The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is now accepting applications for its Social Scholarship Program for the 2025–2026 academic year. This opportunity offers vital financial assistance to students facing sudden financial hardship, helping them continue their studies without interruption. If you’re an EPFL student struggling due to an unforeseen change in circumstances, this may be the support system you need.
Who Can Apply?
EPFL’s social scholarships are designed to act as a last resort after all other funding options—such as parental support, state grants, loans, or cantonal scholarships—have been explored or are in progress. Eligibility is based on nationality and academic progress:
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International Students: Eligible after completing the first-year cycle and having studied at least one year at EPFL.
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Swiss Students, C Permit Holders, Refugees, and those with a Swiss Secondary Education Certificate: Eligible starting from the CMS (Cours de mathématiques spéciales) level.
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EPFL Scholarship Criteria
- The scholarship is awarded only in cases of sudden and unexpected changes in your financial, social, or family situation.
- The program does not replace the initial study financing plan and considers existing loans in its calculations.
- It is granted for one academic year at a time, covering up to 10 months per year (5 months per semester).
New EPFL Scholarship Application Deadlines
For students seeking support during the Autumn Semester 2025, the EPFL Social Scholarship application deadlines are as follows: submit your application by June 1, 2025 to receive a decision by the end of August and payment by the end of September. Those applying by August 1, 2025 will be notified in mid-October with payments released around the same time. The final deadline for autumn is October 1, 2025, with notifications and payments scheduled for the end of November.
For the Spring Semester 2026, students must apply by December 1, 2025 to be notified in mid-February and receive payment in early March. An application submitted by February 1, 2026 will lead to both notification and payment in early April. Lastly, those who apply by March 1, 2026 will hear back and receive their scholarship support by the end of April.
Apply: https://www.epfl.ch/education/studies/en/epfl-social-scholarship/.
