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École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne: Rankings, Popular Courses & Fees
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Last updated on 21 Jan '26EPFLWhat's new?
- Admissions are now open for Master's courses at EPFL University
- The deadline for the same is Mar 31, 2026
About EPFL University
The EPFL or the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne is a public research university based in Switzerland. It was founded in 1853 and is directly controlled by the Swiss Federal Government. It is one of the best universities in Switzerland and is a popular choice among Indian students interested in higher studies in Europe. EPFL Switzerland is known for offering a quality technical education at affordable costs, world-class research facilities, and strong future career opportunities.
It has more than 500 labs and research groups and welcomes students from more than 130 countries. The Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne is affiliated with 1 Nobel Prize winner, 2 winners of the Pritzker Prize, and 1 Turing Award winner. Indian students seeking higher studies at EPFL Lausanne would need to maintain strong academic scores and a portfolio. The EPFL University Acceptance Rate is in the range of 20-23%, per some unofficial sources.
EPFL University Information
Some facts worth knowing about EPFL Switzerland are mentioned below.
| Fact | Validation |
|---|---|
| Address | Rte Cantinale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Budget | CHF 1 billion |
| Funds Raised | CHF 470 million |
| Total Students | 18,000+ |
| Professors | 370 |
| Startups Created | 23 |
| Sporting Affiliation | Service Sport Sante UNIL and EPFL Sports |
History
EPFL started as Ecole Speciale de Lausanne with 11 students. Initially, it offered courses in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Drawing, Architecture, and Civil Engineering. Students of the first batch graduated in 1855. In 1869, the school got into an affiliation with the Academie de Lausanne. It continued to grow over the coming decades. In 1969, EPFL became Switzerland's second federal institute (after ETH Zurich).
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Both EPFL and ETH Zurich are considered the leading universities for STEM in Europe. Both offer quality technical education. ETH Zurich generally houses more students. EPFL offers a more diverse campus environment. ETH Zurich is based in a more German-speaking city. EPFL is based in a more French-speaking region.
EPFL is known for its Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences and Life Sciences programs. ETH stands out for the same programs along with Social Sciences.
Both are very affordable and offer a quality research environment. ETH Zurich (#1 in Switzerland) ranks above EPFL (#2) as part of the latest Shiksha Rankings.
EPFL does not have very high tuition fees. Students are charged a semester fees worth CHF 2,190 or INR 2.5 Lakhs as the EPFL Switzerland fees. So it can be said that EPFL is moderately expensive to study at.
As for living costs, the average monthly cost of living in Lausanne is INR 2.75 lakhs.
1 CHF = INR 114.77
Yes, EPFL Switzerland is conssidered among the best universities in the world. It ranks among the world's top 40 universities as per the latest university rankings given by several prominent platforms.
Times Higher Education ranks it #35 in the world for the year 2026. The university had also ranked #32 and #33 in the past 2 years as part of the rankings.
EPFL Ranking 2026
EPFL has consistently ranked among the best universities in Europe for offering quality education and access to facilities and resources used in the industry. The EPFL University Ranking in Switzerland is #2, per the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings. The university ranks among the top 30 universities in the world. Shiksha ranks it #27 globally.
By Other Ranking Bodies
Given below is how some other popular university ranking platforms rank EPFL on a global level.
- THE gives the EPFL University World Ranking of #35 for the year 2026
- US News ranks it #86 as part of the Global Universities category
#27
#2
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Yes, the EPFL University is considered the best university in the country for its Physics program. It's physics programme (especially UG courses) are known to be very demanding, with low pass rates.
It is mandatory for students to be involved in research groups atleast one day per week. The Master's in Physics programme is more focused on Quantum Science and Condensed Matter.
The PG programme ends with a 4 month (30 ECTS) research project.
The EPFL University QS Ranking 2026 is #22 in the world. In the last few years, it has consistently ranked among the best universities in the world, as part of the QS rankings. Given below is how the EPFL Switzerland QS rankings have changed in the last 3 years.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| #22 | #26 | #36 |
The EPFL Rankings have not changed much in the last few years. EPFL has consistently ranked among the best technical universities globally and in Switzerland. Given below is how the EPFL University has ranked in the last 3 years across different platforms.
| Platform | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | #35 | #32 | #33 |
| QS | #22 | #26 | #36 |
| US News | - | #86 | #88 |
The table above shows the EPFL University World Rankings in the last 3 years.
EPFL Courses
The EPFL University offers bachelor's and master's degree courses across fields like Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Communication Systems, Electrical and Electronic Engineering among others. EPFL University Courses are delivered in both English and French languages. Students are expected to maintain 30 hours of class-time every week.
EPFL University Courses in English
MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Cyber Security, and MSc in Robotics are some of the standout options for students to pursue. EPFL Programs in English are also available in Engineering, Life Sciences and Technology, Environmental Sciences, and Humanities.
EPFL Switzerland Online Courses
The institute also offers around 77 MOOCs and several non-degree training courses for students to pursue online. These include short courses in Neuroscience, Teaching Science, and Supply Chain Management.
13.7K+ students got admitted through us.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
No, UG courses are only taught in French at the EPFL University. As for PG courses, some programs are available to be pursued entirely in English. Other courses are available entirely in French or bilingual French and English.
Students interested in UG courses would have to submit a French language proficiency certificate, with a minimum grade B2. The recommended grade is C1.
Divergent views exist on EPFL for MS.Some people think that although EPFL might not be as well-known abroad, it has a strong reputation in Switzerland. Others counter that the EMBA programme at EPFL is well-rounded and heavily emphasizes innovation and technology management.The EPFL EMBA program's emphasis on innovation strategy and technology management appeals to certain individuals. Some counter that it might not have the comprehensive and in-depth general management approach of a course accredited internationally. While some advocate for looking at part-time EMBA possibilities, others propose using EPFL as an alternative to traditional MBA programs.
It is necessary to choose EPFL for MS in Switzerland over the University of Bern because it is the only institution with a nuclear reactor, fusion reactor, Gene/Q supercomputer, and P3 biohazard facilities, EPFL is renowned for its research, innovation, and illustrious alumni. With students apparently hailing from over 125 different nations and more than 50% of its instructors coming from other countries worldwide, EPFL is also one of the most varied institutions in Europe. For both Swiss and foreign students, EPFL charges comparatively modest tuition; for Bachelor's and Master's students, the maximum price per semester is CHF 2,190 or INR 2.5 Lakhs.
1 CHF = INR 114.77
EPFL Admissions 2026
Indian students seeking EPFL University Admissions can submit an online application for the same. The admissions are competitive, but the EPFL University Admission process is simple and can be completed very quickly. Students are required to follow the application deadlines very strictly.
EPFL University Application Deadlines 2026
Students can send in their EPFL application by the deadlines given below.
| Application Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| PG Courses | Mar 31, 2026 |
| UG - September Intake | Apr 30, 2026 |
EPFL Switzerland Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Given below are the basic conditions of eligibility to be met every student interested in EPFL Switzerland Admissions.
| Criteria | Required |
|---|---|
| Documents Required |
|
| English Tests Accepted |
|
EPFL University Admission Requirements for Indian Students - Master's
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university in the relevant field. Only students with strong academics and references have good chances of admission. Other requirements include Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, and a Portfolio.
EPFL University Entry Requirements for Indian Students - Bachelor's
An upper-secondary school certificate. Students should have pursued the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Hindi, English, Chemistry or Biology, History, Geography, or Economics, Applied Mathematics, Philosophy, Computer Science, or the third modern language. Proof of English proficiency is also required.
- Application fees :CHF 150
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
It may be possible for average Indian students to get into EPFL Uni. The university does not mention any specific GPA requirements. Students do need to prove their proficiency in English or French language. This university also charges affordable tuition—around INR 2.5 Lakhs per semester.
Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors (for free) can help guide students on how they can get in at EPFL. even with average scores.
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) has multiple intakes for various programs throughout the year. The primary intakes are for the Autumn (September) and Spring (February) semesters.
For Master's courses, the Round 1 intake is usually between Mid-November and Mid-Dec, while the Round 2 intake begins mid-Dec and goes up to March-end.
For UG courses, the application deadine is usually by April-end for entry to the upcoming Autumn semester.
Applying to other Swiss universities is not the same as applying to EPFL. Given below is why that is the case.
- EPFL has varied requirements for eligibility depending on the program. For example, consecutive Master's programs may require students to submit a higher GPA
- For various programs, EPFL offers distinct application processes. Students with a Bachelor's degree in the same field of study from a Swiss university, for instance, are required to complete the entire online application process.
EPFLEPFL Scholarships for International Students
There are many scholarship options available to students at EPFL. Most of the financial aids are awarded by the university to academically strong students, to make their studies more affordable. Some popular EPFL Scholarships for Indian students to consider include.
| Type of Scholarship | Scholarship Name | Reward | Course Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | Bachelor Excellence Scholarship |
|
UG |
| Merit-based | Master Excellence Scholarship |
|
PG |
| Need-based | EPFL Social Scholarship |
|
UG or PG |
How to get a Scholarship at EPFL Switzerland?
Students need to make sure they meet the basic conditions given below to be eligible for financial support from the EPFL University.
- Should be an international fee-paying student
- Demonstrate academic excellence or financial need
- Should have completed 1 year of study at EPFL (for some scholarships)
- Should not be receiving financial support from any other source
EPFL University Job Outcomes
Master's graduates of EPFL were able to land jobs across some of the best companies in Europe. Companies like Google, Roche, and CSEM were some of the best employers of graduates after EPFL University Placements. It took the graduates an average of 9.2 weeks and 13 applications to land a job.
EPFL Placement Rate
The EPFL University Placement rate for Master's graduates stood at 93% for the Class of 2022 graduates. Given below is a breakdown of the employment profile.
| Stat | Percentage of Graduates |
|---|---|
| Currently Working | 80.4% |
| Further Studies | 12.5% |
| Looking for Jobs | 5.0% |
| Not working or seeking | 2.1% |
ROI After Studies at EPFL
Graduates were able to get a very healthy return on their initial investment in tuition fees. Given below is how the tuition fees for master's graduates compare with the average salary they were earning after graduation.
| Course | Average Annual Tuition Costs (Investment) | Average Annual Salary (Return) |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | CHF 730 (INR 1.67 Lakhs) | CHF 83,000-CHF 88,753 (INR 95.15 L-INR 1.02 Cr) |
1 CHF = INR 114.64
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Getting part time jobs is easy while studying at EPFL. Indian students are allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks.
EPFL also provides a platform, where students can find job opportunities. Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors can help provide students more information on the part-time job prospects in Switzerland, that too, free of cost.
Depending on the orientation and area of interest selected, the Master in Management, Technology, and Entrepreneurship programme prepares students for a variety of occupations, including Supply Chain Management Engineer.
EPFL offers a specialised employment site for management, engineering, and architectural roles called epfl-gethired.ch.
Employment prospects after an MS degree from EPFL depend on the qualifications and area of interest of the candidate.
EPFL Switzerland graduates are in very high demand to industries across Europe and globally. They find jobs in industries like Engineering, Business Development, Education, and Operations, among others.
Mentioned below is a breakdown of the top industries that employ the most number of EPFL graduates.
| Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 11,755 |
| Business Development | 8,966 |
| Education | 7,259 |
| Research | 7,114 |
| Operations | 6,231 |
Source: Unofficial
EPFL University Cost for Indian Students
The EPFL University has tripled the tuition fees for international students residing in Switzerland, from Fall 2025 onwards. Students used to pay a standard fee of around CHF 730 or INR 83.7 K per semester. This has now tripled. This means the EPFL University Fees for International Students residing in Switzerland are now CHF 2,190 or INR 2.5 Lakhs per semester. This change in fee policy does not apply to other additional fees.
EPFL Switzerland Cost of Living
The cost of living in Switzerland largely depends on the choice of a student's lifestyle. Switzerland is considered more expensive than other European countries. However, with smart planning, it is still manageable to study here. Given below is a sample budget for living costs.
| Cost Component | Monthly Cost in CHF | Monthly Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | CHF 100 | INR 11.5 K |
| Rent | CHF 900 | INR 1.03 L |
| Food | CHF 600 | INR 68.8 K |
| Health Insurance | CHF 400 | INR 45.9 K |
| Transportation | CHF 60 | INR 6.9 K |
| Other Costs | CHF 333 | INR 38.2 K |
| Total Estimated Monthly Costs | CHF 2,393 | INR 2.75 L |
Source: Official website - EPFL Switzerland
1 CHF = INR 114.77
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(4 courses) | INR 2 L - 5 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL, GRE, IELTS |
M.Sc.(1 course) | INR 5 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Both EPFL and ETH Zurich have the same per semester tuition fees of CHF 2,190 or INR 2.52 Lakhs. Both these universities are operated directly by the Swiss government. The only difference comes in the cost of living.
The cost of living for Indian students at EPFL is CHF 2,393 or INR 2.75 L per month. The same at ETH Zurich is CHF 1,841 or INR 2.12 Lakhs.
So it can be said, ETH Zurich is slightly more affordable.
1 CHF = INR 115.32
Students with a degree from outside Switzerland have to pay application fee of around CHF 150 or INR 17.3 K. Students from Switzerland have to pay an application fee of around CHF 50 or INR 5.76 K.
Students who have completed their bachelor's from EPFL and are applying for a Master's don't have to pay an application fee.
1 CHF = INR 115.32
Students can pay their tuition fees via bank transfer or wire transfer directly to the school's bank account. The other mode of payment can be online international money transfer services.
Students from outside Switzerland, currently living in the country have to pay an three times the base tuition fees. The fees for Indian students in Switzerland is CHF 2,190 or INR 2.52 Lakhs.
1 CHF = INR 115.36
EPFL Notable Alumni
The university has educated Nobel Prize winners, physicists, technology professionals, and entrepreneurs. This incudes Neuroscientist, Auke Ijspeert, Author, Murat Kunt, and Roboticist, Nikolaus Correll. EPFL University alumni network includes 43,000 members. Mentioned below are some more popular names that are part of the EPFL University Notable Alumni.
| Name | Known For | Alumnus |
|---|---|---|
| Jacques Dubochet |
|
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| Martin Vetterli |
|
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| Murat Kunt |
|
 |
| Nikolaus Correll |
|
 |
College comparison
Compare EPFL with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 1.66 L - 4.97 L | #22 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 2.16 L | #108 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 1.14 L | #155 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 1.66 L - 4.97 L | #7 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 76.63 K | #95 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 13.7 L - 18.97 L | #105 THE, 2026 |
CompareEPFLStudying in Switzerland
Key Facts About Switzerland
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
EPFL Switzerland Campus
EPFL offers one of the most beautiful campus experiences in the world. The EPFL University Campus is based on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Lausanne. The campus offers a diverse student life and an environment full of modern research and sports facilities. This includes the world-class research labs, libraries, a dedicated sports centre, and more.
EPFL Campus Locations
The university maintains its presence across Lausanne, Fribourg, Geneva, Neuchatel, and Valais Wallis. The EPFL Lausanne campus is the main campus of the university's operations.
EPFL Campus Life
Some key features of student life at the EPFL University Campus are mentioned below.
- EPFL shares a big sports centre with the University of Lausanne. The sports centre is full of modern athletics facilities. Students can participate in football, tennis, rugby, volleyball, and athletics against fellow peers after paying the standard charges.
- There are more than 30 catering outlets on campus where students can enjoy meals with friends. This includes 5 restaurants, multiple cafeterias, and food trucks. These remain open throughout the day and serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
EPFL
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a year ago
Astonishingly enough, but looking through the prior scholarship applicants, it has apparently been recorded that their scripted way of expression in an essay has won Ecole polytechnique federale for Lausanne Excellence Fellowship. Generally for masters, the requirement would be above average perform
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
There are many reasons for Indian students to study at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, which is among the top-most preference when it comes to pursuing higher studies-global world-class research and an innovative curriculum.
So, for those who are all geared up for advanced studies, par
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Depending on what things mean to you, living on-campus at EPFL can be a better integrated and more convenient student experience than off-campus. On-campus housing puts you in the closest reach of academic buildings, research labs, libraries, and so on, thus lowering your commuting times and allowin
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 years ago
For Master's programs at EPFL, the application deadlines are either the December deadline or the March deadline, applying to Indian students. Applications submitted between mid-November and December 15th are eligible for the December deadline, while those submitted between December 16th and March 31
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 years ago
Swiss Franc is equivalent to 87.68 Indian Rupees. Based on this exchange rate, the tuition fees for locals and foreigners are approximately 1,23,500 Indian Rupees per year, while the tuition fees for non citizens are approximately 1,58,000 Indian Rupees per month. The cost of living in Lausanne wher
P
Contributor-Level 10
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EPFLLocation
| University City | Lausanne, Other - Switzerland, Switzerland |
EPFLCampuses
Rte Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Visit official siteEPFLContact Information
Rte Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne ( Other - Switzerland)
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