Erasmus guide EPFL
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland.
City
LausanneCountry
SwitzerlandInternational
Visible international community; verify the current figure before decisions.
Enrollment
Student scale should be verified on the official institutional facts page.
Study abroad at EPFL: overview
Study abroad at EPFL is strongest when academic fit is clear and city logistics are realistic.
Enrollment
Student scale should be verified on the official institutional facts page.
International Mix
Visible international community; verify the current figure before decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Architecture and need to confirm language, seats and housing early.
Language of instruction: French, English
Exchange & application at EPFL
Start with nomination, application, Learning Agreement, insurance and arrival documents. Do not treat courses as final until confirmed.
✅Requirements
Nomination or official application, insurance, passport and approved courses.
📨Nomination Process
The home university nominates first; the host application follows.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Check current partner deadline | Check current host deadline |
| 2nd semester | Check current partner deadline | Check current host deadline |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm housing
- Check courses
- Prepare insurance
- Attend orientation
Academics & courses at EPFL
At EPFL, check credits, teaching language, prerequisites, library access and exam calendar.
📝Course Registration
Course choice depends on faculty, seats, language and prerequisites.
🎓Credit System
ECTS or local credit system
💯Grading System
Confirm conversion with your home university.
✍️Exam Culture
May combine exams, projects, presentations and attendance.
📚Library Access
Library and digital resources after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at EPFL
Separate exchange, local fees, housing and full-degree tuition. Exchange tuition is not the same thing as an international degree fee.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | Usually host tuition waived where an exchange agreement applies | Housing, insurance, transport and local fees still apply. |
| Full degree - international | Check official fee page | Full-degree tuition is separate from exchange. |
| Local/regional student | Check official fee page | Can differ by residency, nationality or programme. |
Usually host tuition waived where an exchange agreement applies
Housing, insurance, transport and local fees still apply.
Check official fee page
Full-degree tuition is separate from exchange.
Check official fee page
Can differ by residency, nationality or programme.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at EPFL
Housing for EPFL should run alongside the application. Compare residence, private rooms and transport.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Lausanne
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at EPFL
Use the international office, orientation, student services and faculty coordinator from week one.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
Public/local insurance where applicable
Private insurance
Travel insurance with study cover
Student life at EPFL
Student life at EPFL depends on repeated routines: clubs, sport, libraries, buddy programmes and residences.
Student Clubs
- International societies
- University sport
- Academic clubs
Buddy Program
Buddy or mentor where available
Sports & Recreation
- University sport
Public Groups & Communities
https://www.epfl.ch/en/
Your First 2 Weeks
- Orientation
- Insurance
- Courses
- Housing
Key exchange dates at EPFL
Key dates are nomination, application, course choice, housing, arrival, orientation and exams. Put them in one calendar.
-
1
Nomination and application
Before each intake
Check international office.
-
2
Housing and arrival
After acceptance
Prepare contract, insurance and transport.
-
3
Classes and exams
Semester
Check calendar before return travel.