FAQs

No. You must choose one program and apply to this one only.

Decisions are sent early April for applications registered by December 15th and end of June for applications registered by April 15th.

No. You can apply to only one program per year. Therefore, you have to select carefully the program you wish to apply for.

No. Whether you apply in December or April does not matter: all Master’s programs start mid-September.

However, we advise international candidates needing a visa to apply in December, which allows them to receive an early answer and thus have more time for the visa procedures.

No. The entire program must be completed at EPFL.

All students have the possibility to pursue a 30-credit Minor in Management, Technology and Entrepreneurship (MTE).

EPFL also offers a 120-credit Master program in MTE and a 120-credit Master program in Sustainable Management and Technology.

The academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester lasts 14 weeks and runs from mid-September to Christmas, then from mid-February to the end of May.

Academic calendar

You should collect your student card at the Registrar’s Office (SAC) at your arrival.

If you come from a EU-country, you are allowed to work from the 1st day after your arrival.

If you come from outside the EU, Swiss Law does not allow you to work during your first six months in Switzerland. After this period, you may work 15h/week during the semester and full-time during the holidays.

Detailed information on working and work permits.

It is important that you deal with the immigration formalities before entering Switzerland. Depending on your country of origin, you might need to request a visa to study in Switzerland (not required for European citizens).

The visa procedure may take up to three months. Therefore, make sure you start the visa procedure early enough so as to have your visa before you come to Lausanne.

Please note that a tourist visa is valid three months only and cannot be changed into a student permit after your arrival in Switzerland.

Check visa requirements for your country on the official list of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

If you do need a visa
Please get in touch with the Swiss representation in your country to ask for a visa application form, and check with them which documents you are requested to join to your visa application.

If you do not need a visa
Even if you do not need a visa, you will need a valid residence permit to study in Switzerland. You will be required to register with the local immigration authority of your place of residence (so-called “Commune”) within eight days of arrival in Switzerland.

You will find detailed information on residence permits and visas on this page.