QS World Ranking
#16
Acceptance Rate
22%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$1,500
On-Campus Housing
Available
QS Best Student City
#31
Lausanne
Application Deadline
December 15
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
12,000
students
International Students
64%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Europe's top technical university on Lake Geneva, producing world-changing research in AI and life sciences.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
One of Europe's top technical universities. Master's programs in English. Located on Lake Geneva.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to EPFL
Acceptance Rate
22%
Selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
December 15
Instruction Language
English/French
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$1,500
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via EPFL by December 15
- Bachelor's programs taught in French — B2/C1 French required
- Master's programs taught in English — IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+
- Admission exam may be required if US diploma not recognized directly
- Strong math and sciences required (calculus, physics)
- No SAT/ACT required; academic record is primary criterion
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English/French
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$1,500 / year
- Application Deadline
- December 15
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 22%
- QS Best Student City (Lausanne)
- #31 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓EPFL Excellence Fellowship
- ✓Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Cost of Living — Lausanne, Switzerland
Very High CostEstimated monthly total
$2,505
vs. avg US college student
32% more expensive
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Lausanne is expensive but cheaper than Zurich. Lake Geneva views compensate. EPFL's near-free tuition helps offset living costs vs. US private universities.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at EPFL as a US Student
EPFL is located in Lausanne, Switzerland and is ranked #16in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Sciences, Mathematics, Architecture, and more. Instruction is offered in English/French. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$1,500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 22%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of December 15. Scholarships available include the EPFL Excellence Fellowship.