Are you considering pursuing your education in Switzerland? Great news! Applications for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships are now open. In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about this scholarship program, including its benefits and a detailed step-by-step application process.
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships 2025-2026 are fully funded scholarships designed for international students pursuing a master’s degree. These fellowships offer financial support of up to 32,000 CHF, covering accommodation, tuition fees, and visa expenses.
EPFL offers a select number of master’s-level fellowships to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements. Some fellowships are funded directly by EPFL, while others are supported through partnerships with foundations or corporations.
As one of Europe’s most international technical universities, EPFL brings together students, professors, and staff from over 120 countries. EPFL’s vibrant environment fosters connections both within Switzerland and globally, with a strong focus on education, research, and technology transfer.
Scholarship Overview:
Level of Study: Master’s
Institution: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Location: Switzerland
Focus Areas: Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering, Computer and Communication Sciences, Basic Sciences, Life Sciences, Technology Management, Humanities, and EPFL Middle East.
Program Duration: Either a 1.5-year or a 2-year master’s program, depending on the chosen field.
Application Deadlines: April 15 or December 15 (annually)
Scholarship Benefits:
- Financial support of 10,000 CHF per semester
- Reserved student accommodation
- Certificate of excellence upon completion
- Fellows are responsible for covering personal expenses, including rent.
The fellowship covers a maximum of four semesters (or three for a 90-credit program), provided the recipient remains a registered EPFL student. Extensions are not permitted, even if the student chooses to pursue a minor or extend their studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Language: Proficiency in English
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to EPFL programs. Candidates who already possess a master’s degree in the relevant field are not eligible.
- Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and references.
Application Process:
1. Complete the online application form.
2. Ensure all submitted documents are in English, French, German, or Italian. Legalized translations are required for documents in other languages.
3. Required documents:
- Updated resume
- Certified copies of academic diplomas and transcripts
- Cover letter (maximum 1000 words), outlining academic achievements and career goals
- Contact information of three academic referees, who will provide recommendation letters
- Identification (ID card or passport)
- Residence permit (for international applicants residing in Switzerland)
Applicants from other Swiss universities who apply for a master’s degree in the same field as their bachelor’s are exempt from providing recommendation letters.
The Baden-Württemberg Fund offers opportunities for visiting researchers at institutions in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This program supports scholars who face threats to their lives or careers in their home countries, including professors, senior scientists, and public intellectuals from any field.
In 2002, the IIE made it a priority to support scholars at risk through the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (EPFL). The fund aims to protect researchers facing dangers, building on IIE’s long history of safeguarding academic freedom and intellectual pursuit.
Eligibility for Baden-Württemberg Fellowships:
- Language: Proficiency in English
- Eligible Countries: All nations
- Qualified applicants include professors, senior researchers, and intellectuals facing threats in their home countries.
- Priority is given to candidates with a Ph.D. or equivalent, substantial teaching or research experience, and those who have recently faced targeted threats.
- Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to benefiting both their home and host academic communities.
Application Requirements:
1. Submit an academic statement detailing your qualifications and experience.
2. Provide a current CV or resume.
3. Write a personal statement explaining your need for support.
4. Include two academic/professional letters of reference and two personal letters of reference from colleagues familiar with your situation.
5. Attach copies of your Ph.D. or highest degree and samples of recent research or publications.
6. Obtain a letter from an accredited institution willing to host your fellowship (optional).
7. Send all application documents via email, fax, or postal mail to the Scholar Rescue Fund at the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York.
Address: Scholar Rescue Fund, Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580, USA.