EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships 2027

About this opportunity

EPFL, the Swiss federal technology institute in Lausanne, awards a limited number of Master Excellence Fellowships each year to its strongest incoming Master's students. Anyone applying to an EPFL Master's programme is eligible, whether their Bachelor's is from EPFL or from a university abroad, so international applicants — including Nigerians — can be considered.

The fellowship pays CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters, and external fellows are offered a room in a student residence. It is not a full scholarship: fellows still pay tuition fees, rent and other living costs from the award or their own funds, and it cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships. Renewal for the second year depends on earning at least 50 ECTS credits with an average of 5.0 out of 6.

There is no separate form for applicants from other universities. You tick the excellence-fellowship box on EPFL's online Master's application, and your application must be paid for and validated by 15 December 2026; later applications are still assessed for admission but not for the fellowship. Selection weighs academic results alongside research, entrepreneurial and civic achievements. Check the official page for the final rules.

Purpose & benefits

• CHF 10,000 per semester, for a maximum of four semesters.
• A reserved room in a student residence (external candidates).
• A certificate of excellence on completing the Master's.

Eligibility

• Anyone applying to an EPFL Master's programme, from EPFL or another university (no nationality restriction stated).
• Outstanding academic results; research, entrepreneurial, sporting, artistic or civic achievements also count.

Not eligible: people who already hold a Master's degree or are already enrolled in an EPFL Master's programme.

• Nationality: open to all nationalities.
• Country of residence: any country.
• Where it takes place: Switzerland.
• Field of study or work: Any EPFL Master's programme (29 programmes)

Required qualifications

Eligibility for an EPFL Master's programme and an excellent academic record.

Who should consider applying

Top Bachelor's graduates in engineering, computer science, life sciences, architecture or basic sciences planning a Master's at EPFL from autumn 2027.

Important restrictions

• Only one Master's programme application per year.
• Cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships; all scholarships must be declared.
• Second-year renewal requires at least 50 ECTS credits and a 5.0/6 average.

How to apply

1. Choose your EPFL Master's programme and check its admission requirements.
2. Complete EPFL's online Master's application and tick the box to be considered for an excellence fellowship.
3. The online form opens in mid-November 2026. Pay the processing fee (CHF 150 with a foreign Bachelor's degree) so the application is paid for and validated by 15 December 2026.
4. Make sure your referees upload their letters by the date in your confirmation email (about one week after the deadline).
5. Wait for the outcome — selected candidates are notified in late March 2027.

Documents you'll need

• EPFL online Master's application (paid and validated) with the excellence-fellowship box ticked
• The documents required for Master's admission (no extra documents for external candidates)
• Reference letters uploaded within about a week of the deadline (date given in the confirmation email)

How applicants are selected

Sections screen the applications, then EPFL's Excellence Fellowships Committee chooses the fellows. Selected candidates are notified in late March; a waiting list is used if someone declines.

Preparing a strong application

• Pay and validate early: an unpaid application on 15 December is not considered.
• Use your application to show achievements beyond grades — publications, prizes, start-ups, community work.
• Budget for tuition and living costs: the fellowship does not cover everything.