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EPFL Phd Student Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 16 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.9 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
81.2% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at EPFL.

Showing 3 of 16
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EPFL

PhD Student

Research · nearly a year ago

Intern Difficult Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Technical screen Recruiter call
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral

The interview lasted 50 minutes and focused on assessing my technical knowledge. The discussion revolved around the technical design process, and the only other topic covered was my reasons for pursuing the PhD program.

Confirmed questions2 questions
  • Could you explain the design choices made for this specific component?
  • What drives your interest in this PhD program?
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EPFL

PhD Student

Research · more than a year ago

Entry Difficult Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Presentation Group
Interview formats
Presentation Behavioral Group

The interview process can vary depending on the specific position and the professor involved. For my experience, I had several interviews with the group leader. Additionally, there was a presentation on a prior project that was open for everyone to attend.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • What makes you want this position?
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EPFL

PhD Student

Research

Intern Average Neutral experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation

It depends on the professor, you can either contact them directly to see if they are looking for a PhD student. If they are, you'll interview with them, and if they accept you, you'll apply to the PhD program they're affiliated with. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the PhD program, hope to pass the initial CV screening, and then go through the hiring process specific to that program.

Confirmed questions2 questions
  • Can you tell me about your master's work?
  • What research experience do you have?

EPFL Phd Student Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from EPFL interview reports.

Could you explain the design choices made for this specific component?

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Could you elaborate on the research areas you're interested in pursuing for your PhD?

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What can you tell me about your undergraduate courses?

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Can you tell me about the lectures you attended during your undergraduate studies?

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What were the main questions asked during the presentation about your research topic?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 16 EPFL interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 41.2%
Technical 26.5%
Presentation 23.5%
Group 5.9%
Other 2.9%

Interview difficulty

Easy 31.2%
Average 37.5%
Difficult 31.2%

Candidate experience

Negative 6.2%
Positive 81.2%
Neutral 12.5%