Information for applicants

At a glance

Deadlines depend on the country of origin and the type of scholarship but applicants should generally start the application process approximately one year in advance, i.e. between August and December for the following academic year. For further details regarding the application procedure and timing please refer to the official website here.

  • Applicants are expected to initiate their own research for a suitable research supervisor (professor).
  • Neither the EPFL Reception Office nor the Doctoral Administration can help with the search for a supervisor.
  • Applicants must contact a professor directly with details concerning their interest in collaborating on a specific research project and explaining what they have studied so far and that they are applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
  • Given the considerable volume of requests received, it’s possible that our professors might not be able to address each inquiry individually. Please kindly note that there is no obligation for them to do so. Your understanding in this matter is sincerely appreciated.

All enquiries must be accompanied by the following documents:

  • CV
  • Letter of motivation
  • 2-3 convincing letters of reference
  • Transcripts and diplomas
  • Research plan (2-3 A4 pages)

For further details please check ESKAS FAQs for scholarship applicants and academic supervisors or view this information video on contacting a supervisor.

You can also check the following EPFL pages with open positions: Phds : PhD Students ‒ Working ‐ EPFL / PostDoc: Scientific staff ‒ Working ‐ EPFL.

For supervisors’ contact information, please consult the EPFL annuaire and the EPFL Research webpage.

Scholarship amount, salary complement, duration, enrollment at EPFL, additional benefits

Scholarship amount CHF 1920.-/month
EPFL salary complement EPFL rules in terms of salary complement applies as following: No salary complement.
Scholarship duration and renewal 1 year and can’t be renewed
Enrollment to EPFL No EPFL academic enrollment needed.
Additionnal benefits Half-tax travel card (demi-tarif): will be refunded.
Health Insurance is paid by the scholarship program if the beneficiary arrives on the date agreed by the FCS. For people arriving before September, health insurance is not covered.
Return flights will be reimbursed according the FCS rules, up to 6 months after the end of the scholarship.
Housing is guaranteed for scholarship holders (for one person at the arrival, for the first year only, in one of the student’s homes.
Activity program during your stay.
Scholarship amount CHF 1920.-/month
EPFL salary complement EPFL rules in terms of salary complement applies as following: Salary complement compulsary (to CHF 2500.-) according to EPFL Regulation.
Scholarship duration and renewal 1 year and can’t be renewed
Enrollment to EPFL Enrollment needed to the EPFL doctoral school (visting).
Additionnal benefits Half-tax travel card (demi-tarif): will be refunded.
Health Insurance is paid by the scholarship program if the beneficiary arrives on the date agreed by the FCS. For people arriving before September, health insurance is not covered.
Return flights will be reimbursed according the FCS rules, up to 6 months after the end of the scholarship.
Housing is guaranteed for scholarship holders (for one persone at the arrival, for the first year only, in one of the student’s homes.
Activity program during your stay.
Scholarship amount CHF 1920.-/month
EPFL salary complement EPFL rules in terms of salary complement applies as following: Top up compulsary acccording to EPFL Regulation (link accessible though EPFL intranet).
Scholarship duration and renewal 1 year and is renewable for up to 3 years (conditional upon excellent performance). The supervisor needs to guarantee funding for the 4th year.
Enrollment to EPFL Enrollment needed to the EPFL doctoral school.
Additionnal benefits Half-tax travel card (demi-tarif): will be refunded.
Health Insurance is paid by the scholarship program if the beneficiary arrives on the date agreed by the FCS. For people arriving before September, health insurance is not covered.
Return flights will be reimbursed according the FCS rules, up to 6 months after the end of the scholarship.
Housing is guaranteed for scholarship holders (for one persone at the arrival, for the first year only, in one of the student’s homes.
Activity program during your stay.
Scholarship amount CHF 3500.-/month
EPFL salary complement EPFL rules in terms of salary complement applies as following: Complement is possible but not compulsary (at the discretion of host professor).
Scholarship duration and renewal 1 year and can’t be renewed
Enrollment to EPFL No EPFL academic enrollment needed.
Additionnal benefits Half-tax travel card (demi-tarif): will be refunded.
Health Insurance is paid by the scholarship program if the beneficiary arrives on the date agreed by the FCS. For people arriving before September, health insurance is not covered.
Return flights will be reimbursed according the FCS rules, up to 6 months after the end of the scholarship.
Housing is guaranteed for scholarship holders (for one persone at the arrival, for the first year only, in one of the student’s homes.
Activity program during your stay.

Preparing for arrival

Students who need a visa to come to Switzerland, should be aware that the visa application must be submitted at least 3 months before the beginning of the academic year. Scholarship holders are expected to initiate their own administrative procedures.

For matters concerning housing, health insurance, etc. scholarship holders will receive instructions from the FCS and the EPFL Reception Office once their scholarship is officially awarded.

Welcome event

All scholarship holders will be invited to a welcome and information event at the beginning of their scholarship year.

Contact

EPFL Swiss excellence scholarships
Email: [email protected]

EPFL Academic representative for the scholarship
François Gallaire
Email: [email protected]