EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Swiss innovation, globally recognized.

📍 Lausanne, Switzerland 🇨🇭

🏆 #2 in Switzerland · QS World #22 · THE World #35 · ARWU #44

Quick Facts about EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

  • Tuition: $1,400 – $1,400/year
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, is a leading public research university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Established in 1969, EPFL specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, offering a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment for education, research, and innovation.

Academics

EPFL offers a wide array of programs across its five schools and two colleges, including Architecture, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Basic Sciences, Engineering, Computer & Communication Sciences, Life Sciences, Management of Technology, and Humanities. The university emphasizes a hands-on, project-based learning approach, integrating lab sessions and workshops with direct research applications to provide students with strong technical skills and computational thinking. Notable for its interdisciplinary strengths, EPFL fosters collaborative learning experiences and research projects at the intersection of AI, engineering, and science, addressing complex global challenges in areas like climate, health, and energy.

International Students

EPFL boasts a highly international environment, with students and researchers from over 130 nationalities. While Bachelor's programs may have a higher proportion of Swiss and European students, Master's and Doctoral levels attract a diverse global cohort. Many Master's programs are taught entirely in English, making it accessible for non-French speakers. The university provides various support services for international students, including assistance with visa and residence permits, housing, insurance, and French language courses. Student organizations, including numerous international associations like the YUVA Indians Association and the Chinese Students & Scholars Association, contribute to cultural integration and a vibrant campus life.

Campus & Location

The EPFL campus is situated in Lausanne, a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The campus spans 136 acres and features 65 buildings, offering a lively student experience with various facilities including banks, restaurants, and two museums. Lausanne itself is known as the "Olympic Capital" and provides a rich city life with a population that includes a significant student body. The campus is well-connected, and students can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and nearby attractions.

Career Outcomes

EPFL graduates are highly sought after in the job market, with a strong professional integration both in Switzerland and internationally. A significant majority of graduates (95%) are professionally active, with only 1% seeking employment. The median salary for EPFL graduates is notably higher than the Swiss average. The university has strong industry connections and a thriving startup culture, with over 500 tech startups emerging from EPFL, supported by initiatives like the Startup Launchpad. Graduates find employment in diverse sectors, with IT and Telecommunications, Higher Education, Architecture, Finance, and Construction being among the most frequently cited. EPFL also emphasizes developing transversal skills such as communication, teamwork, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for complex real-world challenges.

Information for International Students at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland welcomes international students.

  • No visa support offered
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available

Admissions Requirements for EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne:

  • Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)

Programs at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (23 programs)

EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne offers 23 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.

Bachelor Programs (8)

  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Deals with the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Mechanical Engineering
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Covers principles of chemical processes and their industrial applications. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Chemical Engineering
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Combines fundamental chemistry with chemical engineering principles. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Microengineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on the design and fabrication of micro- and nano-scale devices and systems. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Microengineering
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Physics (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Provides a fundamental understanding of the laws governing the universe. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Physics
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Mathematics (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Provides a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Mathematics
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Communication Systems (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Explores the principles and technologies behind communication networks and systems. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Communication Systems, Computer Science
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually
  • Materials Science and Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · French · STEM · Scholarship available
    Studies the properties, processing, and applications of various materials. This program opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions.
    Field: Materials Science, Engineering
    Career outcomes: Opens doors to various Master's programs at EPFL or other institutions
    Deadline: April 30 annually

Master Programs (15)

  • Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Integrates chemical engineering with biotechnological applications. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology
  • Data Science (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Deals with the extraction of knowledge and insights from data. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Data Science, Computer Science
  • Environmental Sciences and Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced studies in environmental modeling, pollution control, and natural resource management. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering
  • Financial Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Applies quantitative methods and engineering tools to financial problems. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Financial Engineering, Finance
  • Civil Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced studies in structural engineering, transportation, and hydraulic engineering. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Civil Engineering
  • Digital Humanities (MA/MSc) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
    Applies computational methods to humanities research. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Digital Humanities
  • Life Sciences Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced studies in areas such as biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and neuroengineering. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Life Sciences, Bioengineering
  • Applied Physics (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Applies physics principles to develop new technologies and solve practical problems. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Applied Physics
  • Architecture (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced studies in architectural design, urban planning, and sustainable architecture. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Architecture
  • Computer Science (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced topics in computer science, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software engineering. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Computer Science
  • Energy Science and Technology (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on sustainable energy systems, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Energy, Engineering, Technology
  • Applied Mathematics (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on mathematical tools and techniques for solving problems in science and engineering. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Applied Mathematics
  • Computational Science and Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on computational methods and their application to scientific and engineering problems. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Computational Science, Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced studies in areas like power systems, microelectronics, and signal processing. Career outcomes are not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering
  • Management, Technology and Entrepreneurship (MSc) — English · STEM · Scholarship available
    Combines management principles with technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Duration is not explicitly found in snippets.
    Field: Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship

Scholarships & Tuition at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Annual tuition for international students: $1,400 – $1,400/year

Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.

Rankings of EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

  • 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 50

Campus & Facilities at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

  • Student housing available
  • No sports facilities
  • No disability support info

Key Highlights

  • Leading STEM research university
  • Highly international student body
  • Project-based learning approach
  • Vibrant campus on Lake Geneva
  • Strong interdisciplinary collaboration

Fields of Study at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Architecture

Frequently Asked Questions about EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

What is EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne?

EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne is a university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. .

How much does it cost to study at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne?

Tuition fees at EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne for international students range from $1,400 – $1,400/year.

What are the admission requirements for EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne?

Selectivity: Very Selective (&lt;20%).

How many programs does EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne offer?

EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne offers 23 programs: 8 Bachelor's, 15 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne ranked?

#2 in Switzerland · QS World #22 · THE World #35 · ARWU #44.

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