New Doctoral candidates
Welcome to EPFL’s dedicated page for new doctoral candidates!
This homepage brings together essential information and all the key resources to help you start your PhD journey. You’ll find helpful links for preparing your arrival, managing your studies, understanding HR aspects, and making the most of life at EPFL.
Explore services available to all students and staff, plus everything you need to know about social life, associations, and support networks for PhD candidates.
Stay updated on events, opportunities, and news tailored for the PhD community!
Pre-arrival assistance and administrative tips
Three key elements for a successful start to your Doctorate
Come to the PhD Welcome event
The Doctoral School of EPFL organizes every year a PhD Welcome event open to all first year PhD candidates at EPFL.
Read the PhD Guide
This guide outlines the key rules, practices, and values of doctoral studies at EPFL. It serves as a reference for the EPFL doctoral community, helping doctoral candidates and thesis directors navigate PhD systems and procedures.
Visit the EPFL Doctorate website
All you need to know about the EPFL Doctorate: doctoral studies structure, doctoral programs, regulations, courses, news, events, and more.
Practical information
Study management
The rules and procedures governing your studies at EPFL. Services, assistance and support for your studies and life on campus.
Rules and procedures | Special arrangements | Diplomas and official documents | Student services | Individual support, and more
Working at EPFL
Information about your professional journey as an EPFL employee with specific answers to:
Salary system | Social Security system | Research and teaching activities | Absences | Benefits | Internal training, and more
Services & Resources
Information and resources about the various services offered for EPFL students and staff:
Email and Lists | IS-Academia | Housing | Language Centre | SESAME | Poseidon | Camipro Card | Audiovisual services | IT services | Purchase management | REPRO Print Center | EPFL Campus App | Holding events, and more.
Community & Support
Family and work life
Information on different aspects related to the reconciliation of maternity or paternity and study or work at EPFL, and on measures promoting a balance between professional life and private/family life.
Parent Network for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs
A support group for early-career academics balancing research and parenthood. It provides a space to exchange experiences, share advice, and navigate challenges together. Through regular meetings, members can discuss policies at EPFL, celebrate successes, and even arrange playdates for their children.
Trust Point
The entry point to the Trust & Support Network, and for questions related to psychosocial risks. Find help or know more.
PhD student representatives
Elected by their peers, the PhD student representatives at EPFL advocate for doctoral candidates by voicing their concerns, improving academic and working conditions, and facilitating communication between students and the administration. They also help build a sense of community by organizing events and supporting student initiatives.
PolyDoc – PhD Students’ Association
PolyDoc is an association for all PhD students at EPFL that fosters community, organizes events, connects student representatives, and provides important information through its website and newsletter.
ELSA – The EPFL Scientific Staff Association
ELSA represents PhDs, Postdocs, Scientists and scientific assistants to better support their interests at EPFL. They also organise networking events and workshops on specific topics such as tax declaration, investments, health insurance, immigration, pension funds, etc.
News & Events
News
Stay up-to date with the latest initiatives, updates on regulations, transversal skills courses, calls for proposals, grants, fellowships, summer schools, scientific and social events and much more:
- By following the Doctoral School’s News channel or
- Through the Doctoral School’s Newsletter, called PhD Capsule.
Events
The Doctoral School organizes each year two flagship events: one to celebrate doctoral candidates who have completed their thesis during the year and another to welcome those who have just begun their doctoral studies at EPFL. Both events are open to the entire EPFL doctoral community.
You can also find out more events that may be of interest to the doctoral community by following the Doctoral School’s Memento.
Contact
Student Services Desk
+41 21 693 43 45
EPFL VPA-DP-RE-SAE
BP 1229 (bâtiment BP)
Station 16
CH – 1015 Lausanne