Quick Summary
Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a public (federal) with roots dating back to 1853. Ranked #26 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 13400 students including 62% from outside Switzerland. Known for strengths in Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Architecture, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Top-tier global rankings at a public university cost, focus on high-impact innovation, and a stunning campus on Lake Geneva.
Subject Strengths
Engineering & TechnologyComputer ScienceArchitectureMaterials SciencePhysicsCivil Engineering
Founded1853
TypePublic (Federal)
Total Students13400
Intl Students62%
Faculty Ratio12.5
CampusSuburban
Campus Size136 acres
Affiliated HospitalsCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV)
AccreditationSwiss Accreditation Council, OAQ
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#26
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#33
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#54
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Continuing Education (MOOCs)
Programs
22 distinct doctoral programs across all science and engineering disciplines
PhD Programs
EPFL Extension School, massive offering of MOOCs via Coursera and edX
Online Programs
Blue Brain Project, Swiss Plasma Center, Swiss Space Center, EPFL AI Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Swiss Accreditation Council, OAQ
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.5
GRERequired for Master's applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 30 (Bachelor), December 15 / April 15 (Master)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on extreme proficiency in mathematics and physics. For international Master's applicants, research experience and a high GRE score in the quantitative section are critical.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Swiss Franc
UG Tuition
CHF1,560/yr
per year · CHF
Living Cost
CHF24,000/yr
per year · CHF
PG Tuition
CHF1,560/yr
per year · CHF
Application Fee
$175
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
CHF25,710/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CHF
Scholarships AvailableExcellence Fellowships, Social Scholarships, Master Excellence Fellowships
Avg Scholarship$11,500
Financial AidAvailable for students with limited financial means after the first year of study
Work-StudyAvailable (Assistantships for Master's and PhD students)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Continuing Education (MOOCs) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Microengineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Robotics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Life Sciences Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$95,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementMandatory for most Master of Science programs; very high placement in industry
Industry Connections
LogitechNestléRolexABBNovartisRocheGoogle
Notable Alumni
Jacques Dubochet (Nobel Laureate), Stefan Kudelski, Martin Vetterli
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, via FMEL and local housing services (limited availability)
Sports Facilities
UNIL/EPFL Sports Center (Dora), over 100 sports activities
Student Clubs
Agepoly (Student Association), Junior Entreprise EPFL, over 130 clubs
Library Resources
Rolex Learning Center (architectural landmark and world-class library)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, SEMP, and partnerships with top universities like MIT, Harvard, and ETH Zurich
Summer Programs
Summer Research Program (SV), Summer Schools in Computer Science