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University · Switzerland

EPFL

Lausanne, Vaud · Public University · Est. 1853

QS World #22 #3 in Switzerland 12,000 students Admissions open
EP EPFL logo
epfl.ch/en
Type
Public University
Founded
1853
Students
12,000
International
6,000

EPFL at a glance

  1. Where it stands

    EPFL is ranked #22 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. On Educads it is #3 of the ranked universities in Switzerland. Its research has been cited 20,416,961 times (h-index 1,248), according to OpenAlex.

  2. What you can study

    EPFL has 3 courses listed on Educads: 2 master's and 1 bachelor's. The largest subject areas are Engineering (2) and Science (1).

  3. Start dates and course length

    Most courses start in April, September and December. The most common course length is Typically lasting three years and totaling 180 credits.

  4. What it costs

    Indicative tuition is CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,500/yr a year.

  5. Ranked near it in Switzerland

    Universities placed just above and below EPFL on Educads:

Questions about EPFL

Is EPFL a good university?

EPFL is ranked #22 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. On Educads it is #3 of the ranked universities in Switzerland. Its research has been cited 20,416,961 times (h-index 1,248), according to OpenAlex.

How many courses does EPFL offer?

EPFL has 3 courses listed on Educads: 2 master's and 1 bachelor's. The largest subject areas are Engineering (2) and Science (1).

When do courses at EPFL start?

Most courses listed start in April, September and December.

How much does it cost to study at EPFL?

Indicative tuition is CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,500/yr a year. Always confirm the current fee with the university.

Overview

EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) is a science and technology university located in Switzerland, with campuses in Lausanne. EPFL states that it has a Swiss and international vocation and focuses on three missions: teaching, research and innovation. The university describes education as spanning foundational training and lifelong learning, and it describes research as combining fundamental sciences with mission-oriented research across the innovation chain. EPFL organizes its academic community through five schools and one college, with education, research and innovation supported by multiple national teaching, research and innovation centre campuses. EPFL states that it has over 500 laboratories and research groups on campus. It also states that the campus network supports translation of research into value for companies and society, and it highlights EPFL Alumni’s online directory and events for former students.

Ranking figures are indicative and provided for general guidance — always verify current positions with the official QS rankings and the university.

Programs at EPFL

3 programs across 2 study levels.

Bachelor's Degree

EP EPFL logo
QS World #22 #3 in Switzerland Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

BSC in Materials Science Engineering

EPFL — The BSc in Materials Science & Engineering at EPFL develops a foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, alongside multidisciplinary knowledge in materials scienc...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel
Typically lasting three years and totaling 180 creditsDuration
Mode
—Intake
Engineering

Master's Degree

EP EPFL logo
QS World #22 #3 in Switzerland Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

MA Loudspeakers

EPFL — MA Loudspeakers at EPFL is connected to plasmacoustic transducers, which generate sound by converting electrical signals into acoustic waves. Instead of a vibrating diaph...

Master's DegreeLevel
—Duration
Mode
—Intake
Engineering
EP EPFL logo
QS World #22 #3 in Switzerland Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

MA Mathematics

EPFL — MA Mathematics at EPFL (EDMA – Mathematics) is a doctoral program that supports mathematical research across pure and applied areas. Research topics include algebra, anal...

Master's DegreeLevel
—Duration
Mode
April, September, DecemberIntake
Mathematics

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,500/yr

Low tuition

Indicative living cost

—

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry.

English: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 (varies by programme).

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry..
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for Switzerland.

For international students

<p>EPFL states that it welcomes students, professors and collaborators of more than 120 nationalities. It also describes EPFL as having both a Swiss and international vocation, and it positions its missions as connected to teaching, research and innovation.</p>

Read the student visa & the immigration authority guide →

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Last updated 23 Sep 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.