THE EPFL

STUDENT S
GUI DE
TABLE OF CONTENTS A
2 3
STUDYING AT EPFL 4
About Switzerland 4
About EPFL 4
Bachelor / Master Education at EPFL 4
Bachelor / Master Educational Structure 5
Bachelor 5
Master 6
CMS Special Mathematics Course 6
PolyMaths 6
ECTS Credits 7
Pass Requirements 7
Teaching Languages 7
Typical Academic Year 8
Timetables, Study Plans, Regulations and Course
Descriptions 8
Adapted Study Timetable 9
BACHELOR STUDIES 10
Registration Deadlines for Bachelor Courses and
Special Mathematics Course (CMS) 11
Admission to 1
st
Year Bachelor 11
Admission to the Special Mathematics
Course CMS 11
Admission to a Bachelor Higher Year
(CPG/ENS Lyon) 12
Entrance Exam 12
Admission to Polymaths 12
Transfer from Another University 13
Changing Programmes at EPFL 13
Army, Military Service 13
MASTER STUDIES 14
Registration Deadlines 14
Admission Requirements 14
BEYOND MASTER STUDIES 15
Doctoral School 15
Continuing Education 15
EXCHANGE - MOBILITY 16
Exchange: IN 16
Exchange: OUT 16
Partner Universities 16
PREPARE YOUR ARRIVAL 16
Getting to EPFL 16
Health & Accident Insurance 17
Housing 17
Residence permit 18
Study Grants 19
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living 20
Visas 21
Welcoming Events 21
Working in Switzerland 22
STUDENT FACILITIES 23
Career Center 23
HELP 23
Housing Office 24
Language Centre 24
Laptops 24
Library 24
IS-Academia / Student File 24
IT 25
Working methods and personal fulfilment 25
LIFE ON CAMPUS 26
Associations 27
Childcare 27
Culture on Campus 27
Disabled Students 27
Parking 27
Restaurants 27
Shops 28
Sports Centre 28
Student Card 28
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND 29
Banking 29
Electricity 29
Healthcare 29
Integration Local Customs 30
Medical Emergencies 30
Old age and Survivors Insurance (AVS) 30
Post & Mail 30
Shops & Second-Hand Stores 31
Social Life in Lausanne 31
Telephone 31
Transport 32
USEFUL ADDRESSES 33
Student Services Hotline 33
Swiss Embassies Abroad 33
Foreign Embassies in Switzerland 33
Emergency Numbers 33
Insurance Cantonal Supervisory Body 34
Useful Addresses & Links at EPFL 34
Useful Services 34
CHECKLIST 35
Before you leave for Switzerland 35
Upon arrival in Switzerland 35
During your studies 35
NOTES 36
CAMPUS MAP 40
Impressum
Project : EPFL, Aline Collin
Design&layout : www.antidote-design.ch
Photos : Alain Herzog
Print : Courvoisier+Attinger, Bienne
Copyright2012, 2013
Ecole polytechnique fdrale de Lausanne
STUDYING AT EPFL
ABOUT SWITZERLAND
Awww.swissworld.org/en
Switzerland is located at the heart of Europe,
surrounded by Germany to the north, Austria
and Liechtenstein to the east, Italy to the south
and France to the west. It has an area of 41285 km
2

with a population of 7,954,662 distributed across
26 cantons. Switzerland has four national languages:
63.7% of the inhabitants speak German, 20.4%
French, 6.5% Italian and less that 0.5% Romansh.
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291.
Lausanne
Lausanne, the capital of Canton Vaud, lies on
Lake Geneva in the French-speaking area. Its
population of 135,000 includes some 25,000
students. Lausanne plays a major role in the field
of international sport. In particular, as it houses
the headquarters of the International Olympic
Committee, it has earned the title of Olympic
Capital. The town is characterised by its steep
streets and the over 500 m difference in level
between the shores of Lake Geneva and the
citys heights.
ABOUT EPFL Apresentation.epfl.ch
EPFL is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and
brings together over 10,000 people on a single
campus, including more than 8,000 students
and about 260 faculty members.
Since it was founded in 1853, EPFL has become
a world-renowned international institution
Civil Engineering
Communication Systems
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Life Sciences (Masters in Life Sciences
and Technology or Bioengineering)
Materials Engineering
Mathematics (Masters in Mathematics
or Applied Mathematics)
Mechanical Engineering
Microengineering
Physics (Masters in Physics or Applied Physics)
Master level only:
Computational Science and Engineering
Energy Management and Sustainability
Financial Engineering
Management, Technology and
Entrepreneurship
Nuclear Engineering
Study plans and regulations for these curricula
are available on sac.epfl.ch/study-plans.
Detailed information is also available online on
the futuretudiant.epfl.ch Prospective Students
portal.
Programme-specific leaflets can also
be ordered using the form on
bachelor.epfl.ch/brochures.
A
with more than 120 nationalities on campus.
The School has a unique organisation to foster
cross-disciplinary research and promote partner-
ships with other institutions and companies. Its
more than 250 laboratories and research groups
enable EPFL to rank among the worlds most
innovative and productive institutions in terms
of science.
EPFL offers 13 complete study programmes at
the Bachelor and Master levels in engineering,
basic sciences, computer and communication
sciences, life sciences, architecture and the
environment.
The EPFL Doctoral School enables PhD students
of the same subject to work together, transcend-
ing the boundaries of their own labs.
Students attending the EPFL School of Continu-
ing Education have the opportunity to strength-
en and update their skills and knowledge, giving
them a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving
professional environment.
Bachelor / Master Education at EPFL
Depending on your interests, skills and profes-
sional projects you may join EPFL in any of the
following study programmes:
Bachelor and Master level programmes:
Architecture
Chemistry (Masters in Molecular &
Biological Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
and Biotechnology)
BACHELOR /MASTER
EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE
Abachelor.epfl.ch/program-structure
The educational structure at EPFL is in line
with the Bologna Convention and includes
two successive stages:
a Bachelor with 180 ECTS credits
(duration approx. 3 years)
a Master with 90 or 120 ECTS credits
depending on the chosen curriculum
(duration approx. 1.5 to 2 years)
BACHELOR
The 1
st
year (so-called propdeutique) focuses
on basic training in science.
This 1
st
year is completed in one of the 13 available
study sections. However, several programmes
offer the possibility of joining the Bachelor cycle
(2
nd
and 3
rd
year) of a related study plan after
passing the 1
st
year exam.
The Bachelor cycle (2
nd
and 3
rd
year) introduces
the specific courses to be followed in each
section, enabling you to gradually master the
required skills and working methods.
The Bachelor qualification is awarded for mas-
tering the basic knowledge required in a given
field. It serves as a passport to enter the Master
cycle at EPFL or another university in Switzerland
or elsewhere.
Bachelor 180 ECTS
2
nd
and 3
rd
year Bachelor 120 ECTS
Specific education (approx. 60%) : lectures, labs,
optional courses,
Basic education, ctd (approx. 35%)
Education in the humanities (approx. 5%)
Possility of
exchange in
the 3
rd
year
1
st
year Bachelor (propaedeutic) 60 ECTS
Basic education: mathematics, physics,
4 5
STUDYING AT EPFL
A
MASTER
Master programmes are based on the knowl-
edge acquired in the Bachelor cycle and build
on these skills. They are a gateway to working in
industry as well as in research. Master pro-
grammes offer great flexibility and freedom of
choice as to the subjects, enabling each student
to have a tailor-made curriculum.
The Master cycle, carrying either 90 or 120 credits
depending on your chosen programme and
specialisations or minors, is aimed at educating
students across disciplines. 120-credit curricula
now tend to become the rule. Engineering pro-
grammes all include an internship of at least 8
weeks in a company.
The last semester is devoted to the Master Project
a personal project lasting from 4 to 6 months
completed in the framework of research conduct-
ed at EPFL, at another university or in industry.
Upon completion of your Master studies, EPFL
awards the EPFL Master of Science (MSc) in the
chosen discipline. Holders of an EPFL MSc are
concurrently awarded the title of EPF graduate
engineer, mathematician, physicist, chemist or
architect (dipl. EPF).
All titles awarded by EPFL are acknowledged by
the Center of Accreditation and Quality Assurance
of the Swiss Universities (OAQ) and engineering
degrees are also accredited by the Commission
des Titres dIngnieur (CTI) in France, where the
Engineer title is protected by law.
CMS SPECIAL MATHEMATICS COURSE
Acms.epfl.ch
The Special Mathematics Course (CMS) is
a preparatory course to join EPFL.
Over 2 academic semesters, this course serves
to acquire the basic understanding in math-
ematics (calculus, linear algebra and analytical
geometry), physics, chemistry and biology that
is required to begin EPF studies.
The course is aimed at:
Swiss or foreign students residing in
Switzerland with a vocational baccalaure-
ate or general education diploma (thelatter
onlyuntil thebeginningof the2013academicyear
included)
students with a foreign secondary school diploma
which doesnt allow admission in first year
Bachelor (see p. 11 Admission to the Special
Mathematics Course CMS)
POLYMATHS Apolymaths.epfl.ch
PolyMaths is a one-semester optional course
dedicated to students qualified to study at EPFL
who wish to perfect their knowledge before
starting their 1
st
year.
Whether you are taking a few months leave af-
ter completing school, are at military service or
simply feel the need to strengthen your skills in
mathematics, this course may be of interest. For
non French-speaking school-leavers, this is also
an opportunity to practice your French before
starting university education! Additionally, you
can register for language courses free of charge
at the EPFL Language Centre.
Organised each year in spring (February to end
May), Polymaths is a full-time course to master
various general aspects of mathematics and
physics through a university teaching method.
Together with a module on work techniques,
Polymaths offers ideal preparation for polytech-
nic studies.
ECTS CREDITS Abachelor.epfl.ch/ects-credits
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
serves to assess the level reached by a student
by awarding credits to a completed course.
ECTS credits are proportional to the volume of
work to be completed by the student in the form
of either courses, practicals, laboratory work,
projects or homework.
The ECTS system is based on the assumption
that the quantity of work required by a full-time
student over an academic year is equivalent
to 60 credits. As the workload of students
registered for a full-time study curriculum
in Europe is usually about 1500-1800 hours per
annum, one credit represents approximately
25 to 30 hours work.
PASS REQUIREMENTS Asac.epfl.ch/pass-conditions
All relevant information about the pass require-
ments for each study cycle (propdeutic year,
Bachelor, Master) can be found on our website.
The Registrars Office sends students an official
grade sheet by post only at the end of each
study cycle. Provisional results for interim years
may be consulted and printed from IS-Academia
(see p. 24 IS-Academia / Student File).
TEACHING LANGUAGES
Teaching is given partly in French and partly in
English depending on course levels. French is the
official language for legal texts at EPFL.
Master 90 - 120 ECTS
Master
project 30 ECTS
Minor 30 ECTS
Master Course 60 or 90 ECTS
Specialisations available
Possibility
of exchange
for Master
Project
Internship
The EPFL recommends that students starting at
EPFL should have minimum C1 level in the teaching
languages (as defined by the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages scale).
For further information:
langues.epfl.ch/languages-requirements
CMS Special Mathematics Course
Teaching is exclusively in French and a good
understanding of this language is needed to
follow the courses. Non French mother tongue
applicants are required to have B1 level.
Bachelor
Most courses are given in French although a few
(calculus or physics) can be followed in German
or English depending on the programme.
Master
The teaching language is strongly dependent on
the chosen curriculum. Some Master programmes
are available mostly in English, others in French
and some are bilingual. The trend is for most
Master classes to be taught mainly in English.
Details on the specific page of the Master
programme of your choice: master.epfl.ch
6 7
STUDYING AT EPFL
Important Deadlines
Early September registration and welcoming activities
for new students (see p.21 Welcoming
Events).
Mid September courses start
30 September final deadline for late arrival of admit-
ted students and for eligible students
registered at another Swiss university
to transfer for their 1
st
year at EPFL.
Early October (end of the 2
nd
week of courses): final
deadline to register for courses and
request a section change.
1
st
December deadline for 1
st
year students to with-
draw without failure and/or register for
Polymaths as per the rules set out on
polymaths.epfl.ch.
TYPICAL ACADEMIC YEAR
Planning Your Time
The academic year at EPFL is divided into two
(autumn and spring) semesters of courses,
14 weeks each, followed by 2 to 3-week
(winter and summer) exam sessions (see
diagram below).
Our study programmes are designed for full-
time studying to obtain 30 credits per semester.
The information provided during lectures may
be substantial as from the start of term, which
is why you should schedule practical work and
exam preparation as from the onset of the
courses. Both the winter and summer exam
sessions are preceded by 2-3 weeks revision time
during which there are no lectures. These weeks
are not holidays and should be used to complete
reports on practicals and projects and to revise
for the exams.
Academic Calendar
Asac.epfl.ch/academic-calendar
The Academic Calendar provides all major dates
and deadlines for completion of your studies, in
particular semester start and end dates, exam
sessions, deadlines for withdrawal from exams
and bank holidays.
TIMETABLES, STUDY PLANS, REGULATIONS
AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course Planning
Course timetables and descriptions are posted
online on is-academia.epfl.ch/publicaccess-
Bachelor-Master several weeks before the start
of term.
Each course leaflet provides a description of one
of the courses to be found in the Bachelor /
Master study plan.
This leaflet also gives the teaching objectives,
content, required level necessary to follow the
course, number of hours, number of credits,
bibliography and information regarding exams
for the course.
Study Plans and Regulations
Detailed study plans for each programme specify
compulsory lectures and available optional
courses for each semester, indicating the number
of hours and credits. These plans also set when
and how teaching assessment takes place.
The Rulebooks include legal provisions governing
the passing of the exams for each programme.
These documents are available on
sac.epfl.ch/study-plans
Course Registration
By the end of the 2
nd
week of each semester at
the latest, students should register for courses
on is-academia.epfl.ch (login required). You will
be automatically registered for exams based
on course registration (see p. 25 IS-Academia /
Student File).
Exam Timetable
Exam timetables are available online on
is-academia.epfl.ch/publicaccess-Bachelor-Master
and on the secure access of IS-Academia several
weeks prior to the start of each session.
In order to prepare the exam timetable taking
into account the number of participants it is
important that courses registration have been
done correctly and within the deadlines.
(see p. 35 Checklist At the start of each term)
ADAPTED STUDY TIMETABLE
Asac.epfl.ch/course-exemption
If you have a physical disability or are an elite
sportsperson or musician, you may subject
to certain conditions request an adapted study
schedule, or even exemption from certain tests.
Elements which will have to be provided by fol-
lowing the procedure available on our website are:
elite sportsperson (official certificate from
your Swiss sports federation, together with
training and competition schedule)
musician (official certificate from the Con-
servatoire de Musique stating the number of
hours devoted to music lessons)
disabled student (medical certificate and
form available on our website).
8 9
Exams
Exams
mid Feb.
Christmas
end May Easter
end Jan. mid Jan.
mid July mid June
Autumn Semester 14 weeks
Spring Semester 14 weeks
week 38 (mid Sept.)
Autumn Semester (14 weeks)
The autumn semester begins in week 38 and courses
finish at year end. The following few weeks holiday are
for the festive season but also to prepare the winter
exams scheduled in January.
Spring Semester (14 weeks)
The spring semester starts in mid February and finishes at
end of May, followed by 2 weeks to prepare for the summer
exam session scheduled from mid June to early July.
BACHELOR STUDIES A
REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR BACHELOR
COURSES AND SPECIAL MATHEMATICS
COURSE (CMS)
Deadline for online registration:
mid January to 30 April
Online registration form on
bachelor.epfl.ch/how-to-apply
All applications even if incomplete must
be validated online by 30 April. They have to be
completed with the latest results obtained until
15 July at the latest online.
The same online form should be filled in to
register for:
1
st
year Bachelor
CMS Special Mathematics Course /
preparatory year
Admissiontoahigher year (2
nd
or 3
rd
year Bachelor)
ADMISSION TO 1
ST
YEAR BACHELOR
Abachelor.epfl.ch/admission-requirements
Swiss certificates (maturits)
Holders of a maturit acknowledged by the
Commission suisse de maturit are eligible for
1
st
-year admission into the section of their choice.
Foreign diplomas / International Baccalaureate (IB)
Holders of a general, or if applicable, a science
baccalaureate from an EU or EFTA member state
with an average grade of 70% or over across
the following subjects: mathematics, physics
or chemistry, the baccalaureate teaching
language and another modern language, are
admitted into 1
st
year without an exam into any
EPFL section. For certain countries, an admission
certificate from an acknowledged university in
the same field may be required.
See bachelor.epfl.ch/admission-pays
The holders of an International Baccalaureate
(IB) are admitted into 1
st
year without an exam
subject to certain conditions (see details on our
website).
Applications by students holding a foreign diplo-
ma which does not give access to the 1st year are
dealt with by our Admission Committee, which
decides whether a student may be admitted to
the Special Mathematics Course (CMS), for which
there is a limited number of places. (see p. 6 CMS
Special Mathematics Course and hereunder
Admission to the Special Mathematics Course).
HES Bachelors
The holders of a Swiss HES (University of Applied
Sciences) Bachelor are eligible for admission to
the 1
st
year of any EPFL section.
ADMISSION TO THE SPECIAL MATHEMATICS
COURSE (CMS) Abachelor.epfl.ch/admission-cms
General education diploma (until the beginning
of the 2013 academic year included) or vocational
baccalaureate
The holders of a vocational baccalaureate or
general education diploma are likely to be ad-
mitted to the CMS as long as there are available
places and if they are under 25 years old. They are
required to succeed in this preparatory year to
be admitted to 1
st
year courses.
Swiss applicants with a foreign baccalaureate
Swiss applicants with a foreign baccalaureate
who do not meet the 1
st
year admission require-
ments can apply to the CMS. Admission to the
CMS will be reviewed on personal record. They
are required to succeed in this preparatory year
to be admitted to 1
st
year courses.
10 11
Master
3
rd
Year Bachelor
2
nd
Year Bachelor
1
st
Year Bachelor (propdeutic)
CMS PolyMaths
Other Swiss diplomas
and baccalaureates not
accepted for 1
st
year
entry (personal record)
Admission on personal
record for French
CPGE applicants
Swiss Certificates
Foreign baccalaureates accepted for 1
st
year entry
P
h
o
t
o
:

S
o
p
h
i
e

B
r
a
s
e
y
Foreign applicants with a foreign diploma /
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Applications by foreign students holding
a baccalaureate issued by an EU or EFTA
member state who do not meet the 1
st
year
admission requirements cannot be admitted
in the CMS.
Applications by foreign students holding an
International Baccalaureate (IB) who do not
meet the 1
st
year admission requirements, are
admitted to the CMS provided that they meet
the requirements set out on our website.
Applications to the CMS which do not meet the
above requirements are reviewed on personal
record. The Admission Committee makes its
decision known at end of July.
ADMISSION TO A BACHELOR HIGHER
YEAR (CPG / ENS LYON)
After one or two years of French
preparatory course
Abachelor.epfl.ch/admission-cpge
Applicants from preparatory science classes in
the higher mathematics (MPSI, PCSI, PTSI, TSI)
or special mathematics (MP, PC, PSI, PT, TSI) chan-
nels may submit an application file for admission
to a higher year (2
nd
or 3
rd
year Bachelor) in certain
EPFL sections.
These files are dealt with in a very selective way.
Only students from a top preparatory school
with excellent results are accepted and an inter-
view may be required.
Entrance exam to ENS Lyon
Abachelor.epfl.ch/accordenslyon
Students who have successfully passed the en-
trance exam to ENS Lyon are admitted to 3
rd
year
EPFL courses in certain sections (see detailed
procedure on our website).
ENTRANCE EXAM
Applicants who do not meet 1
st
year admission
requirements or fail to be admitted to the Spe-
cial Mathematics Course (CMS) must pass the
EPFL or ETHZ entrance exam to start Bachelor
studies. Succeeding in the CMS is equivalent to
passing the entrance exam.
The registration deadline and fees for the
entrance exam are set out on
bachelor.epfl.ch/examen-admission
The entrance exam schedule is provided on
sac.epfl.ch/study-plans
The terms of the entrance exam are set out in
the Ordinance on Admission to EPFL (French only)
on polylex.epfl.ch/page-26075-en.html
ADMISSION TO POLYMATHS
Abachelor.epfl.ch/admission-polymaths
Deadline for online registration: 1 December
Online registration form on polymaths.epfl.ch
in the Inscription section.
When submitting your application, please
upload all documents required in the admission
procedure. Incomplete applications will not be
considered by the Admission Committee.
Holders of a Swiss maturit or students
admitted in a 1
st
-year EPFL programme
may register for PolyMaths (see p. 6
Polymaths) by following the official
application procedure.
Access to PolyMaths is on personal record
as the number of places is restricted
(to 80 students). If the number of applicants
exceeds this limit, the CMS management will
select applicants. In addition to their school
record, major emphasis will be put on the
candidates motivation.
The final decision rests with the CMS and will
be notified latest by mid January.
TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER
UNIVERSITY
Candidates registered with another Swiss
University or University of Applied Sciences may
apply for a transfer of their registration to EPFL
until the end of September. However, transfer
will only be accepted provided that the applicant
meets the EPFLs own admission criteria.
Transfer applications should be sent to the
Student Services Desk by e-mail to
[email protected].
Students no longer entitled to pursue their
studies in a Swiss University or University of
Applied Sciences may not be admitted to EPFL
in the same programme.
CHANGING PROGRAMMES AT EPFL
Asac.epfl.ch/changingprogramme
In the 1
st
year you may apply for a change
of programme before the end of the 2
nd
week
of courses in the autumn semester, either by
filling in the Academic Registration Form on
IS-Academia (see p.24 IS-Academia / Student
File), or by e-mail to the Student Services Desk
provided that you have validated this form.
As from the 2
nd
year you must fill in the relevant
form on the Registrars Office web page to apply
for a change of programme, to be decided by the
authorities concerned.
In the propdeutic cycle (1
st
year Bachelor),
a single failure in the original section will not
be taken into account in the event of final (or
double) failure. Students may therefore change
programmes at that stage and still have two
attempts in their new section.
ARMY, MILITARY SERVICE
Asac.epfl.ch/armee
It has become difficult for EPFL students to rec-
oncile their studies with military obligations.
You are therefore advised to complete the whole
of your military training before starting your
university curriculum, so as to avoid suspending
your education at the risk of losing a year of
studies. If you decide to take a years leave after
leaving school to complete your military train-
ing, it would be wise to use the time to do a few
compulsory refresher courses or to opt for long
service so as to complete your lifes military
duties once and for all.
You will find further information on the EPFL
bachelor.epfl.ch/military-service and the Armys
www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/vtg/fr/home.html
websites.
During your studies requests for leave, post-
ponement or exemption should be submitted
to the Army as soon as possible subject to the
Registrars Offices prior agreement. The links to
fill the relevant forms and all relevant information
are on sac.epfl.ch/armee.
BACHELOR STUDIES
A
12 13
MASTER STUDIES BEYOND MASTER
STUDIES
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Amaster.epfl.ch/entryrequirements
Registration deadlines: early November to
15 January and 16 January to 15 April.
The application form is totally online and must
imperatively be validated before the deadline. All
required documents must be downloaded into
the form. Once you have validated the form you
may no longer alter it.
Access to the application procedure and form on
page master.epfl.ch/application .
Although the Admission Committee for Master
programmes meets twice a year, the start of
the academic year is only once a year in mid
September.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Amaster.epfl.ch
Bachelors from EPFL
Students with an EPFL Bachelor are automatically
admitted to the Master programme in the same
field of study without having to apply again.
However, if they aim at an EPFL Master in another
subject, they should apply online within the set dead-
line and follow the relevant application procedure.
Bachelors from another Swiss university
Students with a Bachelor from another Swiss
university are automatically admitted to the
Master Programme linked to their Bachelor stud-
ies, although specific conditions may apply (vali-
date additional credits). However, such students
should apply online within the set deadline and
follow the relevant application procedure.
HES Bachelors
Holders of an HES Bachelor (from a Swiss
University of Applied Sciences) may be
admitted to an EPFL Master Programme in
the same field of study, subject to completing
a 60 ECTS bridge course.
See sac.epfl.ch/study-plans. Highly Specialized
Studies admission (HES).
Foreigner Bachelors
Holders of a foreign Bachelor should
apply online within the set deadline and
follow the relevant application procedure.
An Admission Committee reviews all
complete applications. Only students
with an excellent academic record and
references can be accepted.
DOCTORAL SCHOOL
Aphd.epfl.ch
The PhD in Science the ultimate degree
awarded by EPFL is generally granted
after 4 years of research further to graduate
studies for a Master, an engineers diploma
or equivalent degree. Doctoral theses are often
completed in conjunction with paid employment
as a PhD Assistant in an EPFL
lab or institute.
The Doctoral School offers a wide range of
high-level courses providing the necessary
credits to obtain a PhD.
Information about doctoral studies and
the relevant application form are provided
on our website.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Aformation-continue-unil-epfl.ch
The offer of continuing education at EFPL
includes a range of courses generally focused on
its areas of expertise. They are aimed first and
foremost at people who already have work
experience. The offer is varied, ranging from a
few weeks to longer courses of over a year.
Depending on the fields of study, courses may
take place either at EPFL or anywhere in the
world.
Long programmes are generally broken down
into modules to make training flexible and
enable students to keep up their professional
activity.
The full list of continuing education courses
as well as the admission requirements and dead-
lines are provided on our website.
14 15
EXCHANGE
MOBILITY
EXCHANGE IN
Asae.epfl.ch/exchange-incoming
The Student Exchange department is in charge
of welcoming over 400 exchange students
per year from our worldwide partners.
To be accepted as an exchange student at EPFL,
you must be selected by your home university
and announced as such to the EPFL Student
Exchange Office.
If your home university has no bilateral agreement
with the EPFL, you cannot follow courses at EPFL
as an exchange student; in this case only registra-
tion to a Master thesis is possible.
(see p. 20 Tuition Fees and Cost of Living).
Xchange-EPFL is the student association in
charge of welcoming exchange students to
EPFL. Throughout the year, it organises events
parties, sport weekends, cultural outings,
etc.: esn.epfl.ch
For further practical information please refer to
other chapters in this guidebook.
EXCHANGE OUT
Asae.epfl.ch/exchange-outgoing
The Student Exchange Office is also in charge
of promoting and organising student exchange
programmes. It offers academic exchange
opportunities to 3rd year Bachelor and 1
st
year
Master students and for Master projects
in the framework of the Erasmus European
programme as well as based on agreements
signed directly with foreign universities.
PARTNER UNIVERSITIES
Asae.epfl.ch/partner-universities
EPFL has exchange agreements with
over 190 universities throughout the world.
A list of these partners can be found on the
website.
PREPARE YOUR ARRIVAL A
GETTING TO EPFL
Metro
The M1 line takes you to the EPFL stop in 15 minutes
from central Lausanne (Flon stop) or 7 minutes from
Renens train station (ticket valid for 1 zone 1 hour).
For further information: epfl.ch/tsol
Bus
Several bus lines stop at EPFL:
TL (Transports publics de la rgion lausannoise):
www.t-l.ch
N 31 Renens-Gare sud Venoge sud
TPM (Transports publics morgiens) mbc.ch
N 701 Bourdonnette Echichens village
N 705 Piccard Lonay Parc
Students using the bus and metro in Lausanne
may purchase a monthly pass at student rates.
Information on rates, timetables and destinations
can be obtained from the Flon station or by
telephone on 0900 564 900.
For further information: sae.epfl.ch/transport
By car
Follow the Lausanne-Sud direction on the
motorway and take the EPFL exit (about 5 minutes
from the motorway exit).
By plane
Geneva International Airport is 60 km from
Lausanne. There are several trains per hour from
the airport to Lausanne station and the journey
takes about 45 minutes.
HEALTH & ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Asae.epfl.ch/insurance
Health and accident insurance is obligatory.
All foreign students must hold an insurance
policy approved by the Swiss authorities.
European students are entitled to an exemption
from the obligation to use Swiss insurers by
providing their European insurance card. Stu-
dents from outside Europe may apply to keep
a foreign insurance policy, in certain cases and
provided that the foreign health and accident
cover is equivalent to that required under
Swiss law.
For further information on this procedure:
sae.epfl.ch/derogation-assurance
Since PhD candidates are remunerated and
considered as employees, they are automati-
cally insured against professional and non-
professional accident. Other students must
take an accident coverage.
HOUSING Alogement.epfl.ch/housing
Given the housing shortage it is strongly
recommended not to wait for the confirmation
of admission to start looking for accommodation
in the Lausanne area.
Student Halls
Les Estudiantines halls of residence on campus
offer 301 accommodation units (110 individual
studio flats, 176 furnished rooms with private
bathroom and shared kitchen, and 15 apartments)
available to EPFL students as a priority. Details
and rental application form for a room, studio
or apartment on les-estudiantines.ch.
The Fondation maison pour tudiants Lausanne
(FMEL) manages 8 residences with accommodation
(rooms and studios) for EPFL and Lausanne
University students only.
The monthly rent varies depending on the type
of lodgings and duration of stay. Details and
online bookings on fmel.ch/en.
There are other student halls. Further informa-
tion on logement.epfl.ch/student-halls.
Other Accommodation
Private rooms
Students may rent a room to a tenant or a pri-
vate owner or share a flat with other students.
Studio flats and apartments
Apartments and studio flats are essentially managed
by estate agents which often request financial
guarantees (guarantor residing in Switzerland) as
well as an amount equal to 3 months rent (rental
guarantee bank deposit) to be deposited before
moving in (for rental guarantee see other housing
information below).
As flats are usually unfurnished a budget should
be foreseen to purchase furniture.
Further information on sae.epfl.ch/supplies
16 17
Emergency accommodation
If you arrive in Lausanne without a place to stay,
Lausanne Tourisme provides hotel addresses.
There is an office at Lausanne train station and
you can also look up logement.epfl.ch/last-minute.
At the Estudiantines, EPFL also has 7 fully furnished
and equipped rooms to be rent for temporary
stays. (minimum stay 1 week maximum 4 weeks)
logement.epfl.ch/short-termrooms.
Other housing information
Rental guarantee
A rental guarantee hat to be provided either
through an insurance company or a Swiss bank
account for rental guarantee.
Further information on logement.epfl.ch/
rentalguarantee-swissguarantor
Offering accommodation
Looking for a flatmate, to sublet your apartment
or to find a new tenant for your studio flat? Dont
hesitate to put an ad on the UNIL and EPFL shared
database on logement.epfl.ch
RESIDENCE PERMIT
You have to register with the residents office
(contrle des habitants) of your commune
of residence within 14 days of your arrival in
Switzerland. This procedure also applies to Swiss
residents coming from another canton.
You should submit the following documents to
the residents office:
Passport
EPFL enrolment certificate (which you can
print as soon as you are registered)
3 passport photos
1 document (bank statement, grant, etc.)
proving that you have sufficient funds (mini-
mum CHF 2,000 per month on top of housing
expenses) to cover your stay in Switzerland.
ERASMUS students: copy of the ERASMUS
grant contract issued by your country or any
other document certifying you are ERASMUS
student.
STUDY GRANTS Asae.epfl.ch/grants
Swiss nationals and residents
Swiss and foreign students residing in Switzerland
should apply, before they start their studies, to the
grant office of the canton of their parents domicile.
The office may award a grant based on a scale
taking income and family situation into account.
PREPARE YOUR ARRIVAL
A
The addresses of the cantonal grant offices
are listed on sae.epfl.ch/cantonal-grants
After a refusal from their canton and exception-
aly, depending on the situation, these students
can ask for a scholarship from EPFL:
sae.epfl.ch/epfl-grants
Swiss students living abroad
Swiss students living abroad should apply to
their canton of origin and to the
Association des Jeunes Suisses de lEtranger (AJAS)
Alpenstrasse 26
CH - 3006 Berne
Tel: +41 (0)31 351 61 04
Fax: +41 (0)31 351 61 01
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.aso.ch/en
Foreigners not residing in Switzerland
Study grants awarded to foreign students are
very rare. In the EPFL framework, such grants are
awarded at the earliest after successful comple-
tion of the propdeutic year and must meet
a number of very specific criteria. You should
therefore secure adequate funding before
applying to EPFL so as to avoid wasting time
and disappointments and to settle in under
the best conditions.
For further information see
sae.epfl.ch/grants-foreign-students.
Under no circumstances are students entitled to
any grant as of right. Grant applications must
imperatively be submitted to the Social Service
within the deadlines set in the academic calendar:
memento.epfl.ch/academic-calendar
Please make an appointment with the Social
Service for any grant application by contacting
the Student Services Desk.
Master applicants
EPFL does not offer social grants to start Master
studies. However, a few EPFL Fellowships are
awarded to students with an outstanding aca-
demic record. For further information:
master.epfl.ch/excellence-fellowships
Exchange students
All EPFL students performing an academic
exchange in a university are entitled to an
exchange scholarship to cover part of their
travel expenses.
The students remain registered at EPFL during
the exchange and continue to pay EPFL tuition
fees. On the other hand they are exempted
from the host university tuition fees. Cantonal
scholarships and grants from the Fondation des
Etudiants de lEPFL remain applicable. For further
information: sae.epfl.ch/exchange-outgoing
Continuing education and PhD applicants
For members of the EPFL Alumni Association A3,
a possibility exists of obtaining an honours loan:
epflalumni.ch/page/prets-dhonneur
For further information:
sae.epfl.ch/phd-and-continuing-education-grants
18 19
Commune of residence Address
1022 Chavannes-prs-Renens Htel de Ville, Ch. de la Gare 46
1023 Crissier Ch. de Chisaz 1
1026 Denges Ancien-Collge
1024 Ecublens Place du Motty 4
1002 Lausanne Rue du Port-Franc 18
1008 Prilly Rue de Cossonay 40
1028 Prverenges Rue de Lausanne 23
1020 Renens Rue de Lausanne 35
1025 Saint-Sulpice Rue du Centre 47
For other communes, you will find the address of the
residents office on www.ucv.ch select Communes
and then Annuaire.
Private foundations
The list of private foundations offering finan-
cial aid and terms for eligibility are set out on
sae.epfl.ch/grants
TUITION FEES AND COST OF LIVING
Asae.epfl.ch/study-costs
The amounts below are subject to changes
by the Board of Swiss Federal Institutes of
Technology (ETH Board).
Bachelor, Master, CMS and Polymaths
At the beginning of each semester, you will
receive an invoice of CHF 633 for tuition
fees.
New students at EPFL should pay a registra-
tion tax of CHF 50 for the holders of a Swiss
certificate or CHF 150 for those of foreign cer-
tificates at the beginning of their 1
st
semester
at EPFL.
Exchange students
Exchange students are exempted from tuition
fees and taxes at EPFL provided that a bilateral
agreement exists between EPFL and their
home university.
Students from a university without a bilateral
agreement with EPFL coming to do their Mas-
ter thesis must pay a CHF 53 semester tax.
PhD
No fees are charged during the period of thesis
preparation. The candidate does, however,
have to pay a tax of CHF 1200 to sit the oral
thesis examination.
Continuing education
Registration fees, which vary depending
on the chosen programme, are listed on
formation-continue-unil-epfl.ch
Cost of Living in Switzerland
The cost of living is high in Switzerland and
you are strongly advised to prepare a budget in
advance of your studies. Amounts may naturally
vary according to your consumption habits.
However, be prepared to spend more money at
the start of your stay.
PREPARE YOUR ARRIVAL
A
VISAS
Asae.epfl.ch/visa-en
For nationals of an EU country
No visa needed to enter Switzerland, so no ad-
ministrative steps to be taken from abroad.
For nationals of an non-EU countries
A visa is compulsory and must be applied
for from the Swiss representation (embassy
or consulate) closest to your home abroad.
The visa application must be submitted at
least 3 months prior to the start of your study
curriculum by means of the appropriate visa
application form. Many information, links and
advises are available on our visa webpage and
will help you to obtain your visa as soon as
possible.
WELCOMING EVENTS
Various welcoming activities are organised in
the weeks prior to the start of the academic
year.
A Welcome Day is foreseen for all new stu-
dents on the Friday before the start of term in
September. Attendance is compulsory as this
enables you to gather important information
about your studies and to meet your future
lecturers. The programme is set out on
sae.epfl.ch/welcome-day
How to be a successful student: during the
week before courses start, EPFL offers a range
of workshops to prepare you for polytechnic
education: sae.epfl.ch/metier-etudiant
Integration Week, extremely useful to
establish contacts, is organised in the week
prior to the start of term in September by the
executive committee of AGEPOLY, the EPFL
student association: agepoly.epfl.ch/agepoly/ani-
mation/si (see p. 27 Associations)
Welcoming Programme for foreign students:
sae.epfl.ch/internationals-welcome
WORKING IN SWITZERLAND
Asae.epfl.ch/working
The police cantonale des trangers authorises
EU students to work as from the start of their
studies at EPFL. They may work maximum
15 hours per week during semesters and full-
time during the academic holiday.
Non-EU students are not allowed to work
during the first six months of their stay in
Switzerland, after which they may work maxi-
mum 15 hours per week during semesters and
full-time during the academic holiday.
For all regular paid work, students holding a
B permit must ask their future employer to fill
in and sign a form for employment (form 1350
for Canton Vaud). They should then have this
document endorsed by Student Services.
The form is available on sae.epfl.ch/working
Failure to comply with these rules may
result in refusal to extend the residence
permit.
20 21
Typical annual budget :
sae.epfl.ch/cost-of-living
Tuition(633.- CHF/semester) 106.-
Supplies(for students in architecture se below*) 100.-
Accommodation 700.-
Food(20.- CHF/day) 600.-
Clothes and personal items 160.-
Health insurance 90.-
Transport (subscription) 60.-
Other 140.-
Total 1,950.-
1,266.-
1,200.-
8,400.-
7,200.-
2,000.-
1,080.-
720.-
1,700.-
23,500.-
Monthly (CHF) Yearly (CHF)
* Supplies: for students in architecture additional supplies
has tobeadded(study visits areincludedinthoseamounts):
1st year: 130.- CHF/month=1,600.- CHF/year
2nd, 3rdyear, master cycle: 60.- CHF/month=800.- CHF/year
Tax at source refunds
Foreign students working in a company are
subject to social deductions and tax deducted at
source. The latter can be reclaimed in December
of each year provided that the students annual
income is under CHF 28200.
For Canton Vaud, applications for refunds should
be submitted in writing, together with:
employers certificates for the given tax year
copy of your residence permit
copy of your EPFL enrolment certificate
your bank or postal account number for
reimbursement
Administration cantonale vaudoise des impts
Section de limpt la source
Rue Caroline 9bis
CH - 1014 Lausanne
Tl: +41(0)21 316 20 65
PREPARE YOUR ARRIVAL
22 23
STUDENT FACILITIES
CAREER CENTER Acarriere.epfl.ch
The Career Center is a bridge between EPFL and
working life.
As such it has a dual role: to provide academic
guidance and to support integration into work-
ing life at the end of your studies.
In order to help you to be prepared for your
working life, the Career Center offers individual
sessions and a range of courses on vocational
integration and the development of useful skills
for working life. These courses can be followed
throughout your academic curriculum. Various
workshops on career opportunities for engineers
are also organised and usually moderated by
EPFL Alumni with active careers.
For more information about the Career Center
services please check on the website.
HELP Ahelp.epfl.ch
The Help network has 4 departments offering
the following services:
(help)me - prevention & support (call 222)
help.epfl.ch
The (help)me network aims to promote the
quality of human relationships on campus
and to support students in various fields:
psychotherapeutic consultation, individual
interviews in case of personal or economic
problems, mediation and individual support,
coaching, chaplaincy, health at work, equal
opportunities office, etc. Students needing
psychological or social support and advice
during their studies may contact a (help)me
team member at all times. All services are
provided in strictest confidence.
A
(help)desk - computer problems (call 1234 or
021 693 12 34)
Trouble with e-mail, connection to campus com-
puters, your printing account call the IT helpdesk.
(help)emergencies: safety, prevention & health
(call 115 or 021 693 3000)
Advice and assistance concerning safety, pre-
vention & health: Safety, Prevention & Health
Domain (DSPS). securite.epfl.ch
(help)to find finding a person, place or
unit on campus (call 111)
Our telephonists will gladly help.
HOUSING OFFICE Alogement.epfl.ch
The housing office has a priority to inform and wel-
come students and help them to find housing. EPFL
doesnt offer any accommodation; each student is
responsible to find a flat or room by himself/herself.
Appointments of individual advise are made
by contacting the Student Services Desk by
phone +41 (0)21 693 43 45 or by email to
[email protected]
LANGUAGE CENTRE Alangues.epfl.ch
In order to promote the development of the neces-
sary multilingual skills for students to communicate
across cultures, the EPFL Language Centre offers
various possibilities to learn the following languages:
English, French, German and Italian.
Various types of training are offered during
and between terms with modules for integrated
skills, specific skills for academic and vocational
requirements, external exam options, intensive
and semi-intensive, self-learning in the multimedia
centre (with or without support) and tandem
with or without tutorial support.
Intensive French courses are specifically dedicated
to new, non French-speaking students before
the start of the academic year. These courses
24 25
STUDENT FACILITIES
are aimed at exchange students and students
starting a Master course or a PhD course.
Courses are free of charge and restricted to
members of the EPFL community (French courses
for spouses for a fee).
LAPTOPS
Access to computers is available in dedicated IT
rooms. However, in order to study under
the best possible conditions and access easily
the online teaching it is strongly recommended
to purchase a laptop as from your 1
st
year of
studies.
Purchasing a laptop - Poseidon
The Poseidon service enables you to purchase a
laptop at preferential rates, with a 3 year warranty,
and to benefit from support via the education-
oriented helpdesk. In addition, Poseidon promotes
the use of open source software in education.
For further information: poseidon.epfl.ch
LIBRARY Alibrary.epfl.ch/en
The mission of the EPFL Library, located in the
Rolex Learning Center, is to help you to succeed
in your studies and personal projects. In short,
the EPFL library:
provides scientific and technical information
and documents in the EPFLs education and
research fields.
offers EPFL students the appropriate tools
and methods to conduct documentary
research independently.
is a place of work, study, documentation and
meetings for the EPFL community.
IS-ACADEMIA/STUDENT FILE
Alibrary.epfl.ch/en
IS-Academia is your academic management
tool this software enables you to consult your
personal academic file online. Access to the
application is divided into two sections.
Public access
Part of the IS-Academia data is accessible with-
out authentication. This section displays general
information such as the list of students regis-
tered for courses, course and exam timetables
and study plans and regulations.
Secure access
Access to individual and personal data is
protected and you will need a username and
password (allocated to you at the beginning of
your studies) to view this section.
You will log in to the secure section of IS-Ac-
ademia throughout your studies to perform
various tasks, e.g.:
check and/or alter your personal data and
notify a change of address should you move
access and print various documents such as your
enrolment certificate, exam results or, at the end
of your studies, your exmatriculation certificate
complete compulsory formalities for your
studies. For instance, at the start of each
semester you should validate the academic
registration form and register for courses,
projects or internships.
you can unregister from exams (withdrawal
subject to certain conditions, see
sac.epfl.ch/academic-calendar)
other functions are available such as evaluation
of teaching, registration for the compulsory
English language test, etc.
IT Adit.epfl.ch/students
Secure IT services
To access certain IT services on the EPFL website
you must identify yourself with a username and
password provided to you at the beginning of
your first study semester. Identification and au-
thentication principles are set out on dit.epfl.ch/
page-17403.html. You can change the password
initially allocated to you on the GASPAR portal:
gaspar.epfl.ch
IT Resources
An e-mail address first [email protected]
is allocated to you when you first register.
Throughout your studies at EPFL, important
information, reminders, etc., will be e-mailed to
you at this address, enabling EPFL to reach you
quickly, either individually or as a group. You are
expected to read your e-mails and manage your
mailbox diligently. This e-mail address will also be
posted in the student directory. To access your
account please connect to webmail.epfl.ch
In addition to your e-mail account, you can
create blogs, wikis and publish your CV on your
personal web page. Details on all available com-
munication tools on dit.epfl.ch/page-17404.html
In case of computer problems, the IT helpdesk is
there to help: support-it.epfl.ch
You can also get help from the Poseidon team:
poseidon.epfl.ch/article.php3?id_article=88
Printing
As an EPFL student you are allocated a print
account at the start of your studies. For informa-
tion about reloading your account, rates and
print account status please look up
myprint.epfl.ch
Purchasing a computer
Attractive terms for students via the Poseidon
portal: poseidon.epfl.ch
WORKING METHODS AND PERSONAL
FULFILMENT Asae.epfl.ch/working-methods
During the year, courses are offered to support
you during your studies and for your personal
fulfilment.
As a student or PhD, if you have a training
project or would like to follow a specific course
you have the possibility to submit it to our
department to obtain a subsidy if possible.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
26 27
CULTURE ON CAMPUS Aculture.epfl.ch
For spectators: EPFLs arts and cultural affairs
organize events on the campus. Furthermore there
are special offers for students in the field of artistic
creation theatre, dance, movies, museums,
modern and classical music, etc. Please refer to the
BLOG, subscribing to the newsletter will keep you
informed of special offers: blogs.epfl.ch/culture
For actors: You will be able play theatre, sing or
play an instrument: associations.epfl.ch
DISABLED STUDENTS Asae.epfl.ch/disabled-persons
EPFL is determinedtomakethelifeandintegrationof
disabledpersons easier. Youmayrequest anadapted
studyplan. This stephas tobedoneas soonas possible
andat thebeginningof theacademic year at thelatest.
Inaddition, theEPFL Websiteprovides manyuseful
contacts oncampus andbeyondfor helponaccess,
transport, leisure, adaptedhousing, travel inSwitzer-
landandabroad, homehelpandcareandlegal issues.
PARKING Adii.epfl.ch/mobility-parking
200 car parking slots per semester are available
to students on the EPFL site. Registration has to
be done online on the website parking.epfl.ch,
from August 1st to August 31st for the Autumn
semester and from January 1st to January 31st
for the Spring semester. Once the registration
period is finished, an evaluation is done using
objective criteria to award or not a parking per-
mit. However it is recommended to opt for public
transport as parking spaces are limited. Your park-
ing permit does not guarantee a free space.
RESTAURANTS Arestauration.epfl.ch
There are 20 restaurants, cafeterias and food stores
offering a wide range of food on the EPFL campus.
The menus are posted on the website at the start
of each week. Meals are usually served Monday to
Friday from 11.30h to 14.00h and 18.00h to 20.30h.
Students who pay with their CAMIPRO badge
which doubles up an electronic purse get a
discount. (see p. 28 Student Card).
ASSOCIATIONS Aassociations.epfl.ch
Student associations
There are over 60 student associations on the
EPFL campus, dedicated to all sorts of sports,
board or network games, organising acclaimed
festivals, acting, singing or playing an instrument
or shaping your career. These associations help
new students to settle in at EPFL.
Please look up the associations.epfl.ch website
to give your studies added meaning!
You will also find all necessary information
should you wish to establish a new association
AGEPoly Aagepoly.epfl.ch
AGEPoly is the EPFL student association. It repre-
sents the interests of all registered students and
promotes them vis--vis the EPFL management
via committees in charge of making decisions
affecting life on campus.
AGEPoly enables students to:
join into campus community life
make the most of the entertainment activi-
ties organised by the association and through
its committees (see
agepoly.epfl.ch/agepoly/commissions
enjoy benefits negotiated by the students for
the students
obtain various services from the association
boutique reload their Myprint print account
and CAMIPRO card, bookbinding, purchase EPFL
branded sweatshirts and many other goodies
purchase books at a discount through the
book exchange
CHILD CARE Asae.epfl.ch/childcare
There are two day-care centres on the EPFL campus:
La Croquignole and Le Polychinelle. As the number
of places is limited you are advised to register as
soon as possible or even to put your name down on
the waiting list.
Do also contact your commune of residence for in-
formation on childcare facilities and a list of daycare
providers (mamans de jour).
Note that if your badge does not have sufficient
cash, your meal will be charged at full price. You
cannot pay part with your card and part in cash, so
make sure the balance on your badge is sufficient.
SHOPS Ainformation.epfl.ch/shops
Various shops and services are available on
campus:
Post office
CFF train ticket shop
La Fontaine bookshop
Le Ngoce grocery store
Credit Suisse Bank
Tech Travel travel agency
Les Presses Polytechniques Universitaires
Romandes (university publishers).
SPORTS CENTRE Aunil.ch/sport
For your general well-being, mental equilibrium
and meeting other students in an outstanding
setting, make the most of the 85 sports on offer
by joining Dorignys sports Center.
TheUniversitySportsCentreisajoint venturebetween
thetwouniversitiesinLausanneUNILandEPFL.
A leaflet listing all sports, including schedules,
is available at the EPFL Student Services desk.
Some sports can be practiced at competition
level within the University club. For further
information please contact the sports
department [email protected]
STUDENT CARD Acamipro.epfl.ch
Your student badge, also called CAMIPRO card,
confirms your status as an EPFL student. This
microchip badge is imperative and you should
always have it with you. It is used to access
certain classrooms, sit exams and borrow books.
Additionally, you may charge your badge with
cash and use it as an electronic purse to pay in
campus restaurants at a discount or make pho-
tocopies. You will also be able to use your card
to borrow free-access bikes.
At the start of each term you should update the data
on your badge on one of the CAMIPRO infoterminals.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
28 29
BANKING
You may open a bank account in Switzerland
by submitting ID and your residence permit.
There is a bank on the EPFL campus and
another at Lausanne University:
information.epfl.ch/shops
Bank cards/debit cards are widely used for
cash withdrawals and accepted for payment
in most shops.
Swiss currency
The Swiss currency unit is the Swiss Franc
(abbreviated CHF or simply Fr.) Coins come in 5,
10, 20, and 50 centimes and 1, 2 and 5 franc pieces.
Banknotes come in denominations of CHF 10, 20,
50, 100, 200, and 1000.
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage in Switzerland is 220V.
Standard sockets are for three-pin plugs:
www.levoyageur.net/prises.php?paysfr=Suisse
Transformers and adapters can be purchased from
electronics stores, supermarkets or DIY stores.
HEALTHCARE Asae.epfl.ch/health
On the campus, primary care consultations with
nurses are available for the whole EPFL commu-
nity at our Health Point. You can find them in
the room CM 0351. You will find timetables and
details on the page securite.epfl.ch/healthpoint
Students in need of medical care can go to the
closest medical centre or to the University Hospital
CHUV. Addresses can be found on the website.
Dental care
Swiss health insurance does not cover dentists
bills. It is best to arrive in Switzerland with
healthy teeth as dentists can be extremely ex-
pensive. You are advised to ask for an estimate
before having treatment.
Addresses can be found on the website.
LIVING IN
SWITZERLAND
P
h
o
t
o
:

J
o

l
T
e
t
t
a
m
a
n
t
i
A
Psychological distress
Students needing psychiatric or psychothera-
peutic support may make an appointment with
a specialised psychiatrist subject to medical
privilege. Consultations take place on campus
and you should make an appointment by con-
tacting the Student Affairs Department,
tel. +41 (0)21 693 22 82, or the Student Services
Desk +41(0)21 693 43 45,
sae.epfl.ch/psy-consultation
Medicines
Prescription drugs must be purchased at a chemists.
INTEGRATION LOCAL CUSTOMS
Switzerland is very unusual in that its various
language regions have close relationships with
their immediate neighbours as they share a
language and culture. Thus the French-speaking
area (Romandie) has close ties to France, the
German-speaking area to Germany and the
Ticino to Italy. To help you fit in we recommend
the following links and books
swissworld.org
survivalbooks.net
myswitzerland.com
studying.epfl.ch
EPFL has set up a coaching programme to help new
students to fit in by taking advice from a more
experienced student: sae.epfl.ch/coaching-en
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Call 144 for the medical emergency centre
serving the whole canton of Vaud.
Emergencies
CHUV University Hospital (Centre hospitalier
universitaire du canton de Vaud)
Rue du Bugnon 46
CH - 1011 Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 314 15 90
Centre for doctors and dentists on 24h duty
(Lausanne) Tel: 0848 133 133
30 31
Treatment centre for poison cases (Zurich)
Call 145
Psychiatric help
(Service de psychiatrie wet de liaison SPL)
Policlinique mdicale
Universitaire
Rue du Bugnon 44
CH - 1011 Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 314 61 04 (24/7)
Psychiatric emergencies
Please call the centre for doctors on duty.
OLD AGE AND SURVIVOR INSURANCE (AVS)
Asae.epfl.ch/insurance
According to AVS law, Swiss and foreign students
holding a C permit must subscribe for AVS if they
do not have any gainful employment.
This contribution applies from 1 January of the
year following that in which the student reaches
the age of 20.
Students must pay an annual subscription by
means of a payment slip provided by the Agence
communale des assurances sociales in Lausanne,
even if they do not live in Lausanne. For students
who work, AVS contributions during each period
of employment are deducted from the annual
subscription.
Service des assurances sociales
Cotisations et prestations AVS/AI/APG
Place Chauderon 7
CH - 1003 Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 315 11 11
POST & MAIL Awww.poste.ch/en
Post offices are generally open from 07.30h to
18.00h Monday to Friday and 08.00h to 11.00h
on Saturdays. There is a post office on the EPFL
campus: information.epfl.ch/shops
Mail can either be sent by A post (delivered
on the following day) or B post (which takes
3-4 days).
P
h
o
t
o
:

J
o

l
T
e
t
t
a
m
a
n
t
i
Post offices also offer other services telephone,
fax, money transfers, debit card for shopping.
You can also open a postal account to manage
your funds and pay your bills.
SHOPS & SECOND-HAND STORES
Asae.epfl.ch/supplies
Most shops are open from 08.30h to 18.30h
except on Saturdays where closing time is earlier.
Except in train stations and airports shops are
closed on Sundays.
Most Swiss cities have a fruit and vegetable
street market twice a week.
A list of second-hand stores is provided on our
website.
SOCIAL LIFE IN LAUSANNE
The city of Lausanne the Olympic capital
attracts thousands of tourists every year from
all over the world to visit the historic buildings of
the towns rich heritage.
There are also a number of concert halls, a dense
museum network, music festivals, renowned
sport events, great restaurants, discos and many
other places for your entertainment. Please look
up the offer on the citys Tourist Office website
lausanne.ch
If you are into movies please look up the
programme in Lausanne on lausanne.cine.ch
And the local cultural agenda: www.tempslibre.ch
Winter sports such as downhill or cross-country
skiing, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, ice
skating and ice hockey are extremely popular in
Switzerland and Lausanne has several ice rinks.
A number of ski resorts are less than an hour away.
Summer sports - nautical sports, mountain
hiking or climbing, cycling - find an ideal home
in Lausanne and the surrounding area.
TELEPHONE
Coin payphones are fast disappearing and
have been replaced with payphones operating
with phone cards for sale in post offices or
at newsagents.
For calls in Switzerland please dial 0, then the
area code (21 for Lausanne) and a seven-digit
number for your correspondent.
To call abroad from Switzerland please dial 00
followed by the international code, area code,
and your correspondents phone number.
The Swiss phone directory is on www.local.ch
To purchase a mobile phone please contact one
of the mobile network operators.
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
30
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
TRANSPORT
Switzerland has a highly developed public
transport network:
Train (CFF)
Asae.epfl.ch/supplies
Train fares are relatively high in Switzerland.
You are advised to purchase a half-fare card
which enables you to buy train and boat tickets
at half price.
Youngsters under 25 with a half-fare card are
also entitled to the additional Track 7 (Voie 7)
offer, enabling them to take the train free of
charge from 19.00h onwards (see www.voie7.ch).
There is a CFF ticket shop at EPFL on the Esplanade.
Bus & Metro (TL)
The public transport network in the Lausanne
area is highly developed. It is divided into several
zones in which you can travel by train, metro or
bus with a single ticket or season ticket, whose
price is based on the number of zones selected.
Tickets can be bought from automatic ticket
dispensers at the bus/metro stop, and monthly or
yearly season tickets from several points of sale.
During the week bus services stop around mid-
night. On weekends a late service is foreseen.
Information on www.mobilis-vaud.ch
Bus and metro schedules and routes on www.t-l.ch
32 33
Cycling
The Campus Roule service enables EPFL students
to borrow a bike with their student card to cycle
on campus and beyond:
camipro.epfl.ch/campusbikes
In addition, to promote eco-mobility on campus,
EPFL provides a bike point service enabling you
to hire, purchase or repair a bike or electric bike
at low cost.
See rumba.epfl.ch/campusbikes
Driving
The legal age to learn to drive in Switzerland is
18. Holders of a valid foreign driving licence can
drive in Switzerland for maximum 12 months,
then have to apply for a Swiss licence:
www.vd.ch/themes/mobilite/automobile/
permis-de-conduire/echange-permis-etrangers
The speed limits in Switzerland are 120km/h on
the motorway, 80 km/h on other roads and vary
from 30 to 50km/h in towns and villages. Traffic
in town is very dense, radar checks are frequent
at major crossroads and parking is
for a short time only.
You are therefore advised to opt for public
transport. As for parking at EPFL please refer
to the Parking section in the Campus Life
chapter.
The Mobility Car Sharing service enables
members to have access to a car 24h a day.
EPFL cooperates with this service and there
are several Mobility cars available on campus
as well as in over 400 cities in Switzerland. For
further information: camipro.epfl.ch/mobilitycar
and www.mobility.ch
Travel agency
The travel agent on the EPFL Esplanade offers
attractive rates. information.epfl.ch/shops
USEFUL ADDRESSES
STUDENT SERVICES DESK
The Student Services Desk is the focal point
for all academic queries. The desk is open daily
from 09.00h to 18.00h during term (shorter
offices hours in summer) and located in
the BP building hallway. You may also call
the hotline on +41 (0)21 693 43 45 or e-mail
[email protected].
Your query will be answered immediately or,
if necessary, an appointment will be made with
the appropriate specialised staff in
Student Services.
You will also find many answers to your
academic queries on the student portal
studying.epfl.ch
SWISS EMBASSIES ABROAD
The link below provides the list of Swiss
embassies abroad. Please contact them
for any query relating to visa and residence
permit applications.
www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps.html
FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN SWITZERLAND
The addresses and phone numbers of foreign
representations in Switzerland are given in the
link below:
www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/forrep.html
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Emergencies at EPFL: dial 115 (extension) or
021 693 30 00 (from mobile phone)
Police - dial 117
Fire - dial 118
Doctor/Ambulance - dial 144
CHUV - University Hospital, Lausanne,
Rue du Bugnon 46,
Tel: +41 (0)21 314 11 11
www.chuv.ch
Morges Hospital, Ch. du Crt 2,
Tel: +41 (0)21 804 22 11
www.ehc-vd.ch
INSURANCE CANTONAL SUPERVISORY BODY
ORGANE CANTONAL DE CONTRLE
Chemin de Mornex 40
Case postale 9716
1014 Lausanne
Tl: +41 (0)21 557 47 47
Fax: +41 (0)21 557 47 50
E-mail: [email protected]
For further information: www.vd.ch/fr/themes/
sante-social/assurances-sociales/contact/
USEFUL ADDRESSES & LINKS AT EPFL
Ecole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne EPFL
Station 1
CH 1015 Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 693 11 11
Fax: +41 (0)21 693 43 80
Website: www.epfl.ch
Student Services Desk
EPFL AA-DAF
BP 1229 (Btiment BP) Station 16
CH 1015 Lausanne
Tel : +41 (0)21 693 43 45
Fax : +41 (0)21 693 30 88
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: studying.epfl.ch/student_desk
Health Point
Tel: +41 (0)21 693 20 02
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: securite.epfl.ch/healthpoint
Centre de langues
CE 2445 (Btiment CE)
Case postale 117
CH 1015 Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 693 22 89
Fax: + 41 (0)21 693 22 60
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: langues.epfl.ch
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
34 35
AGEPOLY EPFL Student Association
CP120 Esplanade 13
CH-1015 Lausanne
Tel: +41 (0)21 693 20 95
Fax: +41 (0)21 693 20 97
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: agepoly.epfl.ch
USEFUL SERVICES
Lausanne Tourisme: Tl: +41 (0)21 613 73 73
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
Lausanne public transport (TL): www.t-l.ch
Train timetable: www.cff.ch
Taxi Services: 0800 810 810 or Taxiphone 0800
801 802 or Allo Taxi 0800 870 872
Telephone directory: www.local.ch
Weather: www.meteosuisse.ch
Info on Switzerland: www.swissworld.org
CHECKLIST
Make sure you have done the following
BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR SWITZERLAND
If you come from abroad and are not a Swiss
national
u

Passport or ID card
u

Visa (non-EU citizens)
u

European Health Insurance Card (EU-EFTA)
u

Letter from your foreign health/accident
insurance confirming coverage of your medical
costs in Switzerland (for non-EU students)
u

Letter from your third-party (liability)
insurance if you have one
u

Acceptance letter from EPFL
u

Proof of adequate funding to cover your stay
in Switzerland (bank statements, grants, etc.)
u

Booked a hotel or lodgings for the first few days
u

Copy of your lease if you have rented a room
for your stay
u

A few passport photos
u

Registered for the intensive French course or
other language courses: langues.epfl.ch
If you are a Swiss national
u

Passport or ID card
u

Swiss insurance card
u

Letter from your third-party (liability)
insurance if you have one
u

Acceptance letter from EPFL
u

Booked a hotel or lodgings for the first few days
u

Copy of your lease if you have rented a room
for your stay
u

A few passport photos
u

Registered for the intensive French course or
other language courses: langues.epfl.ch
UPON ARRIVAL IN SWITZERLAND
If you are a new Bachelor or Master student
from abroad
u

Attend registration days (except for
exchange students)
u

Register with the residents office of your com-
mune (see p.18 Residence Permit)
u

Get a health and accident insurance policy or
send a copy of your European health insurance
card to the cantonal supervisory body if you do
not have Swiss insurance. (see p. 17 Health and
accident insurance)
u

Register onlinefor thecourses (andarchitecturestu-
dios) for thetermtocomewithintheset deadlines.
If you are an exchange student
u

Attend the information session for exchange
students to collect your student card and the
necessary information to begin your studies
u

Register with the residents office of your
commune (see p.18 Residence Permit)
u

Check your choice of courses and related
schedules
u

Register online for the courses (and architecture
studios) for the term to come within the set
deadlines
u

Contact your sections Exchange Coordinator
with any academic queries
u

Contact the professor in charge of supervising
your Master project if applicable
u

Contact the Xchange association
DURING YOUR STUDIES
At the start of each term
u

Validate the academic registration form
u

Print your enrolment certificate (for family
allowances, applications for residence
permits, etc.)
u

Register online for course, projects and studios
u

Pay your tuition fees for the term (invoice
mailed to your address for the term)
During term
u

Fill in the course assessment forms
u

Possibility of withdrawing from certain exams
(see p.8 Academic Calendar).
NOTES
36 37
38 39
NOTES