How to Get Admission in EPFL

What EPFL is

EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) is a public science and technology university in Lausanne, Switzerland, focused on engineering, the natural and computer sciences, mathematics, architecture, and life sciences. It features regularly among the leading technical universities in the QS and THE rankings (rankings are issued by those organisations, not by EPFL).

This guide outlines the official admission route. Because requirements, deadlines, and fees are set by EPFL and updated each year, always verify the current details on the official EPFL website before applying.

Bachelor admission for international applicants

Admission to the first year of a bachelor's degree at EPFL depends on the upper-secondary leaving certificate (school-leaving diploma) you hold and its country of origin. Some diplomas can give direct access, while others may require additional steps such as an entrance examination, in line with EPFL's official admission rules.

The exact route for your qualification is determined by EPFL, and these criteria differ by country and can change, so check the bachelor admission section on epfl.ch for the case that applies to you rather than assuming a single path.

• Eligibility is assessed from your specific secondary diploma and country
• Direct admission applies to some qualifications; others need extra steps
• An entrance examination may apply in certain cases — confirm on EPFL's site

Master admission

Master's admission at EPFL is based on a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a competitive academic file, assessed by the relevant section. Required documents typically include academic transcripts, a degree (or proof of expected completion), and supporting materials defined per programme.

Many master's programmes are taught in English, and admission is selective and programme-specific. Use the official EPFL master admission pages to confirm the documents, prerequisites, and deadlines for the programme you want.

Language of instruction

At EPFL, bachelor's programmes are generally taught in French, so applicants should be prepared for French-language study at that level, while many master's programmes are taught in English. The accepted language certificates and required levels are set by EPFL and differ by degree level and programme.

Confirm the exact language requirement for your chosen programme on the official EPFL website, as these requirements can change between intakes.

How to apply

The general shape of the process is: pick your programme and level; check the admission requirements for your diploma or degree; prepare the required documents and any language proof; and submit your application through EPFL's online application system before the published deadline.

Deadlines and any application fee are defined by EPFL and differ between bachelor and master entry, so treat the official EPFL admission pages as your authoritative source and note the dates for your intake.