EPFL Switzerland Social Scholarship 2025–2026
Description
The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers the EPFL Social Scholarship 2025–2026 to support students who are facing financial difficulties during their studies. This internal aid is designed to help eligible students continue their academic journey, particularly after an unexpected change in their financial or family situation.
Overview of EPFL Social Scholarship
EPFL is committed to ensuring equal access to education by offering social scholarships as a last-resort financial support, once other funding avenues—such as state scholarships, loans, or family contributions - have been exhausted or are in progress.
Degree Level
EPFL Switzerland Social Scholarship 2025–2026 is available to undertake Bachelor 11, Masters, PhD, Diploma level programs at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL).
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
Amount and Duration
- Support is granted for one academic year (up to 10 months)
- Awarded per semester (5 months per semester)
- Renewals are possible but require reapplication and proof that the hardship persists
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
International Students
- Must have successfully completed at least one year of studies at EPFL
- Must have spent a minimum of one academic year enrolled at EPFL
Swiss Students, Refugees, and C Permit Holders
- Eligible from the CMS (Cours de Mathématiques Spéciales) level onwards
- May also apply for cantonal scholarships from their respective cantons
Eligibility Criteria
The EPFL social scholarship is intended for students:
- Experiencing sudden and unforeseen financial, social, or family hardship
- Who have already explored or are in the process of applying for other funding sources
- Whose study financing plan has been compromised by circumstances beyond their control
The scholarship does not replace initial study funding and will take existing loans into account in the evaluation.
Application Procedure
Application Deadlines
For Autumn Semester 2025 Support:
- 01 June 2025 → Notification by end of August → Payment by end of September
- 01 August 2025 → Notification by mid-October → Payment by mid-October
- 01 October 2025 → Notification by end of November → Payment by end of November
For Spring Semester 2026 Support:
- 01 December 2025 → Notification by mid-February → Payment by early March
- 01 February 2026 → Notification and Payment by early April
- 01 March 2026 → Notification and Payment by end of April
Renewal Applications (for previous scholarship holders)
Eligible students from 2024–2025 can reapply using the Scholarship Renewal Form. Deadlines include:
- 01 May 2025 → Notification by end of August → Payment by end of September
- 01 October 2025 → Notification and Payment by end of November
- 01 December 2025 → Notification by mid-February → Payment by early March
Application Procedure
- Do not wait until the last minute. The form requires time, and additional documents may be requested.
- Students living in the Canton of Geneva or applying through SBPE Geneva should apply instead for the Hans Wilsdorf Scholarship, which is managed by EPFL but operates under the same criteria.
Forms and complete application information are available on the official EPFL Social Scholarship page.
Why Choose EPFL?
As one of Europe’s leading institutions for science and technology, EPFL is not only a world-class academic environment but also a community that values equity and student well-being. With dedicated support systems and flexible aid options, EPFL makes it possible for students to focus on their academic goals despite personal challenges.
