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EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships

EPFL offers a limited number of excellence fellowships to outstanding Master’s students, providing financial support and guaranteed housing to those who demonstrate remarkable academic results and extracurricular involvement.

Provider
EPFL
Host country
Switzerland
Region
Europe

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL, including those with a Bachelor’s from EPFL or another institution, who have achieved remarkable academic results and distinguish themselves in extracurricular activities.
Funding
Partial
Study level
Masters
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

  • Outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL, including those with a Bachelor’s from EPFL or another institution, who have achieved remarkable academic results and distinguish themselves in extracurricular activities.

Recorded funding information

  • Partial

About the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships (2026)

## Overview The EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships are designed to recognize and support exceptionally talented students embarking on their Master’s studies at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. This prestigious program offers a limited number of fellowships, coupled with guaranteed housing, to candidates who have not only demonstrated outstanding academic achievements but have also distinguished themselves through significant involvement in extracurricular activities, whether in sports, arts, civic engagement, or entrepreneurship. The primary objective of these fellowships is to alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their Master’s studies. Beyond academic focus, the program encourages students to engage in various activities that enrich their professional development and cultivate interdisciplinary skills. By providing financial assistance, EPFL aims to broaden students' horizons, enabling them to pursue internships and initial work experiences based on their genuine scientific interests and career aspirations. ## Benefits Recipients of the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship receive substantial financial support totaling CHF 10,000 per semester. This funding is consistently provided throughout the duration of their Master’s program. In addition to the financial award, fellows are guaranteed housing, a significant advantage in a competitive academic environment like Switzerland. The fellowship's design ensures that students can concentrate on their academic pursuits without undue financial stress, thereby facilitating a more enriching and focused educational journey. ## Eligibility To be considered for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships, candidates must meet the following criteria: * **Academic Excellence:** Applicants must possess an outstanding academic record, demonstrating remarkable results in their previous studies. * **Master’s Enrollment:** The fellowship is open to students who are beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL. This includes both students who have obtained their Bachelor’s degree from EPFL and those who have completed their undergraduate studies at other institutions. * **Extracurricular Involvement:** Candidates must distinguish themselves through participation and achievements in extracurricular activities, which can range from sporting and artistic endeavors to civic engagement or entrepreneurial initiatives. While academic background is a critical component of the evaluation, EPFL emphasizes a holistic assessment, considering a candidate's broader experiences and achievements. ## Required Documents Specific required documents for the fellowship application are integrated into the Master’s application process. Prospective fellows must indicate their interest in the fellowship by checking the corresponding box on their Master’s application form. They are then required to submit the requested application file as part of their overall Master’s application. Internal candidates continuing in the same field of study will submit their application directly to their respective section. ## How to Apply Applying for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowship is seamlessly integrated with the general Master's application process. Interested candidates should: 1. **Complete the Master’s Application:** Submit a complete application for their desired Master's program at EPFL. 2. **Indicate Fellowship Interest:** Ensure to check the designated box on the Master’s application form to indicate interest in the Excellence Fellowship. 3. **Provide Application File:** Submit all required documentation as part of the comprehensive Master’s application package. This package typically includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a CV, and a personal statement. EPFL advises applicants to highlight any outstanding achievements that enrich their profile, including research publications, prizes, previous fellowships, entrepreneurial ventures (e.g., patent applications, start-up creation), or societal commitments (e.g., associative or civic activities, event organization). ## Key Dates The official page for this fellowship does not explicitly state a separate deadline for the fellowship application. The fellowship application is typically tied to the Master’s program application deadlines. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships is comprehensive, evaluating candidates on several key aspects: * **Academic Background:** This is a crucial factor, with significant weight given to the candidate’s academic record and achievements. * **Extracurricular Engagement:** Candidates’ experiences in various areas such as research (publications, prizes, fellowships), entrepreneurship (patent applications, start-up creation), and societal commitment (associative or civic activities, organization of festivals and events) are highly valued. * **Overall Profile:** EPFL considers all outstanding achievements that contribute to a well-rounded and distinguished student profile. For the fellowship to be renewed for the second year of the Master’s degree, students must achieve at least 50 ECTS credits and maintain an overall average of 5.0/6.0. ## Tips * **Highlight All Achievements:** Ensure your application comprehensively details all academic accomplishments, research experiences, entrepreneurial activities, and community involvement. Every outstanding achievement can strengthen your profile. * **Craft a Strong Personal Statement:** Use your personal statement to articulate your motivations, future aspirations, and how your past experiences align with the values of EPFL and the fellowship. * **Secure Strong Recommendations:** Seek letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic prowess, research potential, and character. * **Attention to Detail:** Double-check your entire application for accuracy and completeness before submission. * **Early Application:** While no specific fellowship deadline is mentioned separately, applying for the Master’s program well in advance of the deadline is generally advisable. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official program page: [https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/](https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Partial

EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL, including those with a Bachelor’s from EPFL or another institution, who have achieved remarkable academic results and distinguish themselves in extracurricular activities.

EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL, including those with a Bachelor’s from EPFL or another institution, who have achieved remarkable academic results and distinguish themselves in extracurricular activities.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

    EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships deadline & application timeline

    No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; this does not imply rolling applications. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline

      No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source for dates and any cutoff or time zone.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships?+

    Outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL, including those with a Bachelor’s from EPFL or another institution, who have achieved remarkable academic results and distinguish themselves in extracurricular activities.

    What funding does the EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships offer?+

    Listed funding: Partial. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; a missing date does not mean applications are rolling.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Outstanding students beginning their Master’s studies at EPFL, including those with a Bachelor’s from EPFL or another institution, who have achieved remarkable academic results and distinguish themselves in extracurricular activities.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

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