LCMS-3 focuses on learning French and integrating into the EPFL community. On this picture, the event Vivapoly dedicated to the whole EPFL community. © Alain Herzog 2019 EPFL
EPFL is launching a new version of the CMS preparatory year, a program designed specifically for migrants and refugees. Called CMS-3, it will span three semesters and include classes to help participants learn French. The first cohort will begin in February.
CMS-3 is intended for people who had to flee their country and don't have the academic qualifications needed for admission into an EPFL bachelor's program. It will kick off with the start of the 2025 spring semester this February through a pilot project launched by EPFL and funded by a foundation. "There are a lot of armed conflicts in the world today, which we can do very little about," says François Genoud, the head of the CMS program. "But with CMS-3, we can provide concrete assistance to those affected. Personally, I find it very gratifying."
Around 20 students will be admitted into the CMS-3 program each year. Applicants must have either filed for or been granted asylum in Switzerland and have a level of French that's below B2. While applicants do need to have a high-school level understanding of mathematics, they aren't required to hold a high-school diploma (or equivalent).
Focus on integration and learning French
The first semester of the CMS-3 program is focused on acquiring the French language. It includes 16 hours of French classes per week given by teachers from EPFL's Language Centre. Only ten hours per week are devoted to mathematical analysis. "We want to ease students gradually into the mathematics part of the program so that they have time to find their place in the EPFL community, which they can do by taking part in campus events and cultural activities," says Genoud.
In the second semester, CMS-3 students will join the regular CMS program that begins in the fall (and runs for two semesters). They will take classes in mathematics, physics, computer science and chemistry, along with six hours of French language instruction per week. They can continue taking French classes in the third semester if necessary. Then, to be admitted into an EPFL bachelor's program, CMS-3 students must pass the final exams at the end of the third semester and finish the program with a GPA of at least 4.0 out of 6.0. They must also have acquired a French level of B2 or above.
Applications are now being accepted for this year's CMS-3 track, with a deadline of 31 January. Participants will be selected based in part on an interview. "There's nothing special they need to do to prepare for the interview," says Genoud. "We just assess their mathematics and reasoning skills to make sure they have the potential to complete the CMS program." The CMS-3 track is free of charge for students, and those in need can apply for funding to cover program-related costs such as for textbooks and commuting.
