Program Overview

Introduction to the EPFL PhD Excellence Program

The EPFL PhD Excellence Program is designed to prepare PhD candidates for their future, not only as first-class scientists, but also as engaged and active members of society and leaders of tomorrow.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Provide specialized training in leadership and related transversal skills
• Introduce PhD candidates to careers outside of academia
• Provide an exclusive opportunity to build a network with non-academic leaders, including alumni/ae
• Create a unique and diverse community of EPFL PhD candidates with similar aspirations

Program Structure

The PhD Excellence Program will include:

• Mandatory leadership training and coaching specially designed for the Program
• Selected courses on the themes of communication, policy and governance, technology transfer, risk management, and many others
• Participants will also be able to attend networking and knowledge exchange events such as seminars, company visits, and alumni meetings
• The elements of the program are:
  • Leadership training and coaching (8 days workshop, 2 coaching sessions, approx. 120 hours)
  • Training in effective communication (2 days workshop, approx. 12 hours)
  • Transversal skills courses selected from a list of courses specifically designed and selected for the program (5 ECTS)
  • Networking events (1 evening per semester, approx. 40 hours)

Program Timeline

EPFL doctoral candidates who have passed their candidacy exam will be selected for each call. Admitted PhD candidates will follow the program activities during the remaining three years of their PhD studies. At the end of the Program, they will receive a certificate listing the activities and training they have successfully completed during the PhD Excellence Program.

Eligibility

The Program is available to current EPFL doctoral candidates in all disciplines represented at EPFL provided they meet the following conditions:

• Have successfully passed their candidacy exam within the last 12 months, or who will have passed their candidacy exam by the time the Program starts in May 2026
  • i.e. Have matriculated at EPFL between May 31st 2024 – May 31st 2025 (be in the second year of their PhD studies)
  • For those who will not have taken their candidacy exam before the submission deadline, a conditional acceptance can be granted subject to the result of the candidacy exam
• Not already following a customized curriculum, such as EPFLinnovators and EPFLglobaLeaders or being candidates under an inter-institutional agreement
• Have the written approval of the thesis director to participate in the Program

Admissions

Applications that meet the formal requirements will be evaluated by the admissions committee. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

• The level of excellence of the academic achievements of the applicant at the time of the application: academic results and progress in the thesis
• Motivation and evidence of the personal commitment of the applicant to pursue a career in the non-academic sector and to contribute to wider society

Application File

Applications must contain the following documents:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages)
• A list of research publications or patents, if applicable (max 1 page)
• A letter of support by thesis director
  • In the case of thesis co-directors, both co-directors must support the application (either by both signing one letter or by submitting two signed letters, as preferred)
• A reference letter from outside academia (e.g. from an internship, or extracurricular activity), if applicable
• A short video (maximum 2 minutes)
  • Introduce yourself
  • Why are you applying for this program?
  • What do you hope to get out of the EPFL Excellence Program?
  • Bonus: What significant global challenge do you hope to address in your future and how?

Important Dates

• Applications Open: November 11th, 2025
• Application Deadline: February 6th, 2026
  • Reference letter submitted by February 13th, 2026
• Decisions Communicated: March 27th, 2026
• Program Obligatory Events:
  • 2025 Welcome Event: May 2026
  • 2025 Training Dates: September 30th and October 14th 2026, other dates to be communicated later

Regulations

Regulations for the program are available upon request.