The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is one of Europe’s leading science and technology universities, and each year it sets aside a limited number of Excellence Fellowships for students with exceptional academic records. Some of these awards are financed by EPFL directly; others come through partnerships with foundations and companies.
The fellowships are open at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s level, and the target group explicitly includes international students, which makes this a realistic target for strong African applicants aiming to study in Switzerland. This listing reflects the cycle with studies starting in 2026/2027.
Selection is purely merit-based. EPFL looks for candidates who have stood out throughout their pre-university path, both academically and in extracurricular activities, so a well-documented record of achievement matters as much as top grades.
Scholarship benefits
- CHF 10,000 per semester.
- A reservation of a student room in a student residence.
- For Bachelor’s studies, the fellowship is spread over three years.
- For Master’s studies, the fellowship is paid for four semesters (renewal requires at least 50 ECTS credits and an overall average of 5.0/6).
Eligibility checklist
✔ You have an outstanding academic record and are among the most deserving candidates.
✔ You have achieved remarkable results throughout your pre-university curriculum, in both school and extracurricular activities.
✔ You are applying to an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at EPFL.
✔ You are a student of any nationality. International students are eligible.
✔ For Bachelor applicants: you are in your final year of high school and complete the required application file.
✔ For Master applicants: you are applying to an EPFL master’s programme and tick the excellence fellowship box on the same form.
Application tips for African students
- Because selection rests on your academic record, gather certified copies of your transcripts and certificates early, and arrange official English or French translations if your documents are in another language.
- Confirm the language of instruction for your chosen programme and plan any required English test (IELTS/TOEFL) well ahead. Book the sitting months before the deadline so scores arrive in time.
- Document your extracurricular achievements clearly. EPFL values results outside the classroom, so include competitions, leadership roles, projects and awards with evidence.
- Read the EPFL Bachelors and Masters Fellowship Guidelines carefully before submitting. The requirements and boxes to tick differ by level.
- Do not miss the small but crucial step of ticking the excellence fellowship box on your application form; without it your profile will not be considered.
- Start your Swiss student visa and proof-of-funds preparation early, since consular processing can take time.
- Submit well before the 30 April (Bachelor) or 15 December / 31 March (Master) deadlines rather than at the last minute, to allow for document and portal issues.
How to apply
There is no separate application: you apply through EPFL’s standard online admission form for your chosen programme and indicate that you also want to be considered for an Excellence Fellowship. Bachelor’s applicants must check the corresponding box and provide the requested file before 30 April. Master’s applicants apply via the same online master’s application by 15 December or 31 March and tick the box asking for their profile to be considered. Review the official guidelines and access the form here: EPFL Bachelor Excellence Fellowships.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students from Africa apply?
Yes. The target group is all students, including international students, so African applicants are eligible.
What does the fellowship cover?
It provides CHF 10,000 per semester and a reserved room in a student residence. Bachelor awards run over three years and Master awards cover four semesters.
Is there a separate application for the fellowship?
No. You apply through EPFL’s normal online admission form and tick the box indicating you want to be considered for the Excellence Fellowship.
What are the deadlines?
Bachelor applicants must apply before 30 April. Master applicants apply by 15 December or 31 March, in line with EPFL’s master’s admission rounds.
How is the fellowship renewed at Master’s level?
Master’s students must have obtained at least 50 ECTS credits and hold an overall average of 5.0/6 for the fellowship to be renewed.
How are recipients selected?
EPFL grants the fellowships to the most deserving candidates based on their academic records and their achievements in school and extracurricular activities.