Lake Zurich at golden hour with the Swiss Alps in the background and trees on the shoreline.

Switzerland Annual cycle — EDIC admission typically has two rounds, with main deadlines around 15 December and 15 April

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.

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

savings

Salary

~CHF 53,000-60,000/yr (employment)

school

First Year

Fellowship + lab rotations

work

Type

Salaried doctoral contract (no tuition)

science

Fields

CS, EE, communications, applied maths

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

school

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.

public

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.

translate

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.

description

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.

gavel

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.