École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Lausanne, 🇨🇭 Switzerland Public
#2 National #22 QS World
#2 National #22 QS World #35 THE #44 ARWU
10,894 students 48% international Multiple Campuses $1.6k/yr
About École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a world leading institution dedicated to excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, it is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and serves as a major hub for innovation and research.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Subject Areas
EngineeringComputer SciencePhysicsMathematicsArchitecture
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
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Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Physics & Chemistry
Bachelor Programs (2)
Architecture
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
36 months French Full-time
$1,560/yr
Scholarships View details →Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
36 months French Full-time
$1,560/yr
Scholarships View details →Master Programs (3)
Cyber Security
STEM
Computer Science
General Computer Science
24 months English Full-time
$1,560/yr
Scholarships View details →Executive MBA (Management of Technology)
STEM
Management
Leadership & Management
English Part-time
View details →
Applied Mathematics
STEM
Mathematics
24 months English Full-time
$1,560/yr
Scholarships View details →PhD Programs (1)
5.5+ IELTS
72+ TOEFL
3.2+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline March 31
Tuition (per year) $1.6k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$750
Application Fee $150
Teaching Language French, English
Student : Faculty 29:1
Avg Class Size 150
Accreditation
Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ)Swiss Accreditation Council
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