École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Innovation at the lakefront, excellence at the core of science.
📍 Lausanne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
🏆 #2 in Switzerland · QS World #22 · THE World #35 · ARWU #44
Quick Facts about École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Type: Public
- Students: 10,894
- International: 48%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $1,600 – $1,600/year
- Language: French, English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Academics
EPFL is organized into five schools and two colleges that cover disciplines ranging from basic sciences to microengineering and architecture. The university is renowned for its rigorous technical training and a teaching approach that emphasizes hands-on laboratory work and early participation in high-level research. Notable programs include Computer Science, Life Sciences, and Robotics, where multidisciplinary collaboration is encouraged to solve complex global challenges.
International Students
The university is a melting pot of cultures, with over 120 nationalities represented and international students making up approximately half of the student body. While Bachelor programs are primarily taught in French, the vast majority of Master and PhD programs are conducted entirely in English. To support its diverse community, EPFL provides extensive services including language courses, dedicated orientation weeks, and over 90 student organizations that facilitate social and cultural integration.
Campus & Location
The campus is situated in the vibrant city of Lausanne, offering a stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. It features iconic modern architecture such as the Rolex Learning Center and provides students with state of the art research facilities and sports centers. Excellent public transportation links the campus to the city center in minutes, allowing students to enjoy Lausanne’s rich cultural scene and easy access to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
Career Outcomes
EPFL maintains exceptionally high employment rates, with most graduates securing positions within six months of completing their degrees. The university fosters a dynamic startup culture through its Innovation Park, which hosts hundreds of companies and promotes entrepreneurial ventures. Students benefit from strong industry connections with global giants like Google, Nestlé, and Rolex, as well as comprehensive career services that include recruitment fairs and networking workshops.
Information for International Students at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland welcomes international students, with 48% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 48% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$750/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: French, English
Admissions Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL):
- IELTS minimum: 5.5
- TOEFL minimum: 72
- GPA minimum: 3.2
- Application fee: $150
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: March 31
Programs at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) (18 programs)
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers 18 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (6)
- Architecture (BSc) — 36 months · French · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Foundational studies in architectural design, theory, and construction techniques. Prepares students for advanced professional training in urban and building design.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Architectural Assistant, Urban Planner, Construction Consultant
Deadline: April 30 annually - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Covers fundamental chemistry and the principles of chemical process engineering. Students learn to design and optimize chemical systems for industrial applications.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Laboratory Researcher, Process Designer
Deadline: April 30 annually - Architecture (BSc) — 36 months · French · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Foundational studies in architectural design, theory, and construction techniques. Prepares students for advanced professional training in urban and building design.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Architectural Assistant, Urban Planner, Construction Consultant
Deadline: April 30 annually - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Covers fundamental chemistry and the principles of chemical process engineering. Students learn to design and optimize chemical systems for industrial applications.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Laboratory Researcher, Process Designer
Deadline: April 30 annually - Architecture (BSc) — 36 months · French · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Foundational studies in architectural design, theory, and construction techniques. Prepares students for advanced professional training in urban and building design.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Architectural Assistant, Urban Planner, Construction Consultant
Deadline: April 30 annually - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Covers fundamental chemistry and the principles of chemical process engineering. Students learn to design and optimize chemical systems for industrial applications.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Laboratory Researcher, Process Designer
Deadline: April 30 annually
Master Programs (9)
- Cyber Security (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Joint program with ETH Zurich focusing on information security and cryptography. Students learn to protect digital infrastructures and develop secure software systems.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Security Architect, Cryptographer, Systems Auditor
Deadline: Dec 15 and March 31 annually - Applied Mathematics (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on mathematical modeling and numerical simulation for science and industry. Graduates are equipped to solve complex problems in finance, engineering, and data science.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, Research Engineer
Deadline: Dec 15 and March 31 annually - Executive MBA (Management of Technology) (MBA) — English · Part-time · STEM
Designed for professionals to bridge the gap between technology and business leadership. Focuses on innovation management and entrepreneurial strategy.
Field: Management
Career outcomes: CTO, Innovation Manager, Entrepreneur - Cyber Security (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Joint program with ETH Zurich focusing on information security and cryptography. Students learn to protect digital infrastructures and develop secure software systems.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Security Architect, Cryptographer, Systems Auditor
Deadline: Dec 15 and March 31 annually - Applied Mathematics (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on mathematical modeling and numerical simulation for science and industry. Graduates are equipped to solve complex problems in finance, engineering, and data science.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, Research Engineer
Deadline: Dec 15 and March 31 annually - Executive MBA (Management of Technology) (MBA) — English · Part-time · STEM
Designed for professionals to bridge the gap between technology and business leadership. Focuses on innovation management and entrepreneurial strategy.
Field: Management
Career outcomes: CTO, Innovation Manager, Entrepreneur - Cyber Security (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Joint program with ETH Zurich focusing on information security and cryptography. Students learn to protect digital infrastructures and develop secure software systems.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Security Architect, Cryptographer, Systems Auditor
Deadline: Dec 15 and March 31 annually - Applied Mathematics (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on mathematical modeling and numerical simulation for science and industry. Graduates are equipped to solve complex problems in finance, engineering, and data science.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, Research Engineer
Deadline: Dec 15 and March 31 annually - Executive MBA (Management of Technology) (MBA) — English · Part-time · STEM
Designed for professionals to bridge the gap between technology and business leadership. Focuses on innovation management and entrepreneurial strategy.
Field: Management
Career outcomes: CTO, Innovation Manager, Entrepreneur
PhD Programs (3)
- Advanced Manufacturing (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced research into manufacturing processes and materials. Doctoral candidates contribute to the future of industrial production and smart factories.
Field: Manufacturing
Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, R&D Director, Industrial Consultant
Deadline: Rolling - Advanced Manufacturing (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced research into manufacturing processes and materials. Doctoral candidates contribute to the future of industrial production and smart factories.
Field: Manufacturing
Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, R&D Director, Industrial Consultant
Deadline: Rolling - Advanced Manufacturing (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced research into manufacturing processes and materials. Doctoral candidates contribute to the future of industrial production and smart factories.
Field: Manufacturing
Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, R&D Director, Industrial Consultant
Deadline: Rolling
Scholarships & Tuition at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Annual tuition for international students: $1,600 – $1,600/year
✅ École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- National Ranking: #2 in Switzerland
- QS World University Ranking: #22
- Times Higher Education (THE): #35
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #44
- Ranking tier: Top 100
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 150
- Housing cost: ~$750/month
Key Highlights
- World leading engineering and technology institution
- Consistently ranked among top global universities
- Diverse campus with over 120 nationalities
- Stunning location on Lake Geneva shores
- Rigorous training with hands-on research focus
- Exceptional graduate employment and career outcomes
Accreditation
- Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ)
- Swiss Accreditation Council
Fields of Study at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Architecture
Notable Alumni
- Jacques Dubochet
- Daniel Borel
- Martin Odersky
- Patrick Pichette
- Yves Rossy
Frequently Asked Questions about École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
What is École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)?
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a public university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It has approximately 10,894 students, with 48% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)?
Tuition fees at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) for international students range from $1,600 – $1,600/year. Student housing costs approximately $750/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)?
IELTS minimum: 5.5. TOEFL minimum: 72. GPA minimum: 3.2. Application fee: $150. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: March 31.
What language are courses taught in at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)?
Courses at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) are taught in French and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.
How many programs does École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offer?
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers 18 programs: 6 Bachelor's, 9 Master's, and 3 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) ranked?
#2 in Switzerland · QS World #22 · THE World #35 · ARWU #44.
Does École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offer scholarships?
Yes, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) provide visa support?
Yes, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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