FAQ

Yes, international students can apply for the scholarship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for EPFL’s master’s programs. The scholarship application is integrated into the same form used for the master’s program application.

No, candidates who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible. 

No, the scholarship application must be submitted at the same time as your master’s application. It is not possible to apply for the 2nd year only.

There is no a minimal GPA score but you need to keep in mind that the program is very competitive and only a small percentage of applicants is awarded the scholarship. For the scholarship to be renewed for the 2nd year the students need to maintain GPA of minimum 5.0 /6.

Applications must be submitted through the master’s degree application form, with one exception: you may apply via email if you hold a bachelor’s degree from EPFL and are applying for the same field of study.

After a preselection process by the respective sections, the Excellence Fellowships Committee awards the scholarships. To confirm the fellowship, selected students must indicate their intention to attend EPFL by the deadline specified in the email from the Registrar’s Office.

Selected candidates will be notified at the beginning of April (first round) and early to mid-June (second round).

No, if you defer or postpone your admission, you will lose the scholarship. However, you may reapply for the fellowship the following year through the standard application process.

Extra documents, such as TOEFL or GRE scores, are welcome but not compulsory and have no influence on evaluation for the MSc Excellence Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of 3 or 4 semesters, depending on the program:

• 120-credit MSc program: The first 3 semesters of the master’s cycle (MA1, MA2, MA3), plus 1 additional semester for the master’s project (when officially confirmed).
• 90 credit program: max 3 semesters
• Double degree: the fellowship covers only the semesters at EPFL (if the requirements for renewal are met).
• For the final instalment, students must provide proof of official enrolment in their master’s project.

Scholarships are paid out at the start of each semester into a Swiss bank or postal account. Recipients should bring sufficient funds to cover their first month’s expenses, as the initial payment may take some time to process. Students are responsible for their own expenses, including tuition fees and rent.

Yes, working in Switzerland does not affect the amount or continuation of the Excellence Fellowship. More details are available here.

Yes, additional funding may be allowed. However, applicants must declare any scholarships they have already received or expect to receive during their master’s studies. Each case is reviewed individually.

Yes, transferring to another study program is possible, but the scholarship is not guaranteed to continue.

In the case of a double degree, the scholarship is only paid during the semesters spent at EPFL, provided the renewal requirements are met.

Yes, the scholarship can be suspended in specific situations:

• Sickness or pregnancy: If you are unable to continue studying, the scholarship will be suspended.
• Military or civil service (for Swiss citizens): The scholarship will be suspended during your service and resumed upon return, provided you meet the renewal requirements.
• Personal reasons: If you take time off for personal reasons, the scholarship payments will be suspended and resumed upon your return, assuming the renewal requirements are met.
• The scholarship will also be suspended if the master’s cycle is extended.

The scholarship covers a maximum of 4 semesters, including 1 semester for the MSc project.

• General and academic inquiries: Contact the Student Services Desk at [email protected].
• Course-related questions: Contact your program deputies or secretaries for advice on course content, study plans, etc.
• Inability to study: Email [email protected] for any issues related to inability to study.
• Excellence Fellowship questions: For questions related to the fellowship program, email [email protected].