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Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study
Switzerland · Lausanne
Target level
Doctorate
Fields of study
All fields
Other conditions
  • Have successfully passed the candidacy exam within the last 12 months, or who will have passed their candidacy exam by the time the Program starts in May 2027.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Have successfully passed their candidacy exam within the last 12 months, or who will have passed their candidacy exam by the time the Program starts in May 2027
  • Have matriculated at EPFL between May 31st 2025 – May 31st 2026 (be in the second year of their PhD studies).RequiredOrganisation’s wording: i.e. Have matriculated at EPFL between May 31st 2025 – May 31st 2026 (be in the second year of their PhD studies)
  • Not already following a customized curriculum, such as EPFLinnovators and EPFLglobaLeaders or being candidates under an inter-institutional agreement.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Not already following a customized curriculum, such as EPFLinnovators and EPFLglobaLeaders or being candidates under an inter-institutional agreement
  • Have the written approval of the thesis director to participate in the Program.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Have the written approval of the thesis director to participate in the Program

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

Dates

Applications open
2 November 2026 at 00:00 CET (Europe/Zurich)
Applications close
5 February 2027 at 17:00 CET (Europe/Zurich)
Results announced
Decisions communicated on March 25, 2027
Studies start
May 2027

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

  1. Step 1: Submit the application online
    With whom
    Doctoral candidate applicant
    By when
    5 February 2027 at 17:00 CET (Europe/Zurich) — February 5, 2027 at 17:00 (Swiss local time)
    Documents to provide
    • CV (maximum 2 pages)
    • Letter of support by the thesis director (using the template provided)
    • List of research publications or patents (if applicable, max 1 page)
    • Reference letter from outside academia (if applicable)
  2. Step 2: Have reference letters submitted
    With whom
    Reference letter writers
    By when
    12 February 2027 (Europe/Zurich) — February 12, 2027
    Documents to provide
    • Reference letters

Where to apply

EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) (opens in a new tab) · EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships · EPFL

Official title (in English): EPFL PhD Excellence Program

Edition 2027 cohort · Verified on 31 October 2026

Apply on the official website (opens in a new tab)

Official website of EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne): programs-recruiting.epfl.ch

See the official page of the opportunity(opens in a new tab)

Prepare your departure

Visa, insurance, housing, budget and first steps on arrival: everything is explained in the country guide.