship, two semesters | CHF 20,000 |
| Living expenses | CHF 25,219 |
| Tuition and semester charges | CHF 4,480 |
| Total estimated annual expenses | CHF 29,699 |
| Potential additional funding needed | CHF 9,699 |
These are illustrative figures based on EPFL’s published budget and tuition rates, not a guaranteed personal expense forecast. Actual spending depends on accommodation, insurance, individual circumstances and future fee changes.
Applicants who need a complete tuition waiver and living-cost support may wish to compare the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 and other opportunities in the Master’s Scholarships directory.
Official source: EPFL Cost of Living and Financing Your Studies
EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to academically outstanding applicants who meet the admission requirements for an eligible EPFL Master’s programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should meet the following conditions:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the intended EPFL Master’s programme, or be on track to complete that qualification in time for admission.
- Meet the programme’s academic and subject-specific requirements.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record, qualifications and motivation.
- Apply for a Master’s programme at EPFL for the relevant intake.
- Indicate that they wish to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship.
- Submit their application within the fellowship deadline.
EPFL does not specify a universal nationality restriction for this scholarship.
Is There a Minimum GPA?
EPFL’s fellowship FAQ confirms that there is no fixed minimum GPA for initial fellowship selection.
However, the scholarship is highly competitive, and applicants with excellent academic performance have stronger prospects.
Not having a published GPA threshold does not mean admission or funding is guaranteed.
Who Is Not Eligible?
According to EPFL, the following applicants are not eligible:
- Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree.
- Students already enrolled in an EPFL Master’s programme who wish to apply for funding beginning in their second year.
EPFL also allows only one Master’s programme application per academic year.
Official source: EPFL Excellence Fellowship FAQ
Can Pakistani Students Apply for the EPFL Scholarship 2027?
Yes. Pakistani students can apply for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 if they meet the relevant Master’s admission criteria.
EPFL explicitly permits international applicants and does not publish a fellowship nationality list excluding Pakistan.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from Pakistan should pay particular attention to:
- Whether their qualification is academically suitable for the selected Master’s programme.
- The strength of their transcripts, academic references and statement of purpose.
- The application fee for a foreign Bachelor’s degree.
- Language expectations for the specific programme.
- The cost of studying in Lausanne beyond the scholarship payments.
Admission and scholarship selection are competitive and decided by EPFL.
EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 Deadline
The official deadline for external candidates is:
15 December 2026
EPFL states that applications must be fully validated and paid for by this date to qualify for Excellence Fellowship consideration.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date or expected period |
|---|---|
| Master’s application opens | Mid-November 2026 |
| External fellowship application deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Reference letters | One week after the application deadline, as specified by EPFL |
| Eligible EPFL Bachelor’s students applying for a consecutive Master’s | 31 January 2027 |
| Fellowship selection notifications | Spring 2027; EPFL’s published pages give differing notification periods |
| General Master’s application second deadline | 31 March 2027 |
| Intended start of studies | Autumn 2027 |
Important: March 31 Is Not the Fellowship Deadline
EPFL’s general Master’s admissions process includes a second application window ending on 31 March 2027.
However, external applications submitted after 15 December 2026 will not be eligible for the 2027 Excellence Fellowship, even if they can still be considered for normal Master’s admission.
Applicants should therefore not rely on third-party listings that give March 31 as the Excellence Fellowship deadline.
Read the official EPFL scholarship application deadlines.
Documents Required for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship
External candidates do not need to prepare a separate scholarship-specific document package. The fellowship application is integrated into the normal Master’s admissions process.
Typical application documents include:
- Curriculum vitae: A clear summary of education, academic experience, projects and achievements.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate: If already available.
- Academic transcripts: Complete transcripts from universities previously attended.
- Statement of purpose: A maximum of 1,000 words describing academic background, study objectives and career plans.
- Passport or identity card: A valid identification document.
- Academic referees: Contact details for three referees for applicants subject to the recommendation requirement. EPFL generally requires at least two submitted letters to process these applications.
- Certified translations: Required for documents issued in languages other than English, French, German or Italian.
Additional requirements can apply to particular programmes. Architecture applicants, for example, need a portfolio and professional experience documentation.
Reference letters must be uploaded by the referees themselves. EPFL gives their exact deadline in the application confirmation email.
Research publications and academic achievements may also help demonstrate the candidate’s strengths.
Official source: EPFL Master’s Online Application and Document Requirements
Is IELTS Required for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship?
EPFL does not impose a separate IELTS requirement specifically for Excellence Fellowship evaluation.
Its fellowship FAQ explains that additional documents such as TOEFL or GRE scores are welcome but not compulsory for the scholarship assessment.
However, applicants should still check the language expectations of their chosen Master’s programme.
Most EPFL Master’s programmes are taught mainly in English, while some are mainly in French. EPFL recommends at least C1 proficiency in the relevant teaching language.
Therefore, it would be misleading to claim that every EPFL programme is available without IELTS or other language evidence.
Official source: EPFL Teaching Languages
How to Apply for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027
International applicants apply through EPFL’s standard Master’s application system.
Step 1: Choose a Master’s Programme
Visit the EPFL Master’s programme directory.
Select one programme that matches your academic qualifications and interests. EPFL permits only one Master’s programme application per academic year.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Read the official Master’s admission criteria.
Make sure your academic background and any programme-specific requirements are suitable before submitting an application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Collect academic transcripts, degree documentation, CV, statement of purpose, identification documents and any other required materials.
Contact academic referees early so they have sufficient time to submit recommendation letters.
Step 4: Open the Online Application
Access EPFL’s official Master’s online application page once the autumn 2027 intake application system opens.
Create an application and provide the requested information.
Step 5: Select Excellence Fellowship Consideration
In the Master’s application form, check the box indicating that you wish to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship.
This step is essential. There is no separate fellowship application form for external candidates.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
The current processing fee for applicants with a foreign Bachelor’s degree is CHF 150.
EPFL lists lower or zero fees for certain Swiss and EPFL degree holders. The fee is non-refundable under the university’s stated conditions.
Step 7: Validate and Submit Before December 15
Submit, validate and pay for the completed application no later than 15 December 2026.
After submission, monitor your confirmation email and ensure your referees submit their letters within the specified timeframe.
Use only EPFL’s official application website for admission and scholarship submission.
How Are EPFL Excellence Fellowship Winners Selected?
EPFL’s academic sections first assess candidates, after which the Excellence Fellowships Committee makes fellowship decisions.
Selection considers academic excellence, qualifications and motivation. Relevant accomplishments may include:
- Strong grades and academic distinctions.
- Research projects, publications or scientific prizes.
- Entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Community involvement and leadership.
- Notable artistic, sporting or other extracurricular achievements.
EPFL awards a limited number of fellowships. It does not guarantee a scholarship to everyone admitted to an eligible Master’s programme.
The university’s published pages currently describe slightly different scholarship notification periods. Applicants should monitor their email and official applicant account rather than rely on one promised result date.
EPFL Excellence Fellowship Renewal Requirements
The fellowship is not automatically renewed for the second academic year.
Students must meet both academic conditions:
| Renewal requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Weighted academic average | 5.0 out of 6.0 |
| Qualifying academic credits | 50 ECTS |
EPFL excludes certain credits, such as language or admission courses, from the qualifying credit total. The university states that exceptions are not granted when the required average or credits are not achieved.
Full details are available in the official fellowship conditions.
Other Switzerland Scholarships for International Students
Students exploring the EPFL Excellence Fellowship may also consider related opportunities in Switzerland.
The ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 offers financial support and a tuition-fee waiver for eligible Master’s students.
The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/28 provides another route to Master’s funding at the University of Lausanne.
For research and doctoral applicants, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28 follow a different application process with country-specific eligibility and deadlines.
Students willing to study across European universities can explore the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027
What is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 deadline?
The deadline for external applicants is 15 December 2026. Applications must be validated and paid for by that date.
How much does the EPFL Excellence Fellowship pay?
The fellowship provides CHF 10,000 per eligible semester, with a maximum of four funded semesters depending on the programme.
Is the EPFL Excellence Fellowship fully funded?
No. Although it provides substantial financial assistance, it does not automatically waive tuition or cover every living expense.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students who meet EPFL’s Master’s admission requirements can apply.
Is the EPFL scholarship available to Pakistani students?
Yes. Pakistani applicants can compete for the fellowship if they satisfy the eligibility and admission requirements.
Can I apply without IELTS?
A separate IELTS certificate is not required specifically for fellowship evaluation. Applicants should nevertheless check the language expectations and requirements for their selected Master’s programme.
What is the minimum GPA for the EPFL Excellence Fellowship?
EPFL does not publish a fixed minimum GPA for initial fellowship selection. However, the award is highly competitive. A minimum weighted average of 5.0/6 is required for second-year renewal.
Is accommodation free?
No. External fellows receive a student-room reservation benefit, but must pay their own accommodation costs.
Is there a separate fellowship application?
No. External applicants request fellowship consideration within their EPFL Master’s application.
Can I apply after December 15, 2026?
You may still be able to apply for normal Master’s admission through the second application window, but applications submitted after December 15 are not eligible for this fellowship.
Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
No. EPFL states that candidates who already hold a Master’s degree are ineligible for the Excellence Fellowship.
Can I work while receiving the fellowship?
EPFL’s fellowship FAQ says employment does not itself reduce or discontinue the fellowship. International students must still comply with the applicable Swiss student employment and residence rules.
Can I combine the fellowship with another scholarship?
EPFL restricts combining the fellowship with other substantial awards. However, its FAQ states that some additional funding may be permitted after an individual review. Applicants must declare other scholarships.
Final Thoughts
The EPFL Excellence Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity for academically exceptional international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in Switzerland.
The scholarship offers CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters, together with a student-room reservation benefit for external candidates and a certificate of excellence after successful completion.
Applicants should be realistic about funding: the fellowship is valuable, but it is not a guaranteed full-cost scholarship. Tuition, accommodation and other living expenses remain the student’s responsibility.
For international applicants, the most important date is 15 December 2026. Applying in EPFL’s later Master’s admission window will not preserve eligibility for the 2027 fellowship.
Students should choose their programme carefully, prepare a strong academic application and submit it through EPFL’s official system before the deadline.
Apply and verify details: Official EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship website
Last fact-checked: 10 October 2026. Scholarship conditions, application instructions and fees may change. Always check the official EPFL pages before submitting an application.