Photo: Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) is a public university in Lausanne, Switzerland, founded in 1969, with about 14,000 students. Tuition is around CHF 730–1,450 a year (2025-26).
- Type
- Public university
- Location
- Lausanne, Switzerland
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 14,012
- International students
- 48%
- Tuition
- CHF 730–1,450 / year (2025-26)
- Acceptance rate
- 23%
- Teaching language
- French; English
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Ranking
- QS World: #22
Data from the official website and Wikidata · last checked 18 Oct 2026 · How we collect data · Report an error · Is this your university? Claim it to update
EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) is a public research university in Lausanne, Switzerland, specialising in science and engineering. Its origins date to 1853, and it became a federal institute in 1969.
EPFL's schools cover architecture, civil and environmental engineering; basic sciences; engineering; computer and communication sciences; life sciences; and management of technology. Its lakeside campus at Ecublens includes the Rolex Learning Center and an innovation park hosting start-ups and corporate research labs.
Bachelor's programmes are taught mainly in French, while master's programmes are taught in English. Swiss federal tuition fees are low by international standards, and excellence scholarships are available for master's students.
Admissions, rankings and scholarships
Rankings
- #22QS World
- #32THE World
Requirements and dates change every year. Confirm them on EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)'s official website before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is tuition at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)?
Tuition at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) is around CHF 730–1,450 a year for 2025-26. Fees vary by program and can differ for international students, so check the university's official fees page before applying.
What is the acceptance rate at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)?
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) has an acceptance rate of about 23%.
What language are courses taught in at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)?
Courses at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) are taught in French; English.
When is the application deadline for EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)?
Master's: Dec 15 (early), Mar 31 (standard)
Does EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) offer scholarships?
EPFL Excellence Scholarships; Swiss government scholarships; Research funding.
Does EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) have student accommodation?
Accommodation options include: University accommodation, Private housing, Student residences.
How many international students are at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne)?
About 48% of students at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) are international.
When was EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) founded?
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) was founded in 1969.
How is EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) ranked?
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) is ranked QS World: #22; THE World: #32.
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