Certifications and Credentials

EPFL Diploma

A certificate is a credential provided to a learner after the completion of a certified course, capstone project and/or exam.

Earning a certificate through continuing education displays your dedication to your profession, provides verification that you’re well-trained to effectively use the tools of your industry and can help you gain recognition for your commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.

An ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credit represents a unit of measure linked to the duration and study time required to complete a programme. As such, 1 ECTS credit represents between 25 and 30 hours of work for the learner. This includes:

  • course participation
  • preparation for courses
  • lectures
  • individual and group work
  • placements
  • preparation for examinations
  • writing of the dissertation

EPFL’s Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree is awarded after at least one year of study, knowledge assessment and thesis work. MAS programs grant at least 60 ECTS credits.

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and Legum Magister (LL.M) degrees are part of the MAS family.

EPFL’s Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) is awarded after at least 250 contact hours (not including hours of individual study), knowledge assessment and, in most cases, thesis work. This program grants between 30 and 59 ECTS credits. A DAS can be incorporated into a modular MAS curriculum.

EPFL’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is awarded after at least 120 contact hours (not including hours of individual study), knowledge assessment and, in some cases, thesis work. This program grants between 10 and 29 ECTS credits. A CAS may be incorporated into a modular MAS or DAS curriculum.

EPFL’s Certificate of Open Studies (COS) program is open to anyone, with no prerequisite university degree. Classes are generally taken online and evaluations are conducted in person at an accredited test centre. The entire program (theoretical instruction and individual assignments) can total between 420 and 600 hours and grants between 10 and 29 ECTS credits.

Our non-degree training courses lead to a certificate of completion or a certificate of attendance. In some cases, they may also award ECTS credits (up to nine), provided that the course includes knowledge assessment.

MOOCs – or Massive Open Online Courses – are online educational programs offered by universities around the world. Generally free of charge, they can be taken by just about anyone with internet access. Learn more about the MOOCs offered by EPFL.