Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne Admission 2027

Admission at a glance

EPFL is one of two Swiss federal institutes of technology and teaches bachelor's degrees in French while most master's programmes run in English. A bachelor applicant from outside the EU, EFTA and the UK is admitted either through the Cours de mathematiques speciales route, open to holders of an upper secondary certificate that meets specific subject and grade conditions (mathematics and physics studied at the highest level, at least 80 percent of the maximum mark in both, and an 80 percent overall average), or by registering for EPFL's own entrance examination, which carries no quota or precondition and a registration tax of CHF 150 for a foreign school-leaving certificate (CHF 50 otherwise). EPFL expects CEFR B2 in French for bachelor's study, C1 strongly recommended, and international applicants without French in their schooling must show this level separately. Applications for admission to the first year close 30 April, with a later window to 31 July for candidates who meet certain published conditions.

Master applicants need a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a field related to the programme they choose, and admission is competitive and reviewed holistically: academic record, the strength of the applicant's prior institution and field background, a statement of purpose and references all factor in, rather than one fixed grade or test cutoff. Applications run in two windows: mid-November to 15 December, with decisions by late March, and 16 December to 31 March, with decisions by mid-June; EPFL advises applicants who will need a student visa to apply by the December deadline to leave enough time for visa processing once admitted. Most master's teaching is in English and EPFL's own admission pages describe wanting strong English skills without stating one required test score.

Requirements

Bachelor

• A foreign upper secondary certificate granted after at least 12 years of education, either accepted directly into the Cours de mathematiques speciales preparatory route (specific subjects including maths and physics at the highest level, both graded at least 80 percent of the maximum, and an 80 percent overall average) or via EPFL's own entrance examination, open with no quota to any applicant.
• CEFR B2 in French for bachelor's study (C1 strongly recommended); international applicants without French in their prior schooling must provide separate proof.
• Application by 30 April for first-year entry, or by 31 July for late applicants who meet specific published conditions.
• CHF 150 registration tax for the entrance-examination route with a foreign school-leaving certificate; CHF 50 for other applicants.

Master

• A bachelor's degree, or recognised equivalent, in a field related to the chosen EPFL master's programme; a strong academic record.
• Academic transcripts, referee contact details (unless the referee is at a Swiss institution or at EPFL), and, for applicants changing field, a written rationale.
• Strong English for the many programmes taught in English; EP...

Full requirements and documents