EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland (CHF 10,000 per Semester)

The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 is a merit-based fellowship from the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of Europe's leading universities for science and engineering. EPFL offers a limited number of excellence fellowships to the most outstanding students who are beginning their Master's studies, based on remarkable academic results and achievements outside the classroom, whether sporting, artistic, civic or entrepreneurial. The fellowship is open to students who earned their Bachelor's degree at EPFL and to those who studied at another university. What the fellowship provides - CHF 10,000 per semester, with a maximum coverage of four semesters - For external candidates, a reserved room in a student residence - A certificate of excellence on completion of the Master's programme The fellowship covers two to three semesters of the Master's cycle, depending on the programme's length, plus one semester for the Master's project. It is not a full scholarship. Fellowship holders are responsible for managing all their living expenses, including tuition fees and rent. Payments are made into a Swiss bank or postal account, so you will need to open one when you arrive. The fellowship cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships, and you must declare all scholarships you receive during your Master's. Who can apply Anyone applying to a Master's programme at EPFL is eligible. Fellowships go to the most deserving candidates based on academic excellence, qualifications and motivation. EPFL also considers research experience (publications, prizes or fellowships), entrepreneurship (patent applications or start-ups) and societal commitment. You may apply to only one Master's programme per year. You are not eligible if you already hold a Master's degree or are currently enrolled in a Master's programme at EPFL. You must also meet the admission requirements of your chosen programme, so read them on the EPFL website before you apply. How to apply There is no separate scholarship application for external candidates. 1. Choose your Master's programme and check its admission requirements. 2. Complete EPFL's online Master application form. 3. Tick the box that says your profile should also be considered for an excellence fellowship. 4. Pay and validate your application before the deadline. 5. Make sure your referees upload their reference letters within one week after the application deadline. The exact date is in the confirmation email you receive. No additional documents are needed beyond those required for admission. Deadline for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 External candidates must have their application paid for and validated by 15 December 2026. Applications that are paid and validated after this date are still reviewed for Master's admission, but they are not eligible for the fellowship. Some websites mention a second round in March, but EPFL's official page lists only 15 December for 2027. Selection and renewal After an initial screening by the sections, the Excellence Fellowships Committee awards the fellowships, and selected candidates are notified in late March. To renew the fellowship for the second year, you must reach a weighted average of at least 5.0 out of 6 and earn at least 50 credits in your first Master's year. EPFL makes no exceptions to these requirements. A tip for your application Because the committee looks beyond grades, use your CV and motivation letter to show real projects, such as research, a startup, volunteering or competitions. Submit early so that payment, validation and reference letters do not run into the deadline. Please confirm all dates, amounts and requirements for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship 2027 on the official EPFL website before you apply. Questions can be sent to the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship office.