Scholarship details
Are you a talented student who dreams of pursuing a master’s degree in science or engineering at one of the world’s top universities? Do you want to join a vibrant community of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology and society? If yes, you should not miss the chance to apply for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships.
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are prestigious scholarships offered by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a leading Swiss institution of higher education and research. The fellowships aim to attract the best and brightest students worldwide to enroll in one of the EPFL master’s programs. The fellowships cover the total tuition fees, a generous living allowance, and other benefits for the duration of the master’s studies. The fellowships are highly competitive and selective, as only a limited number of students are awarded each year.
Scholarship Provider
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are funded by the EPFL and its partners, including foundations, companies, and alumni. The EPFL is a public university that specializes in science and engineering. It is located in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The EPFL is ranked among the top 20 universities in the world by various rankings, and it is renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. The EPFL offers a wide range of master’s programs in various fields of science and engineering, such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and more. The EPFL fosters interdisciplinary and collaborative research, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Host Country
Switzerland, a landlocked country in Central Europe, hosts the EPFL Excellence Fellowships. Switzerland is known for its high quality of life, political neutrality, and natural beauty. Switzerland is also a hub of innovation and education, hosting many world-class universities, research institutes, and multinational companies. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The EPFL is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, but most courses are taught in English.
Scholarship Worth
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are worth CHF 16,000 per academic year, equivalent to USD 17,500. The fellowship covers the total tuition fees, CHF 780 per semester, and a monthly living allowance of CHF 1,600. The fellowship also includes a reserved room in a student residence, a public transportation pass, and a reduced visa application fee. The fellowship is renewable for the second year of the master’s studies, provided the student meets the academic performance criteria.
Level and Field of Study
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are available for master’s level studies in any EPFL master’s program. The EPFL offers more than 25 master’s programs in various fields of science and engineering, such as:
– Computer Science and Communication Systems
– Data Science
– Electrical Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Robotics
– Microengineering
– Materials Science and Engineering
– Biomedical Engineering
– Bioengineering
– Life Sciences and Technologies
– Molecular and Biological Chemistry
– Physics
– Mathematics
– Applied Mathematics
– Computational Science and Engineering
– Environmental Sciences and Engineering
– Energy Science and Technology
– Nuclear Engineering
– Management, Technology and Entrepreneurship
– Financial Engineering
– Digital Humanities
– Cybersecurity
– Human-Computer Interaction
– Neuroscience
– Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering
The duration of the master’s studies is typically two years or four semesters, with 120 ECTS credits. The master’s studies consist of core courses, elective courses, a semester project, and a master’s thesis. The master’s thesis is an original research work carried out under the supervision of a professor or a senior researcher. The master’s thesis is usually done in one of the EPFL laboratories. Still, it can also be done in an external institution, such as a company, a research institute, or another university.
How to Apply
The application for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships is made online through the same platform as the application for the EPFL master’s program. The applicants must first choose the master’s program they wish to apply for and then indicate their interest in the fellowship by selecting the option “I request to be considered for an EPFL Excellence Fellowship” in the online form. The applicants must also upload the following documents:
– A motivation letter explaining why they want to study at the EPFL and what are their career goals
– A curriculum vitae highlighting their academic achievements, skills, and extracurricular activities
– A copy of their bachelor’s degree or equivalent or a certificate of enrollment if they are still studying
– A copy of their official transcripts showing their grades and credits for all the courses they have taken
– Two recommendation letters from professors or supervisors who know them well and can attest to their academic potential and suitability for the fellowship
– A copy of their passport or identity card
– A copy of their language certificate, if required by the master’s program
The applicants must submit their application before the deadline, usually in mid-January for the fall semester and mid-April for the spring semester. The applicants can check the exact dates on the EPFL website. The applicants must also pay a non-refundable application fee of CHF 50.
The applications are evaluated by a committee composed of EPFL professors and representatives from the EPFL and its partners. The selection criteria include academic excellence, motivation, creativity, leadership potential, and fit with the chosen master’s program. The applicants are notified of the outcome of their application by email, usually in March for the fall semester and June for the spring semester. The successful applicants must confirm their acceptance of the fellowship and the master’s program within two weeks.
Countries that can Apply
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are open to students of any nationality, regardless of their country of origin, residence, or citizenship. However, the applicants must have a valid passport or identity card to travel to Switzerland and obtain a student visa. The applicants must also comply with the immigration and health regulations of Switzerland and the EPFL.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships are the following:
– The applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of science or engineering from a recognized university or institution of higher education
– The applicants must have an outstanding academic record, with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 out of 6.0 or equivalent
– The applicants must meet the specific admission requirements of the EPFL master’s program they wish to apply for, such as language proficiency, prerequisite courses, and recommendation letters
– The applicants must apply for the fellowship at the same time as their application for the master’s program, and indicate their interest in the fellowship in the online form
– The applicants must not have been enrolled in a master’s program at the EPFL or another Swiss university before
– The applicants must not have received another scholarship or fellowship from the EPFL or another Swiss institution for the same master’s program
Scholarship Deadline
The deadline for the EPFL Excellence Fellowships is the same as the deadline for the EPFL master’s program application. The deadline is usually mid-January for the fall semester and mid-April for the spring semester. The applicants can check the exact dates on the EPFL website. The applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, as the application process may take some time, and the number of fellowships is limited.
Conclusion
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are a golden opportunity for aspiring scientists and engineers who want to pursue a master’s degree in science or engineering at one of the world’s top universities. The fellowships offer full financial support and access to a stimulating and diverse academic environment where the students can learn from the best professors, researchers, and peers. The fellowships are highly competitive and selective, as only a few students are awarded yearly. The applicants must demonstrate their academic excellence, motivation, creativity, leadership potential, and fit with the chosen master’s program. The applicants must also submit their application online and the required documents before the deadline. The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the EPFL community and make a difference in science and technology.
