Struggling with unexpected financial difficulties? EPFL’s Social Scholarship 2025–2026 is here to support you. If you’re eligible and have already completed your first year or are in the CMS program, you can apply for this emergency financial aid designed to help you stay on track with your studies.
Eligibility for the scholarship is based on both academic standing and financial need. International students become eligible after successfully completing their first year of studies at EPFL, while Swiss nationals, C permit holders, refugees, or those with a Swiss secondary education certificate are eligible from the CMS level. The scholarship is intended for students facing sudden and unforeseen financial difficulties and is only granted once all other funding options, such as state grants or loans, have been considered.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is one of Europe’s leading institutions for science, technology, and engineering. Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, EPFL is renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methods, and strong international outlook. The university attracts students and researchers from around the world, fostering a vibrant, multicultural academic community.
Brief Description
- University or Organization: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Department: All Departments
- Course Level: Undergraduate or Graduate - Master or PhD (depending on eligibility level)
- Award: Financial support for up to 10 months per academic year
- Access Mode: Online
- Number of Awards: Varies
- Nationality: International and Swiss students
- The award can be taken in: Switzerland
Eligibility
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by the university.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- International Students: Must have successfully completed their first-year cycle and spent at least one year at EPFL.
- Swiss Nationals / C Permit Holders / Refugees / Swiss Secondary Education Certificate Holders: Eligible from the CMS (Cours de mathématiques spéciales).
- Must demonstrate an unexpected and significant change in financial, social, or family situation.
- Must have exhausted other sources of financial aid such as state scholarships, loans, and parental contributions.
- Applications may be submitted while awaiting responses from state or cantonal financial aid services.
How to Apply
- Applicants must complete the Scholarship application form 2025-2026 available on the official EPFL website.
- Do not wait until the deadline – preparing documents and completing the application may take time, and additional documentation may be requested.
- Students residing in the canton of Geneva or applying for a grant via Geneva’s cantonal grant office (SBPE) must apply for the Hans Wilsdorf Scholarship instead.
- Application Deadlines for Autumn Semester 2025:
- June 1, 2025 (Notification: End of August / Payment: End of September)
- August 1, 2025 (Notification: Mid-October / Payment: Mid-October)
- October 1, 2025 (Notification: End of November / Payment: End of November)
- Application Deadlines for Spring Semester 2026:
- December 1, 2025 (Notification: Mid-February / Payment: Early March)
- February 1, 2026 (Notification & Payment: Early April)
- March 1, 2026 (Notification & Payment: End of April)
Benefits
- Financial support covering up to 10 months per academic year (5 months per semester)
- Renewable upon reapplication and ongoing proof of financial hardship
- Provides emergency assistance to prevent study interruption due to financial instability.
