École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
university
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Merging knowledge and action to initiate positive transformations for our societies through architecture.

Station 16, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

About École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

EPFL Architecture, embedded within the ENAC faculty, promotes a trans-disciplinary approach, integrating architects, civil engineers, and environmental engineers in both research and education. Its core mission is to transform knowledge into projects that address global challenges, particularly those related to climatic and social urgency. The Master's program emphasizes polytechnic training with a strong theoretical foundation, covering architectural, urban, and territorial scales. Curricula integrate diverse fields such as history, sociology, economics, construction, and applied physics. A significant focus is placed on sustainable development, energy-wise optimization, new materials, and anticipating socio-economic impacts. EPFL Architecture encompasses the Institute of Architecture (IA), the Section of Architecture (SAR), and the Architecture et sciences de la ville (EDAR) doctoral program.
Program NameDetails
Architecture (Bachelor)
Bachelor

The Bachelor's degree in Architecture trains versatile architects by combining theory and practice. Students develop critical and creative thinking through design, urban planning, and sustainable construction courses.

3 Years (180 ECTS credits)
French
CHF 1,560
Deadline: N/A
Architecture (Masters)
Master

The Master's degree in Architecture perpetuates the tradition of polytechnic training for design and practicing architects with a solid theoretical background. The multidisciplinary training incorporates humanistic, structural and technical aspects.

N/A
N/A
N/A
Deadline: N/A
EDAR - Architecture and Sciences of the City
Doctorate

The doctoral program unites the world of architecture and that of social sciences concerned with the inhabited space. It fosters comprehensive research on the built environment through interdisciplinarity and dialogue between basic and applied research.

N/A
N/A
N/A
Deadline: N/A

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
3
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
EPFL holds institutional accreditation from the Swiss Accreditation Council, valid until June 2029. Its Master's programs are accredited by the French Commission des titres d'ingénieur (CTI) and have obtained the EUR-ACE label, with a follow-up scheduled for December 2025. In Switzerland, program-specific accreditation is no longer mandatory since 2015, with programs covered by institutional accreditation. The professional designation 'Architecte, arch. dipl. EPF' is recognized with SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects) accreditation.
Admissions
Approximately 23% overall for EPFL, with undergraduate and graduate programs around 21%, indicating high competitiveness.
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
masters
Mid-November to December 15th (decisions by late March) or December 16th to March 31st (decisions by mid-June). Studies begin in early September. Visa-requiring applicants are advised to apply by the December deadline.
bachelors
Mid-November to end of April for registration form submission. Beginning of July for form validation. End of September for final grades report. Bachelor's degree starts in early September.
Requirements
language: Intensive French language courses are offered. English language exams like IELTS (min 5.5) and TOEFL (min 72) are generally required for international students.
masters_admission: Based on Bachelor's degree compliance with program profiles, including specific prerequisites and minimum percentages. Admission is highly selective, considering undergraduate performance, university ranking, background, standardized tests (if required), motivation letter, and recommendations.
swiss_applicants_bachelors: Holders of a maturité gymnasiale are admitted without restrictions, though restrictions apply in case of academic failure or similar degrees.
international_applicants_bachelors: Must have a final grade average of at least 80% of the maximum possible in their upper secondary education, with final grades in mathematics and physics also at least 80%.

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne Academic FAQ

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne is Merging knowledge and action to initiate positive transformations for our societies through architecture.

The acceptance rate for École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne is Approximately 23% overall for EPFL, with undergraduate and graduate programs around 21%, indicating high competitiveness., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Architecture (Bachelor), Architecture (Masters), EDAR - Architecture and Sciences of the City.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of A specific student-to-faculty ratio for the architecture program is not explicitly provided, but EPFL generally maintains 'relatively high' ratios. The institution overall has more than 370 internationally recognized professors., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne is situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne holds accreditations from: EPFL holds institutional accreditation from the Swiss Accreditation Council, valid until June 2029. Its Master's programs are accredited by the French Commission des titres d'ingénieur (CTI) and have obtained the EUR-ACE label, with a follow-up scheduled for December 2025. In Switzerland, program-specific accreditation is no longer mandatory since 2015, with programs covered by institutional accreditation. The professional designation 'Architecte, arch. dipl. EPF' is recognized with SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects) accreditation..