Studying at EPFL with the IB

• Mathematics, physics, and one of chemistry, biology or computer science must have been studied and examined at Higher Level (HL) in the IB Diploma Programme.
• First modern language, second modern language, and one of history, geography, economics or philosophy must have been studied and examined at Standard or Higher Level.
• Grades in mathematics and physics must be at least 6 out of 7.
• Both Mathematics: Analysis and approaches and Mathematics: Applications and interpretation are accepted.
• Applicants who are Swiss or reside and study in Switzerland for a professional reason need grades of at least 5 out of 7 in mathematics and physics and at least 36 points, not counting the 3 core points; they are not subject to the capacity limitation, and all other conditions remain unchanged.

Applications are made through EPFL's Bachelor's online application form. IB holders are accepted into the first year of the Bachelor's programs within the available places (first-year intake capped at 3000 from the 2025 school year for at least four years), ranked by total points. Applicants whose IB does not meet the requirements and who are Swiss or reside and study in Switzerland for a professional reason can register for the entrance exam.

• French level B2 (CEFR) is considered required to follow the Bachelor's programs; level C1 is highly recommended.
• Foreign applicants who have not studied French in upper secondary education must attest their level upon application.

• Applications run from mid-November to 30 April, for studies starting the following September.
• IB final results (screen capture from the IBO.org portal or diploma transcripts) must be uploaded to the online application form by July 10, and the IB must be authorized to communicate results to EPFL.
• Holders of an IB will be accepted at the beginning of August within the places available.
• Matriculation for new students takes place on dedicated days in September, shortly before the semester begins, in a time slot chosen on registration.

• The minimum of 38 points does not count the 3 core points (TOK and EE).
• From the beginning of the 2025 school year, for at least four years, first-year Bachelor's intake is limited to 3000 students; IB holders are admitted within the places available, and the total points of the certificate are used to rank and select applicants.
• Swiss applicants may be accepted, after evaluation and within the places available, into the Cours de mathématiques spéciales (foundation year) with a total somewhat below 36 points (not counting the 3 core points).
• The page states that its indications are not a legal basis and that the criteria are valid for the ongoing year.
• No matriculation can take place without the submitted IB results documents; matriculation also requires an ID card or passport.