EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering

What is EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering?

EPFL’s MSc Quantum Science and Engineering is a full-time 120 ECTS master’s in Lausanne. The route moves from HSS : Introduction to towards Properties of semiconductors and and prepares students for quantum engineer and quantum software researcher work. It isn’t a conversion degree, so the relevant bachelor’s foundation must be visible before enrolment.

Lab in nanoelectronics and Solid state physics III point to different decisions inside MSc Quantum Science and Engineering. A strong study plan explains why both serve one defined quantum-hardware specialist problem, what method each contributes and which limitation the final project will test rather than hiding behind the breadth of the catalogue.

The later appearance of Quantum and nanocomputing helps an applicant work backwards from a graduation output. That academic sequence should be planned beside the INR 68.60 lakh full-programme budget, because changing direction after arrival costs both credits and living time in Lausanne.

How much does EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering cost for an Indian student?

The two-year planning total is CHF 59,548, about INR 68.60 lakh. It combines four CHF 2,240 international semester invoices, two years of EPFL’s published foreign-student living budget and the CHF 150 foreign-certificate application fee. It is a planning total, not an invoice issued in one payment.

EPFL's living budget is CHF 25,219 a year for a foreign student and describes a rental deposit as money that may be blocked, not spent. Converted at CHF 1 = INR 115.20, derived from ECB daily reference rates for INR and CHF on 29 September 2026. Flights, exchange spreads and the blocked rental deposit are excluded.

The international invoice contains CHF 2,190 tuition and CHF 50 in membership, sports and social-fund charges. EPFL states the fee rule directly.

Only the CHF 730 semester tuition fee is tripled by this measure.EPFL Study Management

The resulting international tuition is CHF 2,190, before the CHF 50 semester charges.

Living costs create most of the financial exposure. EPFL’s foreign-student table includes CHF 10,800 yearly housing, CHF 7,200 food, CHF 1,400 health insurance, transport, liability cover, residence tax, supplies and other expenses. Architecture has an additional published study-visit allowance that should be added where applicable.

The CHF 10,000-per-semester Excellence Fellowship is competitive and limited. It can cover at most four semesters and doesn’t remove the need to pay tuition, rent and other costs on time, so this budget doesn’t assume the fellowship is won.

Can an Indian applicant meet EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering entry requirements?

The academic starting point is a physics, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics or related bachelor’s with excellent quantum and mathematical preparation. EPFL evaluates the university, curriculum, grades, research references, specialisation, statement and recommendations together. It publishes no universal Indian percentage or CGPA that guarantees admission.

For MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, the useful transcript map places the Indian module, credit load, result and official syllabus beside Aspects of quantum science. That lets the committee judge substance rather than infer readiness from a translated award title.

EPFL can prescribe extra credits for limited gaps, but Microwave engineering in physics signals the level at which this master’s operates. The discretion doesn’t promise to rebuild the earlier preparation needed for quantum engineer work.

A referee supporting the quantum software researcher direction should describe work they actually supervised, its standard and the applicant’s decisions. Evidence tied to Quantum physics II is more useful than praise that could accompany any postgraduate application.

Four checks that decide an EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering file

1. Meeting every published condition still does not secure admission

   EPFL states the limitation plainly.

   Please note that meeting all of these criteria is no guarantee of admission.EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering admission criteria

   The committee can still compare academic quality, references, specialisation and the overall file.

2. Only one EPFL master's choice can be submitted

   EPFL permits one master’s application per academic year. Choosing MSc Quantum Science and Engineering therefore removes the option to submit a second EPFL programme as an internal safety choice.

3. The translated degree title is not the subject map

   For MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, list the completed modules that prove the required academic preparation. Match each claim to credits, results and an official syllabus so any missing depth is visible before payment.

4. Reference timing is separate from the form deadline

   The form closes on 15 December or 31 March, but referees receive one further week. The applicant cannot upload those letters personally, and the file is not processed unless EPFL receives at least two.

How should an Indian student apply for EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering in 2027?

The route is one online EPFL application followed by a separate Swiss visa and residence process. Submit by 15 December 2026 or 31 March 2027; visa applicants are advised to use December because that result is expected in late March instead of mid-June.

Choose one EPFL master's, submit the complete online dossier and fee, secure referee letters, meet any offer conditions, then complete the Swiss entry and residence process.

The allowances are Nbyula planning estimates, not processing times published by EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne).

The online file accepts English or French documents. A document in another language needs a legalised translation, while the final proof of the qualifying degree may arrive no later than 30 September after admission.

The application fee is CHF 150 for a foreign bachelor’s and isn’t refunded after withdrawal or non-validation. Payment and form validation are both required before the chosen round closes.

The later round is academically available, but its mid-June result reduces the time for the visa, housing and travel. That timing cost matters more for an Indian applicant than any belief that one round has easier academic selection, which EPFL doesn’t state.

What jobs can follow EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering?

The programme can support several technical and research directions. EPFL’s institution-wide 2022 survey reported a CHF 88,108 average salary among 315 master’s respondents working in Switzerland, but that isn’t a programme placement rate or a salary promise for this cohort.

quantum engineer, quantum software researcher and quantum-hardware specialist are curriculum-supported directions for MSc Quantum Science and Engineering. They are not a programme-specific placement result, employer commitment or Swiss permit promise.

A quantum engineer portfolio can use Lab in nanoelectronics to state the method and Properties of semiconductors and related nanostructures (Pas donné en 2026-27) to show where that method was tested. The valuable evidence is the student’s own decision, result and limitation, not the EPFL label on its own.

Someone targeting quantum software researcher work would need a different emphasis: Solid state physics III can support the specialism, while Quantum and nanocomputing can make the final output inspectable. Scheduling and prerequisites still decide whether that combination fits one 120 ECTS plan.

After MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, Switzerland gives a third-country graduate six months to seek work matching the qualification. A quantum engineer offer still goes through authority review; completing Master project in quantum science and engineering doesn’t itself create permission to work.

For a prospective quantum-hardware specialist, French ability, prior experience and the exact vacancy may matter alongside technical evidence from Microwave engineering in physics. EPFL publishes no audited MSc Quantum Science and Engineering placement percentage with which to predict that outcome.

In MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, HSS : Introduction to project, HSS : Project and Project in quantum science I (The project can be done in MA1, MA2 or MA3) make the route towards quantum engineer concrete. Their position in Published programme options joins HSS : Introduction to project to Project in quantum science I (The project can be done in MA1, MA2 or MA3), so the academic story is about a connected capability rather than a collection of fashionable titles.

The Published programme options sequence contains Project in quantum science II, Advanced cryptography (This course is a “depth” for Cyber Security master program and Cyber Security minor.) and Algorithms II. For MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, that sequence turns quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials into assessed work and exposes whether an applicant’s earlier study reaches the level expected for quantum software researcher problems.

A student shaping MSc Quantum Science and Engineering around quantum-hardware specialist work can read Algorithms II, Aspects of quantum science and sustainability and Atomistic and quantum simulations of materials (Pas donné en 2026-27) as one evidence chain. Algorithms II supplies one part of the method, while Atomistic and quantum simulations of materials (Pas donné en 2026-27) shows the later application or project context recorded in Block “Projects & SHS”.

EPFL places Computational methods in molecular quantum mechanics, Cryptography and security (This course is a “depth” for Cyber Security master program and Cyber Security minor.) and Deep learning within Block “Projects & SHS” for this programme. The combination matters because MSc Quantum Science and Engineering is built around quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials; isolated familiarity with only one topic would not reproduce that breadth.

The published path from Deep learning to Foundations of Data Science passes through Deep learning, Distributed algorithms and Foundations of Data Science. In a quantum software researcher portfolio, those assessed components can document technique, implementation and judgement instead of relying on the degree name as evidence.

For MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, the cluster Fundamentals of integrated photonic components, Information theory and coding and Interacting quantum matter (Pas donné en 2026-27) sits under Block “Projects & SHS”. It links the programme’s quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials direction to the kind of decisions a quantum-hardware specialist must explain, test and defend in a project.

The curriculum does not present Introduction to electronic structure methods in isolation: nearby choices include Introduction to electronic structure methods, Lab in nanoelectronics and Machine learning. That neighbourhood distinguishes MSc Quantum Science and Engineering from a broad conversion degree and rewards prior preparation aligned with quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials.

Within Block “Projects & SHS”, EPFL lists Machine learning, Machine learning for physicists and Mathematics of data: from theory to computation. The useful outcome is not exposure to three labels; it is an assessed route in which Machine learning can feed the analysis behind Mathematics of data: from theory to computation for future quantum software researcher work.

The MSc Quantum Science and Engineering catalogue pairs Metrology, Metrology practicals (Ces TP sont optionnels et ne peuvent être suivis qu’en parallèle du cours MICRO-428 Metrology) and Microwave engineering in physics in Block “Projects & SHS”. This pairing shows why an applicant attracted by the title but missing quantum mechanics, linear algebra and advanced physics would face a structural gap: the programme combines foundations and advanced application rather than rebuilding the missing base.

A coherent quantum engineer direction emerges where Microwave engineering in physics, Modern quantum algorithms and Molecular dynamics and Monte-Carlo simulation are treated as related evidence. Their shared place in Block “Projects & SHS” connects the stated programme focus, quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials, with work that can be inspected after graduation.

Among the published choices for MSc Quantum Science and Engineering are Molecular quantum dynamics, Nanoelectronics and Nanophotonics. Together they move from Molecular quantum dynamics towards Nanophotonics, giving a project supervisor or employer a clearer signal than an undifferentiated list of electives.

The later academic value of Block “Projects & SHS” comes from combinations such as Nanotechnology, Nonlinear optics for quantum technologies and Optimization for machine learning. For a prospective quantum-hardware specialist, this part of MSc Quantum Science and Engineering supports a defensible specialism while remaining inside the approved 120 ECTS structure.

In MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, Optimization for machine learning, Photonic systems and technology and Physics of photonic semiconductor devices make the route towards quantum engineer concrete. Their position in Block “Projects & SHS” joins Optimization for machine learning to Physics of photonic semiconductor devices, so the academic story is about a connected capability rather than a collection of fashionable titles.

The Block “Projects & SHS” sequence contains Properties of semiconductors and related nanostructures (Pas donné en 2026-27), Quantum computing and Quantum information theory. For MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, that sequence turns quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials into assessed work and exposes whether an applicant’s earlier study reaches the level expected for quantum software researcher problems.

A student shaping MSc Quantum Science and Engineering around quantum-hardware specialist work can read Quantum materials: fundamentals and applications, Quantum optics and quantum information and Quantum physics II as one evidence chain. Quantum materials: fundamentals and applications supplies one part of the method, while Quantum physics II shows the later application or project context recorded in Block “Projects & SHS”.

EPFL places Quantum physics II, Quantum physics IV and Quantum transport in mesoscopic systems within Block “Projects & SHS” for this programme. The combination matters because MSc Quantum Science and Engineering is built around quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials; isolated familiarity with only one topic would not reproduce that breadth.

The published path from Randomized matrix computations (Cours donné en alternance tous les deux ans) to Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction passes through Randomized matrix computations (Cours donné en alternance tous les deux ans), Semiconductor devices II and Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction. In a quantum software researcher portfolio, those assessed components can document technique, implementation and judgement instead of relying on the degree name as evidence.

For MSc Quantum Science and Engineering, the cluster Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction, Solid state physics III and Statistical mechanics sits under Block “Projects & SHS”. It links the programme’s quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials direction to the kind of decisions a quantum-hardware specialist must explain, test and defend in a project.

The curriculum does not present Stochastic methods in classical & quantum physics in isolation: nearby choices include Stochastic methods in classical & quantum physics, Computational complexity and Computational quantum physics. That neighbourhood distinguishes MSc Quantum Science and Engineering from a broad conversion degree and rewards prior preparation aligned with quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials.

Within Group “options”, EPFL lists Fundamentals of quantum sensing and metrology, Fundamentals of solid-state materials and Introduction to quantum computation. The useful outcome is not exposure to three labels; it is an assessed route in which Fundamentals of quantum sensing and metrology can feed the analysis behind Introduction to quantum computation for future quantum software researcher work.

The MSc Quantum Science and Engineering catalogue pairs Introduction to quantum computation, Introduction to quantum cryptography (This course is a « depth » for Cyber Security master program and Cyber Security minor) and Introduction to quantum information processing in Group “options”. This pairing shows why an applicant attracted by the title but missing quantum mechanics, linear algebra and advanced physics would face a structural gap: the programme combines foundations and advanced application rather than rebuilding the missing base.

A coherent quantum engineer direction emerges where Introduction to quantum science and technology, Quantum and nanocomputing and Quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics are treated as related evidence. Their shared place in Group “options” connects the stated programme focus, quantum information, quantum computation, quantum hardware, sensing and quantum materials, with work that can be inspected after graduation.

Among the published choices for MSc Quantum Science and Engineering are Quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics, Quantum mechanics for non-physicists and Semiconductor devices I. Together they move from Quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics towards Semiconductor devices I, giving a project supervisor or employer a clearer signal than an undifferentiated list of electives.

The later academic value of Group “options” comes from combinations such as Solid state systems for quantum information, Engineering internship (master in Quantum science and engineering) (The internship can not be done in MA1) and Master project in quantum science and engineering. For a prospective quantum-hardware specialist, this part of MSc Quantum Science and Engineering supports a defensible specialism while remaining inside the approved 120 ECTS structure.

The Swiss migration authority gives a third-country MSc Quantum Science and Engineering graduate six months to seek work matching the qualification. A quantum engineer offer still needs the applicable authority process; graduation doesn’t turn the search period into an automatic permit.

The federal guidance for foreign workers also leaves the permit with the employer and authorities. For a quantum-hardware specialist, the vacancy, prior experience and language ability therefore matter alongside the MSc Quantum Science and Engineering portfolio.

Who is EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering for?

MSc Quantum Science and Engineering fits an applicant whose earlier work already supports quantum engineer methods and a project idea for quantum software researcher. Evidence from Aspects of quantum science and Quantum physics II can make that preparation concrete. This isn't a conversion degree: the transcript must carry the foundation before enrolment, not promise to acquire it later.

The positive fit connects earlier evidence, a reason for choosing Properties of semiconductors and and a final project a future quantum-hardware specialist supervisor can inspect. Admission is one checkpoint in that line, not the purpose of assembling it.

The weak fit combines limited preparation for Fundamentals of solid-state materials with dependence on immediate earnings or a career aim outside quantum engineer work. EPFL’s one-choice rule then favours a neighbouring degree whose academic starting point matches the transcript more closely.

What does the EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering curriculum contain?

The official 2026 to 27 study plan publishes 63 named courses, projects and options for MSc Quantum Science and Engineering. The table keeps every item once. Students complete an approved 120 ECTS route, so the credits shown across the whole option catalogue are not added together.

The note “Block "Projects & SHS"” applies to 44 components in this table.

• Complete the approved 120 ECTS full-time master's structure
• Follow mandatory blocks and any specialisation or orientation conditions
• Use prerequisites and semester availability before fixing electives
• Complete the programme's semester project and master's project requirements
• Treat the official regulations and study plan as legally binding
• Recheck the live plan because options may not run every academic year

The table is the reference inventory for the current catalogue, not a personal credit total. The approved route determines which compulsory, optional and project components count towards graduation.

Availability notes and prerequisites matter before an elective is fixed. A named option can belong to the published plan without running in every year or fitting every specialisation timetable.

A coherent study plan moves from prior preparation to advanced depth and one inspectable final project. It shouldn’t be assembled by adding every credit shown in the option catalogue.

Should an Indian applicant shortlist EPFL MSc Quantum Science and Engineering?

Shortlist MSc Quantum Science and Engineering when the transcript can support Distributed algorithms and the proposed project has a defensible quantum engineer direction. That academic match matters more than the EPFL name because only one EPFL master’s application can be submitted during the year.

The strongest case for MSc Quantum Science and Engineering is a progression from the preparation behind Lab in nanoelectronics to a final output a quantum software researcher supervisor could assess. EPFL doesn't publish a programme-level placement rate, so inspectable work carries more weight than a salary assumption.

The case against this choice is a transcript that cannot support advanced work such as Quantum and nanocomputing. Competitive review won't reconstruct the missing base, while the INR 68.60 lakh plan and first-six-month work restriction make that mismatch costly.

Sources

These sources support the programme, admission, cost, experience and immigration information used on this page.

Sources checked on September 29, 2026. The next intake covered here is September 2027; closes 31 March 2027.