Preparatory programme for refugees and asylum applicants

The CMS-3 is a preparatory programme aimed at refugees in Switzerland who have completed scientific upper secondary school studies in their home country but whose diploma does not meet the admission criteria for the EPFL Bachelor programme, and who do not have the required level of French to enrol in the CMS.

This programme is designed to give students the time to learn French, expand their knowledge while becoming familiar with EPFL’s teaching methods, and immerse themselves in the campus student culture, so they can begin their Bachelor studies under the best possible conditions.

Initially, particular emphasis is placed on learning French and integration into the EPFL community, before focusing on the fundamental concepts of mathematics (analysis, linear algebra, and analytical geometry), physics, computer science, and chemistry.

Candidates are eligible if they:

  • are asylum seekers (procedure ongoing or completed) or have S status
  • reside in Switzerland
  • hold a diploma that does not meet the criteria for admission to the Bachelor programme
  • have a basic knowledge of French (A2 to B1 level)

Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline similar to those taught at EPFL are not eligible.

Applications to start the programme in February 2027 are open from 15 October to 6 December 2026. They must be submitted online using the application form.

Admission is based on an application file and two assessments:

1. Application documents

  • A curriculum vitae
  • A scientific upper secondary education diploma
  • An identity document
  • A Swiss residence permit (N, F, B refugees or S status)

2. Assessments 

Candidates are tested on their basic knowledge of mathematics (high school level), their technical skills and reasoning ability (a 20-minute oral exam).

The level of French is also assessed during a short conversation and a written test (20–30 minutes).

These assessments do not require any specific preparation.

This program begins every year in February. It runs over three semesters, with per week:

  • semester 0 (spring): 16h of French / 10h of mathematics (Analysis I and II)
  • semester 1 (autumn): 6h of French / 18h of science courses (Linear Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Computer Science, and Physics)
  • semester 2 (spring): 31h of science courses (Analysis I and II, Linear Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Computer Science, Physics and Chemistry) / 2h of French (optional)

Exams: Two sessions are scheduled each semester (mid-semester and end of semester) on science courses only. 

To be admitted to:

  • semester 1: no minimum average required in semester 0.
  • semester 2: an average greater than or equal to 3.50/6 is required across all assessments from semesters 0 and 1.

At the end of semester 0, CMS-3 students join the CMS students.

To pass CMS-3 and intergrate a Bachelor’s program, an overall average greater than or equal to 4.0/6 in the semester 2 exams is required.

The programme is entirely funded by the McCall MacBain Foundation, meaning that students are exempt from registration fees and semester taxes.

Contact

[email protected]

+41 (0)21 693 93 91 (available Tuesdays and Thursdays)