EPFL EDIC Doctoral Fellowships (Computer & Communication Sciences)
EPFL's doctoral programme in Computer and Communication Sciences (EDIC) is among the most competitive in Europe — and, being a Swiss doctorate, it is a salaried position rather than a tuition scholarship. Admitted students receive a first-year fellowship that lets them rotate between labs before committing to a thesis advisor, then continue on a standard EPFL doctoral employment contract paying roughly CHF 53,000-60,000 per year. There is no tuition barrier; the challenge is admission. Sri Lankan applicants with a strong Master's (or an exceptional Bachelor's) in computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics apply through the centralised EDIC admission, which is fully open to international candidates.
Annual cycle — EDIC admission typically has two rounds, with main deadlines around 15 December and 15 April
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Salary
~CHF 53,000-60,000/yr (employment)
First Year
Fellowship + lab rotations
Type
Salaried doctoral contract (no tuition)
Fields
CS, EE, communications, applied maths
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Salaried PhD Contract (~CHF 53k-60k/yr). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Strong Quantitative Degree
A Master's (or outstanding Bachelor's) in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field, with excellent grades. Research experience and publications strengthen a competitive file.
Open to International Applicants
EDIC admits students from around the world, including Sri Lanka, on the same academic basis. There are no country quotas — selection is purely on research potential.
English Proficiency
The programme runs in English; a TOEFL/IELTS score is required unless your prior degree was English-taught. Many Sri Lankan English-medium degrees qualify for a waiver.
Research Statement & References
A focused research statement and three strong academic references are central. The committee looks for evidence of independent research thinking, not just high marks.
Admission, Then Advisor
You are admitted to the doctoral school first; the first-year fellowship funds lab rotations before you choose a thesis advisor — so you don't need a confirmed supervisor at the point of applying.
account_tree Application Process
Prepare your application
Assemble transcripts, CV, research statement, and three referees. Highlight any research projects, theses, or publications in computing or related areas.
Apply through EDIC admission
Submit the centralised EDIC online application before the round deadline (typically 15 December for the main round, 15 April for the second). Pay the application fee and arrange reference uploads.
Selection & interviews
The admissions committee shortlists candidates; faculty may interview you and discuss potential lab fit. Decisions are competitive — EDIC admits a small fraction of applicants.
Enrol on a salaried contract
Admitted students receive a first-year fellowship and join EPFL on a doctoral employment contract. EPFL supports your Swiss residence/work permit as part of onboarding.
About EPFL
EPFL is consistently ranked among the world's top engineering and technology universities and a leading European hub for AI, systems, and communications research. A salaried EDIC doctorate combines a top-tier research environment with a Swiss living wage and no tuition cost — an honest, well-funded research pathway for Sri Lankan computer scientists.
Top 20
World for Engineering & Tech
Salaried
Doctoral Contracts
English
Programme Language
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
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Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
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