EPFL Social Scholarship 2025-26 in Switzerland

Are you currently studying at EPFL or planning to, but worried about financial limitations that could impact your academic journey? The EPFL Social Scholarship 2025-26 in Switzerland is your opportunity to receive financial support when unforeseen economic or personal hardships arise. Designed to help students from diverse backgrounds—including international students and Swiss nationals—the EPFL social scholarship ensures that financial struggles do not disrupt your education.

This article covers everything you need to know about the EPFL Social Scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, documents, and how to apply. If you’ve completed at least a year at EPFL or are about to enter from CMS (for Swiss nationals), this scholarship could be your lifeline for academic continuity.

About EPFL – A Leading Swiss University

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is considered as Europe’s top respected institutions for science and engineering. Consistently ranked among the Top 20 globally in QS World University Rankings, EPFL is known for cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and a dynamic international student community. Beyond academics, EPFL values student well-being and equity—this scholarship is a direct result of that commitment.

EPFL Social Scholarship 2025-26 Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	EPFL Social Scholarship
Host University	EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Switzerland
Type	Financial Need-Based
Degree Level	Bachelor’s and Master’s (as per eligibility)
Eligible Students	International, Swiss nationals, refugees, C permit holders
Application Rounds	Autumn 2025 & Spring 2026
Funding Duration	1 or 2 semesters (up to 10 months per year)
Funding Source	Student tuition EPFL Student Support Program donations
EPFL social scholarship 2025 2026 Deadline	See Below

Scholarship Benefits

EPFL scholarships for International students offers you various benefits: 

• Covers financial needs arising due to unforeseen personal, family, or economic hardships
• Available for 1 or 2 semesters, supporting up to 10 months per academic year
• Renewable upon submission of a fresh application, if financial hardship continues
• Ensures students remain enrolled and focused on their academic journey
• Funded by tuition fees and major donors such as EPFL Student Foundation and private philanthropic partners

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this Swiss scholarships 2025, you must fulfil the following requirements:

International Students:

• Must have completed at least one full year of study at EPFL
• You need to be enrolled currectly and in good academic standing
• Must demonstrate a sudden and serious change in financial condition

Swiss Nationals, Refugees, or C Permit Holders:

• Eligible from the entry-level program of the CMS (Cours de mathématiques spéciales)
• Must provide proof of application or rejection from the cantonal grant office
• Must demonstrate that all other funding sources have been explored

General Criteria for All Applicants:

• Must show clear and unexpected financial distress
• Scholarship acts as a last-resort funding solution after all other options are exhausted
• Loans (from banks or cantonal offices) are considered during assessment
• Initial study budget must have been planned appropriately—poor financial planning is not a valid reason

Application Deadlines for Autumn Semester 2025

• 01 June 2025 → Alert by end of August 2025 → Pay in September 2025
• 01 August 2025 → Notified by mid-October 2025 → Pay in October 2025
• 01 October 2025 → Alert by end of November 2025 → Payment in November 2025

Application Deadlines for Spring Semester 2026

• 01 December 2025 → You’ll get a notification by mid-February 2026 → Payment in March 2026
• 01 February 2026 → You’ll be notified and Pay in early April 2026
• 01 March 2026 → Alert and Pay by end of April 2026

Required Documents

• Statement of academic results
• EPFL matriculation certificate
• Proof of valid health insurance
• (Swiss/C permit holders) Decision or proof of application for cantonal grant
• Evidence of any financial support or contributions
• Internship or master’s project documentation (if applicable)
• Bank account details and statements
• Postal account statement
• Recent pay slips (if applicable)
• Most recent tax statement

Application Process

To apply for EPFL scholarship, Bachelors or Masters level, please follow these steps: 

• Fill out the EPFL social scholarship 2025 application form on your computer (handwritten forms are not accepted)
• Keep your answers succinct, pragmatic, and consistent with documents
• Prepare and send your application well before the deadline to avoid processing delays
• Sign by hand or submit using your official EPFL email address
• Combine all documents + application form into one single PDF file
• Email your application to: [email protected]
• If you’re a student from Geneva, you must apply for the Hans Wilsdorf Scholarship instead

Please submit your complete applications before EPFL social scholarship 2025 deadline.

Important Notes

• If you’re applying to a cantonal grant, you can simultaneously apply for the EPFL social scholarship
• EPFL will consider existing loans and other scholarships during financial need evaluation
• Applications are assessed confidentially by the designated EPFL committee
• The social scholarship does not replace your original funding plan—it is emergency support only
• Ensure all information and documentation is truthful and accurate

EPFL Scholarship vs Other Options

Feature	EPFL Social Scholarship	Cantonal Scholarships	Hans Wilsdorf Scholarship (Geneva)
Target Group	International & Swiss students	Swiss students or C permit holders	Geneva-based students
Available To	Students already at EPFL	Swiss residents or C permit holders	EPFL students from Geneva region
When to Apply	After completing 1 year at EPFL	As early as April (for Vaud canton)	Same deadlines as EPFL scholarship
Funding Duration	1 or 2 semesters	Depends on canton	1 or 2 semesters
Form of Support	Non-refundable financial aid	Grant or loan (depends on canton)	Financial support with same criteria

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I apply for a social scholarship?
   Fill out the form digitally, attach all required documents, and email it to [email protected] before the deadline.
2. I’m over 25. Do I still need to include my parents’ financial information?
   Yes, unless you can clearly demonstrate financial independence.
3. What happens to my scholarship if I pause my studies?
   The scholarship is also gets paused or canceled and you need to reapply and explain your circumstances.
4. Can I apply if my cantonal/state grant application is still pending?
   Yes, you can apply simultaneously, but EPFL prefers clarity on your financial situation.
5. Will a loan I already have affect my scholarship chances?
   Yes, loans are considered during evaluation, but they don’t disqualify you.
6. Can this scholarship reduce my current loan burden?
   While it doesn’t replace your loan, it can supplement your financial situation and reduce future borrowing needs.
7. How long does the scholarship last?
   It covers up to 10 months per academic year. Renewal is possible with a new application.
8. When is the scholarship paid?
   Payments are made after the notification round, usually in September, October, or March depending on your application date.
9. Who has access to my application data?
   Only the EPFL scholarship committee processes and accesses your personal and financial data securely.

If you’re currently facing an unforeseen financial crisis and meet the eligibility criteria, don’t delay your application. Ensure your documents are well-prepared, clearly explained, and submitted early. EPFL understands the pressures students face and has built this scholarship to keep you focused on learning—not worrying about funding. APPLY NOW for EPFL scholarship 2025 and secure your future.

Want to stay updated on scholarships in Switzerland and around the world? Subscribe to our updates and explore more fully funded scholarships, fellowships, and study abroad opportunities. We bring the latest, verified, and student-focused content straight to you—because your dreams deserve support.