Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
The Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), founded in 1853, is one of Switzerland's two premier universities for engineering, technology, and natural sciences. Located in the picturesque city of Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, EPFL is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge research and innovation. As a member of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, EPFL has a strong focus on advancing knowledge and technology, with world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities that foster groundbreaking discoveries in fields like engineering, computer science, life sciences, and environmental technology.
EPFL’s international reputation for excellence attracts students from all over the world. The university offers a collaborative, dynamic environment where students engage in research-driven education, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. With close ties to industry leaders and research institutions, EPFL provides students with ample opportunities for internships and real-world experience.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne is positioned as the #26 top university in the world, which makes it the #2 top university in Switzerland. The university's global rank is improved by 10 points from last year.
Institute Profile
Get a quick snapshot of the institute's key details.
| 2025 Ranking | #26 #2 |
|---|---|
| University Name | Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne |
| Name in Local Language | Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| Acronym | EPFL |
| Year Established | 1853 |
| Governing Type | Public |
| Student Body | Co-education |
| Highest Degree | Doctorate |
| Campus Type | Sub-urban |
Location
The institute is located in Lausanne, Vaud. Find the address and map of the institute below.
| Address | Route Cantonale, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland |
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Contact
Connect with the institute easily! Find their contact details.
| Phone | +41 21 693 11 11 |
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| Website |
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| Click here to send email | |
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Admission Info
The admission requirements for the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) vary depending on the program and level of study. However, generally, applicants are expected to have strong academic credentials, a good command of the English language or French language (depending on the language of instruction of the program), and meet any program-specific requirements.
For undergraduate programs, applicants must have completed secondary education and hold a diploma that is recognized as equivalent to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. Additionally, applicants must have a strong academic record and meet the language requirements, which are typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS for English language proficiency, or the DELF or DALF for French language proficiency.
For graduate programs, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution, with a strong academic record. Additionally, applicants must meet the language requirements, which may vary depending on the program and level of study.
In addition to academic credentials, some programs may require additional documents, such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and/or a research proposal. Overall, EPFL seeks applicants who are academically talented, intellectually curious, and committed to making a positive impact in their field of study and society.
| Undergraduate Admission Info | Click here |
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Scholarship and Financial Aids
The Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) offers several scholarships to both domestic and international students to help fund their studies. Some of the scholarships available include:
Excellence Fellowships: These fellowships are available to outstanding international students who wish to pursue a Master's degree at EPFL. They cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are available to foreign students who wish to pursue a Master's or Ph.D. degree at EPFL. They cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
EPFL Fellows: This program is aimed at attracting outstanding Ph.D. students from around the world. The program provides funding for tuition fees, living expenses, and research expenses.
Partnership Scholarships: EPFL has partnered with several organizations and companies to offer scholarships to students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses.
EPFL also offers financial aid to students who are facing financial difficulties. This aid includes loans, grants, and work-study programs. Overall, EPFL aims to attract and retain top talent from around the world and promote academic excellence and innovation, and these scholarships and financial aid programs play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
| Scholarship Info | Click here |
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Programs and Courses
Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this institute.
| Bachelor's Degrees | Master's Degrees | Doctorate Degrees | Diplomas | |
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| Arts & Humanities | n/a | n/a | ||
| Business & Social Sciences | n/a | n/a | ||
| Engineering | n/a | |||
| Language & Cultural Studies | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Medicine & Health | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Science & Technology | n/a |
Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.
View Course ListGlobal Ranking History
The following chart shows how the global ranking of this institute has changed over the last 5 years.