Doctorate

The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers its doctoral students 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.

EPFL is one of the world’s most dynamic and reputed institutes of science and technology. In the heart of Europe, it offers a combination of excitement, excellence, inspiring education, and outstanding facilities for research. Its doctoral school is organized into 21 doctoral programs, each covering a well-established discipline or one of today’s interdisciplinary research areas. They form vibrant scientific communities that energize the exchange of scientific ideas and progress.

Prof. Pierre Vandergheynst, Vice President for Education

Doctoral Students

Women	Men
621	1521

Country of origin

Switzerland	Europe	World
20%	50%	30%

Degrees

Delivered in 2017

431

Career

	= Academia		= Industry
	35%		65%

Doctoral studies at EPFL

Doctoral studies stucture

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 21 doctoral programs

PhD admission criteria & application

All the information required for an admission to a PhD program at EPFL

15th anniversary of the Doctoral School, 4 July 2019

To mark the EPFL Doctoral School's 15th anniversary, the Vice-Presidents for Research and for Education and the representatives of the Doctoral School organize a festive event for doctoral candidates, thesis directors and other guests to discuss the challenges of the future of doctoral education. The event will include presentations on thesis supervision and on science and engineering education. A dinner aperitif will close the event.

Why choose EPFL

Meet EPFL Representatives

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

EPFLinnovators

The EPFLinnovators programme aims to attract excellent PhD candidates with an interest in entrepreneurship to 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

Registration now open for EuroTech Summer School on Open Science!

Published:06.06.19 — The Summer School ‘Open Science in Practice’ is back on EPFL campus, 2-6 September 2019, after the success of the 2017 edition. One week to learn how to boost the quality and impact of your research! The programme is organised by and for doctoral students and early career researchers, with generous support from the EuroTech Universities alliance.

EPFL conducted the third Doctoral Survey

Published:05.06.19 — Almost three students out of four are satisfied with their doctoral studies. But as also seen across universities around the world, their mental health and well-being are a growing concern.

ConneXion helps foreigners feel more at home in Switzerland

Published:15.05.19 — EPFL’s ConneXion program puts foreign students and researchers in touch with local residents in order to foster cultural exchange through food and a fun activity.

All news

Contact

In case of questions, please contact your program of interest

See programs