Doctorate

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, offers its doctoral candidates an extraordinary setting: customized PhD programs; cutting-edge laboratories directed by internationally renowned professors; a modern, fast-developing campus; satellite sites in French-speaking cantons; and close ties to industry.

Doctoral candidates

Academic year 2024-2025

2411

Country of origin

Switzerland	Europe	World
12%	47%	41%

Degrees

Delivered in 2024

434 Career

	Academia		Industry
	33%		67%

Doctoral studies at EPFL

Doctoral studies structure

An EPFL PhD is typically obtained after four years of study devoted to an original and independent scientific research project.

Doctoral programs

EPFL’s Doctoral School is organized into 22 doctoral programs.

Admission criteria and application

Information about an admission to a PhD program at EPFL.

© 2025 EPFL/ Julie Mazard - PhD Excellence Program

PhD Excellence Program visits Nestlé Research

Published:30.06.25 — As part of the EPFL PhD Excellence Program, a group of 21 doctoral candidates had the unique opportunity to visit the Nestlé Research Centre in Lausanne, one of the world’s leading R&D hubs in food, nutrition and health.

SAC and EDOC Teams annual outing at the EPFL Campus in Neuchâtel

Published:26.06.25 — This year, the SAC and EDOC teams headed to Neuchâtel for their traditional annual outing — a day filled with innovation, exploration, and a touch of historical charm.

EuroTeQ online courses | Register now!

Published:10.06.25 — We are pleased to announce that EuroTeQ courses are now open for enrollment at EPFL for the Fall Semester 2025. This is a great opportunity to enhance the international dimension of your education.

All news

Why choose EPFL?

Thesis distinction

Each year, a distinction is granted to a selection of very high quality theses, in order to highlight the doctoral candidates’ research work and their scientific merit.

EPFL PhD Excellence Program

The EPFL PhD Excellence program is aimed at doctoral candidates interested in pursuing a career in a non-academic sector after their studies and it will complement their training as first-class scientists at EPFL by empowering them as engaged and active members of society and leaders of tomorrow.

Meet EPFL representatives

EPFL regularly takes part in educational fairs and information sessions throughout the world.

Contact

In case of questions, please contact the administrative assistant of your doctoral program of interest.

Already enrolled?

You may also contact the Registrar’s Office:

[email protected]