EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) is one of Europe's most prestigious technical universities, located on Lake Geneva. Understanding its unique admission process is essential for international applicants.
EPFL Overview
Key Facts
- World ranking: #17 globally (QS 2024)
- Students: ~12,000 (60% international)
- Location: Lausanne (French-speaking Switzerland)
- Tuition: CHF 780/semester
- Language: French (Bachelor's), French/English (Master's)
Academic Strengths
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Life Sciences and Bioengineering
- Physical Sciences
- Architecture
- Financial Engineering
EPFL vs ETH Zurich
| Factor | EPFL | ETH Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Lausanne (French) | Zurich (German) |
| Language | French/English | German |
| Size | ~12,000 | ~24,000 |
| Campus | Lakeside, modern | City center + Hönggerberg |
| Admission | CMS exam or direct | Entrance exam |
| Culture | More international feel | More traditional Swiss |
Admission Pathways
Pathway 1: Direct Admission
Eligible qualifications (no exam required):
- Swiss Matura (federal or cantonal)
- Swiss Federal Vocational Baccalaureate with passerelle
- Specific recognized foreign diplomas
Pathway 2: CMS Exam
For most international qualifications including:
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- French Baccalauréat
- German Abitur
- British A-Levels
- US High School Diploma
The CMS Exam Explained
CMS = Cours de Mathématiques Spéciales (Special Mathematics Course)
Two options:
- 1-year preparatory program + exam: Study at EPFL for one year, then pass exam
- Direct exam: Take exam without preparatory year (harder)
The CMS Program
Program Structure
- Duration: 1 academic year (September-June)
- Content: Advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry
- Language: French instruction
- Format: Lectures, exercises, exams
CMS Exam
- Held at end of CMS year (July)
- Subjects: Mathematics, Physics
- Pass rate: ~50-60% of prepared students
- Can retake once if failed
Admission to CMS Program
Requirements to enter CMS:
- Strong secondary school diploma
- Good mathematics and physics grades
- French proficiency (B2 minimum)
- Age typically under 21
Application Timeline
For Bachelor's Starting September 2026
Direct Admission Track
| November 2025 | Applications open |
| April 30, 2026 | Application deadline |
| June 2026 | Admission decisions |
| September 2026 | Start studies |
CMS Track (Starting CMS Year September 2025)
| November 2024 | Applications open |
| April 30, 2025 | CMS application deadline |
| June 2025 | CMS admission decision |
| September 2025 | Begin CMS year |
| July 2026 | CMS exam |
| September 2026 | Start Bachelor's (if passed) |
French Language Requirements
Required Level
B2 minimum for CMS admission; C1 recommended for success
Accepted Certificates
- DELF B2 / DALF C1-C2
- TCF niveau 4 or higher
- TEF niveau 4 or higher
- French Baccalauréat (exemption)
Language Preparation
- EPFL offers intensive summer French course
- Alliance Française courses worldwide
- Gap year in French-speaking region recommended
- Swiss French-speaking boarding schools provide excellent preparation
Application Requirements
Documents Needed
- Online application form
- Secondary school diploma and transcripts
- French proficiency certificate
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Application fee: CHF 150
IB-Specific Requirements
- Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches HL (minimum 5)
- Physics HL recommended (minimum 5)
- Overall score: 38+ points preferred
- Must still complete CMS year/exam
Master's Programs (English)
Admission (More Straightforward)
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
- Strong academic record (top 15-20% of class)
- English proficiency (C1)
- No entrance exam for most programs
- Application: November-January
Popular Master's Programs
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Financial Engineering
- Robotics
- Life Sciences Engineering
Living in Lausanne
Cost Comparison to Zurich
Lausanne is slightly more affordable than Zurich:
| Student housing | CHF 600-900/month |
| Food | CHF 400-500/month |
| Transport | CHF 45/month (half-fare) |
| Total budget | CHF 1,800-2,200/month |
Student Life
- Modern lakeside campus
- Active student associations
- Access to Alps for outdoor activities
- Vibrant international community
- Geneva 40 minutes away
Strategic Advice
Path from Swiss Boarding School
Students from Lake Geneva region boarding schools have advantages:
- French already proficient
- May qualify for Swiss Matura (direct admission)
- IB programs strong in EPFL prerequisites
- Counselors familiar with EPFL process
- Networking with current EPFL students
Planning Timeline
If EPFL is a goal:
- Choose boarding school with French instruction
- Take Mathematics HL in IB
- Take Physics HL in IB
- Achieve high scores (38+ predicted)
- Apply to CMS in final school year
Our University Guidance
We help families plan for Swiss university admission:
- Boarding school selection aligned with university goals
- Course selection advice (IB, A-Level)
- French language development planning
- Application support
- Gap year options if needed
Contact us for Swiss university admission strategy.
