Financing your studies

Although tuition fees are reasonable at EPFL, the cost of living is high in Switzerland. It is important to establish a budget for the entire duration of your studies: plan for approximately 30'000.- CHF per year to cover your expenses.

Approximate budget for Swiss nationals resident (in Switzerland, abroad, dual nationality), C permit

Types of feesMonthly (CHF)Yearly (CHF)
12 months
More information
Tuition fees156.-1560.-
(780.- per semester)
+ application fee when the application is submitted (1x):
50 CHF for Swiss certificates
150 CHF for foreign certificates
Supplies100.-1200.-For students in Architecture : the budget is higher due to study visits: 1’500.- CHF (1st year) / 800.- CHF (further years)
Housing900.-10800.-A rental deposit is generally required when establishing a lease agreement, and several months’ worth of rent may be blocked in a dedicated account for this purpose
Food600.-7200.-20.- CHF per day. A full meal costs between 8.- an d 10.- CHF at a university restaurant
Health insurance
400.- (low deductible)

4800.-
Swiss nationals and residents : the amount depends on the insurance scheme, insurance premium and canton of residence. In case of a high deductible, it is important to set aside the deductible amount to be able to pay the bills if there are any.

Swiss nationals abroad or binational students coming from:
EU: can keep their EU insurance and need to ask for their European insurance card. It is strongly recommended to inquire with the insurance company to verify whether medical treatments are covered during the stay in Switzerland and what amounts will be reimbursed.
Out of EU: need to join a health insurance scheme costing minimum 113.-/120.- CHF per month
AHV/IV/EO43.-514.-Swiss and foreign students living in Switzerland need to pay a AHV contribution (minimum contribution) from 1 January after reaching the age of 20
Personal liability insurance10.-120.-Compulsary insurance
Transports60.-720.-Monthly subscription
Radio and television fee30.-335.-Compulsary fee
Other expenses250.-3000.-Personal effects, mobile phone, travel outside Lausanne, outings/sports, dental expenses or any other unforeseen expenses…
TOTAL2550.-30250.-

 

Approximate budget for foreigner

Types of feesMonthly
(CHF)
Yearly (CHF)
12 months
More information
Tuition fees156.-1560.-
(780.- per semester)
+ application fee when the application is submitted (1x):
CHF 150.- for foreign certificates
Supplies100.-1200.-For students in Architecture : the budget is higher due to students’ study visits: 1500.- CHF (1st year) / 800.- CHF (further years)
Housing900.-10800.-A rental deposit is generally required when establishing a lease agreement, and several months’ worth of rent may be blocked in a dedicated account for this purpose
Residence tax37.-444.-
Food600.-7200.-20.- CHF per day. A full meal costs between 8.- an d 10.- CHF at a university restaurant
Health insurance113.-/120.-1400.-EU students: can keep their EU insurance and need to ask for their European insurance card. It is advisable to inquire with the insurance company about whether treatments will be covered during the stay in Switzerland and what amounts will be reimbursed.
Non-European students: need to join a health insurance scheme costing minimum 113.-/120.- CHF per month
After 5 years in Switzerland, there is an obligation to subscribe to Swiss health insurance
Personal liability insurance10.-120.-Compulsary insurance
Transports60.-720.-Monthly subscription
Radio and television fee30.-335.-Compulsary fee
Other expenses250.-3000.-Personal effects, mobile phone, travel outside Lausanne, outings/sports, dental expenses or any other unforeseen expenses…
TOTAL2300.-27600.-

Resources

Working

Information on academic and legal constraints regarding work for Swiss students/permit C holders and those coming from abroad

Scholarships

Information on the specific and restrictive criteria governing scholarships

Discounts

Take advantage of great deals!

Contact

Student services desk

EPFL AVP SAO SAE
BP 1229 (bâtiment BP)
Station 16
CH – 1015 Lausanne


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